The Masters Graduate stream in Ontario is designed for individuals who hold a master’s degree from an Ontario university and aspire to become permanent residents of Ontario. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of the OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) Masters Graduate stream.

Successful candidates selected under this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will receive a provincial nomination from Ontario, enabling them to apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status. Moreover, the spouse/common-law partner of the primary applicant and any dependent children can also be included in the application.

Here’s what you can expect to find in this guide:

1. Eligibility Requirements for Masters Graduates:

Detailed information on the criteria and qualifications required to be eligible for this stream.

2. Application Procedure:

A step-by-step explanation of how to navigate the application process, including required documents and forms.

3. EOI (Expression of Interest) Selection System – Points Breakdown:

An overview of the Expression of Interest system used for candidate selection, along with a breakdown of how points are allocated.

4. Recent Draws:

Information about recent draws conducted by the OINP Masters Graduate stream, providing insight into the selection trends and outcomes.

This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the OINP Masters Graduate stream, ensuring you are well-prepared for your journey towards permanent residency in Ontario.


Eligibility Requirements:

It’s essential to note that the OINP Masters Graduate stream employs a points-based ranking system to invite candidates to apply for nomination. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee an invitation. Detailed information on the points breakdown can be found in the section below.

To be considered eligible for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, candidates must satisfy the following prerequisites:

Master’s Degree from an Eligible Ontario University:

Applicants must possess a master’s degree awarded by an eligible Ontario university. To qualify for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, this degree should have been conferred after completing at least one academic year of full-time study or an equivalent period in part-time study. The master’s degree must be from one of the Ontario universities listed in the official program documentation.

Eligible Ontario universities — OINP Masters Graduate stream

To qualify for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, your master’s degree must be from one of the universities listed below:

• Algoma University
• Brescia University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Dominican University College
• Huron University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
• King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• Ontario College of Art & Design University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Ryerson University
• Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
• St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• University of Toronto
• University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

Enrollment Status and Language Proficiency Test:

Enrollment Status: If you are currently enrolled as a student, you are generally not eligible to apply for this program. However, an exception applies if you are studying to fulfill the requirements for licensing in a regulated occupation in Ontario and are concurrently engaged in full-time work within the province.

Language Proficiency Test: A crucial requirement is to take an officially approved language test to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, with results consistent with or exceeding the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 7 (CLB 7). Your language test results must be less than two years old at the time you submit your application.

Settlement Funds:

Financial Support: To qualify, you must have the financial means to support yourself and any dependent family members upon settling in Canada. You can fulfill this requirement through one or a combination of the following:

Demonstrating adequate funds as evidenced by the balance reflected in bank statements or statements of accounts that show other investments, such as non-locked-in, fixed-term deposits, mutual funds, and similar financial assets.

Having an annual income generated from ongoing employment within the province of Ontario.

Possessing a valid job offer from an employer located in Ontario.

The specific amount of required funds is outlined in the official program documentation.

Settlement Funds

Number of family members   Required funds (in CAD)

1 (Single applicant)     $13,757

2          $17,127

3          $21,055

4          $25,564

5          $28,994

6          $32,700

7          $36,407

For each additional family member, add       $3,706

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

In addition to the previously mentioned requirements, candidates must fulfill several more eligibility criteria:

Intention to Reside in Ontario: Applicants must have the intention to reside in Ontario.

Residency Requirement: Candidates should have legally resided in Ontario for at least one year within the two years preceding their application.

Timely Application: Applicants must apply within two years of completing the necessary requirements for obtaining their master’s degree.

Admissibility: Candidates must be medically and criminally admissible to Canada.

Application Procedure:

To apply for the OINP Masters Graduate stream, candidates need to follow these five essential steps:

Step One: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The OINP Masters Graduate stream employs a points-based ranking system to invite top-ranked candidates to apply. To be considered for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates must initiate the process by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal. Following the EOI submission, candidates will receive a score based on the OINP EOI Selection System.

