Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2024-2025

The Ontario Masters Graduate Stream, an integral component of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), serves as a strategic avenue for international students to embark on the journey towards permanent residency upon successful completion of a master’s degree in the province of Ontario, Canada. Tailored to acknowledge the substantial contributions of international graduates to the economic landscape of Ontario, this immigration stream stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to attracting and retaining highly skilled individuals who have pursued advanced education within its borders. By facilitating the transition from temporary to permanent residency, the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream reflects the province’s forward-thinking approach in harnessing the talents and expertise of those who have enriched their academic pursuits in Ontario, thereby contributing to the province’s growth and prosperity.

With a focus on fostering a dynamic and diverse workforce, the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream aligns with the overarching goals of the OINP. By offering a direct path to permanent residency, the stream not only acknowledges the value of international graduates but also actively encourages their continued participation in the local economy. By attracting and retaining individuals who have acquired advanced education within the province, Ontario enhances its global academic reputation and cultivates a pool of skilled professionals integral to the province’s long-term economic success. The stream exemplifies a strategic and inclusive immigration policy that recognizes the enriching impact of international talent, solidifying Ontario’s position as a welcoming destination for those seeking both educational excellence and a pathway to meaningful, long-term contributions to the province’s vibrant communities.

Eligibility Requirements of Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2024-2025

To be eligible for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream, individuals must:

1. Have completed the requirements to obtain a master’s degree;
   • Have graduated from an existing master’s program at an eligible university in Ontario;
   • The program of study must have been at least one year in length and must have been completed on a full-time basis.
2. Apply within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain the master’s degree;
3. Be residing in Ontario with legal status (i.e., study permit, work permit, visitor record) OR residing outside of Canada;
   
   
   • The OINP accepts applications from potential applicants who are in implied status at the time of applying. 
4. Demonstrate a high language proficiency level in English or French of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or above in all four competencies (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
   • CLB Calculator: https://grantunity.com/clb-calculator/
   • Applicant must take an approved English or French language test from the following approved agencies:
     
     
     • International English Language Testing (IELTS) General Test scores; and
     • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) (General test) for English.
     • Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF); and
     • Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF) for French.
   • Applicants must have the following minimum scores under each of the language abilities:

Skill	IELTS	CELPIP	TEF	TCF
Listening	6	7	249-279	458-502
Reading	6	7	207-232	453-498
Writing	6	7	310-348	10-11
Speaking	6	7	310-348	10-11

You can easily convert your English test together or calculate your Canadian Language Benchmark using the below tool:

IELTS-TOEFL-PTE-Duolingo-CEF Convertor: https://grantunity.com/ielts-to-toefl/

1. Possess sufficient funds and/or income to cover settlement costs for themselves and their dependent family members (whether or not the family members are accompanying the applicant or not). Potential applicants can determine the settlement funds required based on family size. The amount is updated annually by the federal government.
   • Dependent family members include Spouse or common-law partners, children under 22, and their children.
2. Demonstrate residence in Ontario for at least 12 of the last 24 months before the application submission date;
3. Intend to live and work permanently in Ontario; and
4. I do not intend to pursue further academic studies in Ontario.

Settlement Funds for Ontario Masters Graduate Stream

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) does not have specific settlement fund requirements for the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream. However, It is important to note that the Canadian federal government may have general settlement fund requirements for all immigration programs, including the OINP.

For the federal government’s settlement fund requirements, the minimum amount of funds needed varies depending on the number of family members accompanying you to Canada. As of my knowledge cutoff, the settlement fund requirements are as follows:

Number of family members	Required funds (in CAD)
1 (single applicant)	$13,310
2	$16,570
3	$20,371
4	$24,733
5	$28,052
6	$31,638
7	$35,224
For each additional family member, add	$3,586

These figures represent the minimum funds required to demonstrate your ability to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. It’s important to note that these figures may change over time, and it’s recommended to refer to the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with an immigration professional for the most up-to-date information on settlement fund requirements.

Having more funds than the minimum requirement is always a good idea to ensure a smooth transition and cover your initial expenses in Canada. Settlement funds are meant to cover your living expenses until you secure employment or establish other means of financial support.

