Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream 2024-2025
The Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream is a pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that offers international Ph.D. graduates an opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Ontario, Canada. This stream is designed to attract and retain top international talent who have completed their doctoral degrees in Ontario, contributing to the province’s research and innovation landscape.
The Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream recognizes the significant contributions of international Ph.D. graduates to Ontario’s academic institutions, research organizations, and industries. It aims to retain these highly skilled individuals and provide them with a streamlined pathway to permanent residency, allowing them to further their research, contribute to Ontario’s knowledge economy, and build successful careers in their respective fields.
Through the Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream, international Ph.D. graduates can leverage their advanced research expertise, gain valuable work experience, and establish themselves in Ontario’s academic and scientific communities. This stream provides them with an opportunity to contribute to ongoing research projects, collaborate with leading researchers and scholars, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation within the province. One of the key advantages of the Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream is that it does not require a job offer from an Ontario employer. This flexibility allows international Ph.D. graduates to apply for permanent residency without the need for immediate employment, providing them with the freedom to continue their research, explore entrepreneurial opportunities, or secure academic positions within Ontario’s universities and research institutions.
By attracting and retaining international Ph.D. graduates, Ontario aims to enhance its research and innovation ecosystem, promote academic excellence, and strengthen its position as a global hub for knowledge creation and technological advancements. The province recognizes the immense value that international talent brings in terms of diverse perspectives, groundbreaking research, and economic growth. The Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream offers international Ph.D. graduates a pathway to establish their careers, contribute to cutting-edge research, and make lasting contributions to Ontario’s academic, scientific, and technological sectors. It provides them with an opportunity to build a bright future in a province known for its world-class universities, thriving research community, and vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Eligibility Requirements of Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream 2024-2025
In order to be eligible for the OINP Ph.D. Graduate Stream, individuals must:
- Have completed all the necessary requirements to obtain a Ph.D. degree from an eligible Ontario university with at least two years of the degree requirements completed while lawfully living and studying in Ontario;
- Have been legally residing in Ontario for at least 12 of the last 24 months before the application submission date;
- The applicant will be required to provide documentation with his or her full name and address in Ontario to prove that this requirement is met. For example, phone bill, car insurance, hydro/energy bill, leasing document, etc.
- Possess sufficient funds and/or income to cover the 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 partner, children under the age of 22, and their children.
- Submit the application within two years of the date on which the Ph.D. was granted;
- Intend to live and work in Ontario; and
- Have legal status (i.e. study permit, work permit, visitor record) if living in Canada at the time of the application.
- The OINP accepts applications from potential applicants who are on maintained status at the time of applying.
Settlement Funds for Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) does not have specific settlement fund requirements for the Ontario Ph.D. 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 |
Eligible Ontario Universities for Ontario PhD Graduate Stream 2024-2025
The Ph.D. degree must be obtained from one of the following institutions in order to be eligible for the OINP Ph.D. Graduate Stream:
- 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
Application Process for Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream 2024-2025
Candidates must take these five steps in order to apply to the OINP Ph.D. Graduate stream:
Step One: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
The OINP Ph.D. 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 in order 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)
A candidate draw will occasionally be held by the OINP. Candidates who have submitted EOIs and obtained a minimum number of points will be sent invitations to participate in these draws.
Step Three: Submit an application for provincial nomination
A candidate has 14 calendar days from the date they receive an invitation to apply (ITA) to submit an application. A ONe-key account may be used to electronically submit these applications. 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 Ph.D. Graduate stream is not compatible 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.
Application Period for Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream 2024-2025
Within two years of the OINP application submission date, the applicant’s degree must have been earned. For instance, the qualified graduate must apply before June 1, 2024, if the degree’s date is June 1, 2022. The date specified on an official letter from the academic institution indicating when the degree will be granted may be used by the applicant if the degree has not yet been awarded.
Ties to Ontario for Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream 2024-2025
All applicants must intend to live in Ontario, even though potential Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. Graduate Stream candidates can list their affiliations with the province, which may include:
- Current and/or previous employment in Ontario;
- Job offers or jobs applied/interviewed for in Ontario;
- Education in Ontario;
- Volunteer work in Ontario;
- Lease agreements for a residence in Ontario or property ownership;
- Professional networks and affiliations;
- Family ties;
- Social connections or personal relationships; and/or
- Previous visits to Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ontario PhD Graduate Stream 2024-2025
The Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream is a pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that allows international Ph.D. graduates who have completed their doctoral degrees in Ontario to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residency.
To be eligible for this stream, you must have completed all the requirements for a Ph.D. degree from an eligible Ontario university within the past two years. You must also have resided in Ontario for at least one year during your Ph.D. studies and have legal status in Canada.
No, a job offer is not required for this stream. You can apply without a job offer from an Ontario employer.
Yes, you can apply to the stream from either inside or outside Canada. However, you must meet all the eligibility criteria and requirements specified by the OINP.
The application process involves creating an online profile, submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and paying the application fee through the OINP’s online portal. The OINP periodically opens and closes this stream based on program capacity and other factors.
The processing time for applications can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications received. It is recommended to regularly check the OINP website for updates on processing times.
If your application is approved and you receive a provincial nomination, you can then apply to the federal government’s immigration authorities (IRCC) for permanent residency. The provincial nomination provides additional points toward your overall Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if you are applying through an Express Entry-aligned stream.
The Ontario PhD Graduate Stream primarily focuses on the international Ph.D. graduate. However, eligible family members, such as a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children, may be able to apply for their own immigration status through other immigration programs.
The Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream may have intake limits or restrictions on the number of applications accepted. It is advisable to regularly check the OINP website for updates and announcements regarding program capacity.
If you have a valid work permit, you may be eligible to work in Ontario while your application is being processed. However, it is important to ensure that your work permit allows you to work during the processing period.
No, the Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream specifically requires completion of the Ph.D. degree from an eligible Ontario university. If you completed your doctoral studies at a university outside of Ontario but within Canada, you may be eligible for other provincial nominee programs or federal immigration programs.
The Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream does not prioritize specific fields of study or disciplines. As long as you have completed a Ph.D. degree from an eligible Ontario university, you can apply for the stream regardless of your field of study.
Yes, the work experience gained during your Ph.D. studies in Ontario may be eligible to meet the work experience requirements for other immigration programs. However, it is important to review the specific requirements of those programs and consult with an immigration professional to ensure eligibility.
The Ontario PhD Graduate Stream requires a high proficiency level in either English or French. You may need to provide language test results, such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF, to demonstrate your language proficiency.
No, the Ontario Ph.D. Graduate Stream requires completion of the Ph.D. degree within the past two years. If your degree was completed more than two years ago, you may need to explore other immigration programs or options.
No, the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream is specifically designed for international Ph.D. graduates who do not already hold permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. If you have already obtained permanent residency or citizenship, you may not be eligible for this stream.
No, the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream requires at least one year of residency in Ontario during your Ph.D. studies. If you did not meet this requirement, you may need to explore other immigration programs or options.
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