Step Two: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Periodically, the OINP conducts draws for candidates. Invitations are extended to candidates who have submitted EOIs and achieved a specified threshold of points.

Step Three: Submit an Application for Provincial Nomination

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates have 14 calendar days to submit their application. These applications can be electronically filed using a ONe-key account and require comprehensive personal information and supporting documentation.

Step Four: Receive a Provincial Nomination

The processing time for OINP applications varies but typically falls within a range of 30 to 150 days. Upon approval, applicants receive a formal provincial nomination from the province of Ontario.

Step Five: Submit a Federal Application for Permanent Resident Status

With a provincial nomination in hand, candidates become eligible to submit an application to the federal government for permanent resident status. This application involves extensive personal information and supporting documentation, akin to the provincial nomination application.

Notably, the Masters Graduate stream operates independently of Canada’s Express Entry system, resulting in longer processing times. Applicants should be prepared for processing times that may exceed one year.

Ontario’s EOI Selection System – Points Breakdown:

The OINP Masters Graduate stream employs a points-based ranking system to evaluate Expressions of Interest (EOI) submitted by candidates. Periodically, Ontario extends invitations to candidates who meet or exceed a specific points threshold. Refer to the draw history for more information on previous selection trends.

The points breakdown is as follows:

Ontario’s EOI Selection System — Points Breakdown

OINP EOI Selection System — Points Breakdown

Job offer: NOC skill level

(Not applied to Masters Graduate or PhD Graduate streams.)

NOC Skill Level A – 10 points

NOC Skill Level B – 8 points

NOC Skill Level C – 0 points

NOC Skill Level D – 0 points

Job offer: NOC type

(Not applied to Masters Graduate or PhD Graduate streams.)

NOC Type 0,1,2,3,9 – 10 points

NOC Type 4,5,6,7,8 – 5 points

Job offer: wage

(Not applied to Masters Graduate or PhD Graduate streams.)

$40 per hour or higher – 10 points

$20 to $39.99 per hour – 5 points

Less than $20 per hour – 0 points

Canadian work experience: length

(Cumulative)

12 Months or more – 4 points

Less than 12 months – 0 points

Canadian work experience: NOC Skill Level

NOC Skill Level A – 3 points

NOC Skill Level B – 0 points

NOC Skill Level C – 0 points

NOC Skill Level D – 0 points

Canadian work experience: earnings history

$40k or more earnings in a year – 3 points

Less than $40k earnings in a year – 0 points

Highest level of education

(Only applied to International Student stream)

PhD – 10 points

Masters – 8 points

Bachelors or equivalent – 6 points

College diploma or trade certificate – 5 points

Less than college or trade certificate – 0 points

Field of study

(Not applied to Foreign Worker or In-Demand Skills streams)

Engineering – 10 points

Health care – 10 points

Math and Computer Science – 9 points

Business and Administration – 7 points

Trades – 7 points

Social, Legal, Education and Science – 6 points

Arts and Humanities – 5 points

Canadian education experience

(Not applied to Foreign Worker or In-Demand Skills streams.)

More than one Canadian credential – 10 points

One Canadian credential – 5 points

Official language ability

(Not applied to Foreign Worker or In-Demand Skills streams.)

CLB 9 or higher – 10 points

CLB 8 – 6 points

CLB 7 – 4 points

CLB 6 or lower – 0 points

Knowledge of official languages

(Not applied to Foreign Worker or In-Demand Skills streams.)

2 Official Languages – 10 points

1 Official Language – 5 points

Regional immigration: location of job Offer

(Not applied to Masters or PhD streams.)

Outside GTA – 10 points

Inside GTA – 6 points

Regional immigration: location of study

(Not applied to Foreign Worker or In-Demand Skills streams)

Outside GTA – 10 points

Inside GTA – 6 points

Strategic priorities

(To address immediate labour market needs in the province or a region of the province.)

As determined by OINP on the expression of interest system invitation to apply webpage – 10 points (if in use).