Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the Ontario Master’s Graduate Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Education:Must have completed a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario institution.
The program must have been at least one year long and completed on a full-time basis.
2. Residency in Ontario: Must have legally resided in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before applying.
3. Settlement Funds:Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents in Ontario.
4. Language Proficiency:Must have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French.
5. Intention to Live in Ontario:Must show a strong intent to live and work in Ontario after receiving permanent residency.
6. Legal Status in Canada:If applying from within Canada, must have valid temporary resident status (visitor, student, or worker).
If applying from outside Canada, must submit the application within two years of completing the master’s degree.
Application Process:
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an Ontario PNP draw.
Step 2: Online Application Submission: Submit a complete application within 14 calendar days of receiving the ITA.
Pay the application fee:
$1,500 CAD for applicants outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
$2,000 CAD for applicants inside the GTA.
Step 3:Nomination by Ontario:If approved, the candidate receives a provincial nomination from Ontario.
Step 4:Apply for Permanent Residency: Submit the PR application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within the given deadline.
Processing Time for Ontario Master’s Graduate Program: The processing time for the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream typically ranges from 30 to 90 days for the provincial nomination.
The permanent residency application to IRCC may take 6 to 12 months after receiving the nomination.
Benefits of the Ontario Master’s Graduate Program
No job offer required – Unlike other OINP streams, applicants do not need a job offer to apply.
Pathway to PR – Successful applicants can become permanent residents of Canada.
Opportunity to live and work in Ontario – Candidates can settle in one of Canada’s largest provinces with strong job prospects.