If you have earned a master’s degree from a recognized Ontario university, you may be eligible for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) without needing work experience.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Master’s Graduate Stream is designed to help highly skilled international graduates transition to permanent residency (PR) in Ontario, making it one of the most attractive immigration pathways for students.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What is the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream?
✅ Eligibility Requirements
✅ Application Process
✅ Benefits of This PR Pathway
What is the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream?
The OINP Master’s Graduate Stream is a provincial nominee program (PNP) that allows international students with a master’s degree from an Ontario university to apply for PR without a job offer or work experience.
Unlike many other immigration programs, this stream prioritizes academic achievements and requires an expression of interest (EOI) before receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).
🔹 Who is it for?
This stream is ideal for international students who have completed a master’s degree in Ontario and want to settle in the province permanently.
🔹 Key Advantage:
✅ No job offer required
✅ No work experience needed
✅ Faster PR process for graduates
Eligibility Criteria for the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Education Requirement
📌 You must have completed a master’s degree from a recognized Ontario university.
📌 The program must be at least one full academic year (or equivalent for part-time studies).
📌 If you are still a student, you can only apply if:
- You are working full-time in Ontario OR
- You need your degree for licensing in a specific profession.
🔹 Important: If you received funding (scholarships or bursaries) that require you to return to your home country, you must fulfill that obligation first before applying.
2. Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate language skills in English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.
✅ Accepted English Language Tests:
- IELTS (General Training)
- CELPIP (General)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core
✅ Accepted French Language Tests:
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
- Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
Note: Your test must have been taken within the last two years before applying.
3. Residency Requirement
📍 You must be legally residing in Ontario on a valid study permit, work permit, or visitor visa at the time of application.
📍 If you are outside Canada, you can still apply if you have met the “living in Ontario” requirement.
📍 You are not eligible if you live in another Canadian province.
4. Living in Ontario Requirement
You must have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months within the last two years before applying. The 12 months do not need to be consecutive; they can be multiple periods adding up to one year.
5. Financial Stability Requirement
You must show sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents in Canada. You can prove this through:
- Bank statements
- Savings
- Job offers in Ontario
6. Application Deadline
You must apply within two years of your degree completion date. If you haven’t received your diploma yet, you can use an official letter from your university confirming your graduation date.
7. Intent to Reside in Ontario
You must demonstrate a strong commitment to live in Ontario permanently. This can be shown through:
- Job offers in Ontario
- Volunteering in the province
- Family ties in Ontario
- Renting or owning property in Ontario
✅ By proving your intent, you increase your chances of approval under the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream.
How to Apply for the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream?
Step 1: Register an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an OINP e-Filing Portal account and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). You will be assigned a score based on education, language ability, and residency status. Higher scores have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from OINP. You will have 14 calendar days to submit your complete application.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Upload all required documents, including:
- Proof of education (degree, transcripts, or graduation letter)
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
- Residency proof (Ontario address documents, utility bills, etc.)
- Financial documents (bank statements, job offer, etc.)
Pay the application fee:
- $1,500 if living outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- $2,000 if living in the GTA
Step 4: Receive Nomination from Ontario
If your application is approved, you will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate. This allows you to apply for Canadian PR through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) with IRCC
Submit your PR application through the Express Entry system or paper-based PNP process. Processing times vary, but PR applications typically take 6-12 months.
Why Choose the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream?
✅ No work experience required – Unlike Express Entry, this stream doesn’t need prior work experience.
✅ No job offer needed – You can apply without securing employment.
✅ Faster PR pathway – It provides a direct nomination from Ontario, increasing your chances of getting PR.
✅ Ideal for international graduates – If you studied in Ontario and want to stay, this is a perfect option.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Journey to Canadian PR Today!
The OINP Master’s Graduate Stream is one of the best immigration pathways for international students in Canada. If you’ve earned a master’s degree from an Ontario university, this program offers a fast-track to PR without requiring work experience.
Ready to apply? Stay updated with the latest immigration news, Express Entry updates, and PR opportunities in Canada! Start your journey to Canadian PR today!
