OINP: Masters Graduate Stream
Apr 30, 2025
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) provides the Masters Graduate stream as an immigration pathway for international students who have recently graduated with a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. A key feature of this stream is that applicants do not require a job offer to be eligible. This offers a unique opportunity for talented graduates to seek permanent residence in Ontario based on their educational achievements and ability to contribute to the province’s economy. Eligible graduates must first register an expression of interest in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and receive an invitation to apply before they can submit their online application for a provincial nomination. Upon receiving a nomination from the Ontario government, graduates can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. This stream aims to retain highly educated individuals who have gained valuable knowledge and skills in Ontario’s academic institutions.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, applicants must meet the following specific requirements.
1. Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply
Applicants must have registered an expression of interest in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System under the Masters Graduate stream.
Applicants must have received an invitation to apply from the OINP.
The application must be submitted within the deadline specified in the invitation to apply.
Applicants must demonstrate that they possessed the qualifications they claimed in their expression of interest at the time of registration.
2. Educational Requirements
Applicants must have graduated with a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university. A list of eligible Ontario universities can be found on the OINP website.
The Master’s degree must have been completed within the two years prior to the date of application registration in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System.
The program must have been a full‑time program with at least one academic year in duration.
3. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to understand, read, write, and speak either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.
Valid language test results from a designated testing organization (e.g., IELTS Academic or General, CELPIP General) must be submitted with the application. The test must have been taken within two years prior to the date of application submission.
4. Residency in Ontario
Applicants must have resided in Ontario for at least one academic year while pursuing their Master’s degree.
5. Funds
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependent family members (if applicable). The required amount of funds depends on the size of your family and is updated periodically by the OINP, aligned with IRCC’s requirements. Proof of funds, such as bank statements, must be provided with the application.
6. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to reside permanently in Ontario.
7. Legal Status in Canada
Applicants must have legal status in Canada at the time of application registration and when the application is submitted.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
The application process for the OINP Masters Graduate stream involves the following steps.
1. Verify Eligibility
Thoroughly review all the eligibility criteria for the Masters Graduate stream to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
Confirm that your Master’s degree is from an eligible Ontario university and was completed within the past two years.
Ensure you resided in Ontario for at least one academic year during your studies.
Confirm you meet the CLB 7 language proficiency requirement and have valid test results.
Ensure you can demonstrate sufficient funds.
2. Register an Expression of Interest
Create a profile in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System via the OINP e‑Filing Portal under the Masters Graduate stream.
Provide accurate details about your Master’s degree, language proficiency, residency in Ontario during studies, and financial resources.
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply
The OINP will periodically invite top‑ranking candidates from the expression of interest pool who meet the criteria of the Masters Graduate stream.
Invitations will be sent through your OINP e‑Filing Portal account.
4. Prepare and Submit Your Online Application
If you receive an invitation, you have 14 calendar days to submit your complete application online through the OINP e‑Filing Portal.
Accurately complete all sections of the application form.
Upload all mandatory supporting documents as outlined in the OINP document checklist for this stream. These typically include your Master’s degree certificate and transcripts, language test results, proof of residency in Ontario during your studies (e.g., lease agreements, utility bills), bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds, your legal status in Canada, and other required documents.
Pay the non‑refundable application processing fee.
5. Application Assessment
The OINP will review your submitted application and supporting documentation.
They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
6. Nomination Decision
If your application is successful, you will receive a nomination approval letter and a nomination certificate from the OINP via email.
7. Apply for Permanent Residence
Following your OINP nomination, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence under the Provincial Nominee Class.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Graduation Outside the Two‑Year Window: Ensure your Master’s degree was completed within two years before the date you register your expression of interest.
Degree from an Ineligible University: Verify that your Master’s degree is from an eligible Ontario university as listed on the OINP website.
Language Proficiency Below CLB 7: Achieve a minimum CLB 7 in either English or French in all four language abilities. Ensure your language test results are valid and meet this requirement.
Insufficient Residency in Ontario During Studies: You must have resided in Ontario for at least one full academic year while pursuing your Master’s degree.
Inadequate Proof of Funds: Provide clear and sufficient documentation to demonstrate that you meet the required funds to support yourself and your family. Ensure the funds are readily available.
Inaccurate or Incomplete Information: Providing incorrect or missing information in your expression of interest or application can lead to refusal.
Missing Application Deadlines: Ensure you submit your application within the 14‑calendar‑day window after receiving an invitation to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a job offer to apply to the Masters Graduate stream? No, a job offer is not required to apply to the OINP Masters Graduate stream. This is one of the key advantages of this stream.
Does the Master’s program need to be in a specific field of study? No, the Master’s degree can be in any field of study offered by an eligible Ontario university, as long as it meets the other program requirements.
What constitutes one academic year of residency in Ontario? Generally, this means residing in Ontario for at least eight months within a 12‑month period while enrolled as a full‑time student in your Master’s program.
Where can I find the current proof of funds requirement? The specific amount of funds required is based on your family size and is updated periodically. You can find the most current information on the official OINP website under the Masters Graduate stream requirements.
Can I apply to this stream if I am currently outside of Canada? Yes, you can apply to the Masters Graduate stream whether you are currently in Canada or overseas, as long as you meet all the eligibility criteria, including legal status in Canada at the time of registration and application if you are in Canada.
Conclusion
The OINP Masters Graduate stream offers a direct pathway to permanent residence for recent Master’s graduates from eligible Ontario universities, without the immediate need for a job offer. By focusing on educational attainment, language proficiency, and the ability to become economically established, this stream attracts and retains highly skilled individuals who can contribute to Ontario’s future. Careful attention to the eligibility criteria and a thorough preparation of the application are essential for success.
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