The OINP Masters Graduate stream is the perfect opportunity for international students who have earned a master’s degree in Ontario to build their future in Canada.
Use your master’s degree to secure permanent residence
The Masters Graduate stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which allows the Government of Ontario to nominate people for permanent residence (PR) who have the skills and education needed to contribute to the province’s economy.
The stream is tailored specifically to graduates holding a master’s degree from an Ontario university and provides a fast track to permanent residence, even if you do not have a job offer.
A step-by-step guide
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Start by creating a profile and submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the OINP. The EOI system ranks candidates using a points system, based on the factors described under Scoring system below.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you meet the required points threshold, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
- Apply for a provincial nomination
Once you receive an ITA, submit a full application for a provincial nomination through the OINP e-Filing Portal. You will need to provide detailed documentation proving that you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Receive a provincial nomination
If your application is successful, Ontario will nominate you for permanent residence. This nomination significantly boosts your chances of being selected for permanent residence by the federal government.
- Submit a federal application
After receiving a provincial nomination, you can submit your federal application for permanent resident status to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Eligibility criteria
- Educational qualifications: you must have completed a master’s degree at an eligible university in Ontario. The degree must include at least one academic year of full-time study.
- Language proficiency: you must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) level 7 or higher.
- Residence in Ontario: you must have legally resided in Ontario for at least one full year in the past two years immediately before submitting your application.
- Timing of application: your application must be submitted within two years of completing the requirements for your master’s degree.
Scoring system
The OINP Masters Graduate stream uses a points-based system to rank candidates who submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Only those who meet the required points threshold will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Your score is calculated on the following key factors.
Employment and labour market factors
- Work or study permit status: holding a valid study permit or work permit in Canada may contribute to your score.
- Earnings history: your previous earnings in Ontario may increase your points, reflecting your ability to contribute to the local economy.
Education
- Level of education: higher levels of education, especially a master’s degree or higher from Ontario, give you more points.
- Field of study: some fields of study may be more in demand, which could influence your score.
- Canadian education experience: studying in Ontario for your master’s degree also has a positive effect on your points.
Language proficiency
- Language test scores: reaching CLB 7 or higher in English or French will improve your ranking in the points system.
Location of study
- Candidates who studied in certain regions of Ontario may receive more points, which encourages wider settlement across the province.
Start your journey today
The OINP Masters Graduate stream is the perfect opportunity for international students who have earned a master’s degree in Ontario to build their future in one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces. Take the first step towards permanent residence by submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) today.
For more details on how to apply, the eligibility criteria and the latest updates, contact Huafei Immigration.