OINP Masters Graduate Stream to Permanent Residency

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Masters Graduate Stream is designed for international graduates, offering a chance to live and work permanently in Ontario without needing a job offer. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to navigate this opportunity.

Overview

The OINP Masters Graduate Stream is a fantastic option for international students who have completed a master’s degree at an eligible Ontario university. It allows you to apply for a provincial nomination, which is a critical step toward permanent residence in Canada.

Stream Requirements

To qualify for the Masters Graduate Stream, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Education:

   • You must have completed a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university (see list below).

   • The program must involve at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study).

   • You cannot be enrolled as a student when applying, unless it’s to meet licensing requirements for a regulated occupation or you’re working full-time in Ontario.

   • If you received a scholarship requiring you to return to your home country, you must fulfill that commitment before applying.

2. Language Proficiency:

   • You need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher in English or French.

   • Accepted tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core (for English), or TEF/TCF (for French).

   • Your test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

3. Residency in Ontario:

   • You must have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year (cumulative) in the two years before applying.

4. Settlement Funds:

   • You must show enough funds to support yourself and your dependents (spouse, partner, or children under 22).

   • Funds can come from bank statements, investments, annual earnings from an Ontario job, or a job offer in Ontario.

   • For example, if you need $29,000 based on family size, a $25,000 job offer plus $5,000 in savings would meet the requirement.

5. Intention to Live in Ontario:

   • Demonstrate ties to Ontario, such as past or current employment, job applications, volunteering, studying, property ownership, or personal/professional connections.

6. Residency at Time of Application:

   • You must be living in Ontario with legal status (e.g., study permit, work permit) or outside Canada.

   • You cannot apply if you’re living in another Canadian province or territory.

7. Legal Status in Canada (if applicable):

   • If applying from within Canada, you must have legal status (e.g., visitor record, study permit, work permit) or maintained status while awaiting IRCC renewal.

8. Application Period:

   • Submit your application within two years of completing your master’s degree (based on the degree’s issuance date or an official letter from your university).

Steps to Apply

Ready to get started? Follow these steps to apply for the Masters Graduate Stream:

1. Register an Expression of Interest (EOI):

   • Create an account in the OINP’s EOI system.

   • Provide details about your education, language skills, work experience, and ties to Ontario.

   • Your EOI will be scored based on various factors (more on this below), and high-scoring candidates receive an ITA.

2. Review the Document Checklist:

   • Once you receive an ITA, gather all required documents, such as proof of your master’s degree, language test results, and evidence of settlement funds.

   • Ensure your documents align with the qualifications claimed in your EOI.

3. Submit Your Application:

   • Log into your My Ontario account and click on your application file number (different from your EOI file number) to start your application.

   • Submit all required documents and pay the application fee.

     Note: If you’re using a representative, ensure they are properly registered. Applications submitted by self-appointed representatives will be rejected, and your fee will be refunded.

4. After Submission:

   • If approved, you’ll receive a provincial nomination.

   • Use this nomination to apply for permanent residence through IRCC.

Pro Tip: Work with a registered immigration consultant to ensure your application is complete and accurate. You can contact us for expert guidance.

Scoring Factors

Your EOI is scored based on factors that reflect your ability to succeed in Ontario. These are separate from the stream requirements but determine whether you’ll receive an ITA. Here’s a breakdown:

• Work or Study Permit Status:

  • Valid permit: 10 points

  • No valid permit: 0 points

• Earnings History (based on CRA Notice of Assessment):

  • $40,000 or more in a year: 3 points

  • Less than $40,000: 0 points

• Education Level:

  • Master’s degree: 8 points

  • PhD: 10 points

  • Bachelor’s or equivalent: 6 points

• Field of Study:

  • STEM/Health/Trades: 12 points

  • Business/Social Sciences/Education: 6 points

  • Arts/Humanities: 0 points

• Canadian Education Experience:

  • More than one Canadian credential: 10 points

  • One Canadian credential: 5 points

• Language Ability:

  • CLB 9+: 10 points

  • CLB 8: 6 points

  • CLB 7: 4 points

  • CLB 6 or lower: 0 points

  • Knowledge of both English and French (CLB 7+ in one, CLB 6+ in the other): 10 points

• Regionalization (where you studied):

  • Northern Ontario: 10 points

  • Outside GTA (except Northern Ontario): 8 points

  • Inside GTA (except Toronto): 3 points

  • Toronto or online programs: 0 points

Pro Tip: Maximize your score by studying in Northern Ontario, pursuing a STEM degree, or achieving high language test scores. Our team can help you strategize!

Eligible Ontario Universities Offering Master’s Programs

Your master’s degree must come from one of these eligible Ontario universities:

• Algoma University

• Brock University

• Carleton University

• Lakehead University

• Laurentian University

• McMaster University

• Nipissing University

• Ontario College of Art & Design University

• Queen’s University

• Royal Military College of Canada

• Toronto Metropolitan University

• Trent University

• University of Guelph

• University of Ontario Institute of Technology

• University of Ottawa

• University of Toronto

• University of Waterloo

• University of Windsor

• Western University

• Wilfrid Laurier University

• York University

Maximizing Your Opportunity for the Masters Graduate Stream

To stand out in the OINP Masters Graduate Stream, strategic planning can significantly boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here are key tips to maximize your opportunity:

• Choose a High-Demand Field of Study: Opt for a master’s program in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), Health, or Trades, as these fields earn 12 points in the EOI scoring system, compared to 6 or 0 points for other disciplines. Aligning your education with Ontario’s labor market needs can give you a competitive edge.

• Study in a High-Scoring Region: Pursuing your master’s degree in Northern Ontario (e.g., at Lakehead or Laurentian University) awards 10 points, while other areas outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) earn 8 points. Studying in Toronto, however, awards 0 points, so consider regional universities to boost your score.

• Enhance Your Language Skills: Aim for a CLB 9 or higher in English or French to earn the maximum 10 points for language proficiency. If you’re bilingual, achieving CLB 7 in one language and CLB 6 in the other can earn an additional 10 points for knowledge of both official languages.

• Build Strong Ties to Ontario: Strengthen your intention to live in Ontario by engaging in activities like volunteering, networking with professionals, or securing part-time work during your studies. These ties demonstrate your commitment to the province and can support your application.

• Secure a Job Offer or Employment: While not mandatory, having a job offer or employment in Ontario can help meet the settlement funds requirement and show your integration into the local economy. Earnings of $40,000 or more in a year, as shown on a CRA Notice of Assessment, add 3 points to your EOI score.

• Act Quickly: Apply within two years of completing your degree to meet the application period requirement. Early preparation, including gathering documents and taking language tests, ensures you’re ready when you receive an ITA.

By strategically aligning your education, location, and activities with the scoring factors, you can maximize your EOI score and increase your chances of being invited to apply for this stream.

Contact Us

Navigating the OINP Masters Graduate Stream can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is here to guide you every step of the way from registering your EOI to submitting your application and beyond. We’ll ensure your application is thorough, accurate, and optimized for success.
📧 Email us: info@mapleavesimm.com
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