Master’s Graduate Stream
The Master’s Graduate Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for international students who have earned a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. This stream is designed to retain talented graduates and support Ontario’s knowledge-based economy by helping highly educated individuals build their future in the province.
One of the most appealing features of this stream is that no job offer is required. Instead, eligibility is based on academic achievement, residency, language ability, and a demonstrated intention to live and work in Ontario. It is ideal for recent master’s graduates who want to transition from temporary status to permanent residency without employer sponsorship.
To qualify, applicants must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study and earned a master’s degree from an eligible institution in Ontario within the past two years. They must also have resided in Ontario for at least 12 cumulative months in the two years prior to applying, hold legal temporary resident status in Canada (or apply from abroad), meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French, and show proof of settlement funds.
Applications are submitted directly to the province through the OINP e-Filing Portal, and successful candidates receive a provincial nomination, which allows them to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via a paper-based process. The application fee is $1,500 and is non-refundable.
This stream plays an important role in helping Ontario keep top-tier academic talent by offering graduates a stable, long-term future in the province. It complements other streams under the OINP Post-Graduate category, such as the PhD Graduate Stream, and is an excellent option for those committed to contributing to Ontario’s economy, research sectors, and communities.
Applicants should prepare documents such as degree certificates, language test results, proof of residency, and evidence of legal status. Due to periodic intake limits and high demand, timely preparation is crucial for success.
Book a consultation with our expert immigration consultants to assess your eligibility for the Master’s Graduate Stream and begin your application process with confidence.