Eligible Ontario Universities

The master’s degree must be obtained from one of the following institutions to be eligible for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream:

1. Algoma University
2. Brescia University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
3. Brock University
4. Carleton University
5. Dominican University College
6. Huron University College (Affiliated with the University of Western Ontario)
7. King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario
8. Lakehead University
9. Laurentian University
10. McMaster University
11. Nipissing University
12. Ontario College of Art & Design University
13. Queen’s University
14. Royal Military College of Canada
15. Ryerson University
16. Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
17. St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
18. Trent University
19. University of Guelph
20. University of Ontario Institute of Technology
21. University of Ottawa
22. University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
23. University of Toronto
24. University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
25. University of Waterloo
26. University of Windsor
27. Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
28. Western University
29. Wilfrid Laurier University
30. York University

Ties to Ontario for Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2024-2025

All applicants must intend to live in Ontario, even though potential Masters Graduate Stream candidates are not required to be residents of the province at the time of application. In order to demonstrate a connection to Ontario, prospective Masters Graduate Stream candidates can list their affiliations with the province, which may include:

1. Current and/or previous employment in Ontario;
2. Job offers or jobs applied/interviewed for in Ontario;
3. Education in Ontario;
4. Volunteer work in Ontario;
5. Lease agreements for a residence in Ontario or property ownership;
6. Professional networks and affiliations;
7. Family ties;
8. Social connections or personal relationships; and/or
9. Previous visits to Ontario.

Application Process for Ontario Masters Graduate Stream

Candidates must take these five steps to apply to the OINP Masters Graduate stream:

Step One: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The OINP Masters Graduate stream employs a points-based ranking system to select applicants from the top-ranked applicants. Candidates must start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the OINP e-Filing Portal to be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA).

Candidates will be given a grade after submitting an EOI based on the OINP EOI Selection System.

Step Two: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The OINP will occasionally hold a candidate draw. Candidates who have submitted EOIs and obtained a minimum number of points will be invited to participate in these draws.

Step Three: Apply for provincial nomination

A candidate has 14 calendar days from the date they receive an invitation to apply (ITA) to apply. An ONe-key account may be used to submit these applications electronically. If you receive an ITA, make sure you are prepared because applications require a lot of personal information and supporting documentation.

Step Four: Receive a provincial nomination

Applications for the OINP go through various processing times. An application will typically be processed in between 30 and 150 days. If an application is accepted, the province of Ontario formally nominates the applicant.

Step Five: Submit a federal application for permanent resident status

The federal government will accept applications for permanent resident status from candidates who have received a provincial nomination. Similar to the provincial nomination application, this application will include a substantial amount of personal information and supporting documentation.

Notably, the Master’s Graduate stream is incompatible with Canada’s Express Entry program, which causes a delay in the processing of applications. Expect to wait longer than a year for your application to be processed, applicants.

After Applying for Ontario Masters Graduate Stream

Applicants for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream must submit a new application if the OINP deems the previous one incomplete. If incorrect supporting documentation is submitted or documents that need to be translated are not certified or notarized, the application may be deemed incomplete.

Within 30 calendar days (if they reside in Canada) or 60 calendar days (if they do not) following the date they received notice of the OINP’s decision, applicants who feel the decision was made incorrectly may ask for an internal review of their application. If the evidence was not reasonably accessible at the time of application, it may be included in the request if it was not submitted to the program before the decision was made. The conclusion of the OINP’s internal review is binding.

A Letter of Nomination (Nomination Approval Letter) and a Confirmation of Nomination (OINP Certificate of Nomination) will be given to applicants if their application is approved.

Nomination of Ontario Masters Graduate Stream

Within six (6) months of being nominated by the OINP, successful nominees must apply for permanent residence to IRCC. The Letter of Nomination and OINP Confirmation of Nomination must both copy, and applicants must submit both with their IRCC application for permanent residence.

According to the OINP, a nomination does not ensure that the IRCC will grant an application for Canadian permanent residence. The OINP mandates that nominees maintain their ability to demonstrate their reasonable intention to reside in Ontario.

While nominations are valid for six months, if the nomination certificate has expired, the nominee may submit a request for an extension of the nomination certificate.

1. A new application must be submitted if the IRCC returns the original one for permanent residence due to incompleteness.

2. The nominee has trouble obtaining the necessary paperwork for the permanent residency application (i.e., a police criminal background check) and hasn’t yet applied to IRCC.

Who is not Eligible to Apply for Ontario Masters Graduate Stream?

The Ontario Masters Graduate Stream is not open to the following applicants:

1. Those who have not yet finished their master’s degrees. International students in their final semester of study are not eligible to apply to the OINP. At the time of application, applicants had to have satisfied the degree requirements.
2. Unless they are doing so to fulfill the requirements for an Ontario license in a regulated occupation or are employed full-time in Ontario, people who are currently enrolled in postsecondary education.
3. Those who graduated with a master’s degree more than two years ago.
4. Recipients of grants, bursaries, or scholarships who are required to return to their home nation or another one (a different Canadian province/territory or another country) after finishing their studies (so long as the requirements haven’t been met).
5. People who are currently residing in Canada but outside of Ontario.
6. People without legal status who are presently residing in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ontario Masters Graduate Stream