OINP Masters Graduate Stream: Requirements and Application
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Masters Graduate Stream offers an excellent pathway to permanent residence in Canada for international students who have completed a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university.
This stream is particularly attractive because no job offer is required, making it accessible to recent graduates who are still establishing their careers in Ontario.
What is the OINP Masters Graduate Stream?
The OINP Masters Graduate Stream is a provincial immigration program designed to retain talented international graduates in Ontario. This stream allows individuals with a master’s degree from a recognized Ontario university to apply for permanent residence through a points-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Key Benefits:
- No job offer required
- No work experience minimum
- Direct pathway to permanent residence
- Points-based selection system
- Faster processing than federal programs
Complete Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream, you must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Education Requirements
- Master’s degree completion: Must have completed requirements for a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university
- Program duration: At least one academic year of full-time study (minimum 15 hours per week)
- Timing: Must apply within 2 years of completing degree requirements
- Current enrollment: Cannot be enrolled as a student unless studying for professional licensing or working full-time in Ontario
2. Language Proficiency
- Minimum level: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or higher in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
- Accepted tests:
- English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core
- French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada
- Test validity: Must be taken within 2 years of application submission
3. Ontario Residency
- Minimum requirement: Must have legally resided in Ontario for at least 12 months within the past 2 years
- Residency type: Can be cumulative (gaps allowed as long as total adds up to 12 months)
- Legal status: Must have maintained valid immigration status during residency period
4. Settlement Funds
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family through one or a combination of:
- Bank statements showing available funds
- Annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario
- Valid job offer in Ontario
Settlement funds requirements table for OINP Masters Graduate Stream applicants
5. Intention to Reside in Ontario
Demonstrate genuine intention to live and work in Ontario through:
- Employment history in Ontario
- Job applications or interviews
- Property ownership or lease agreements
- Professional networks and affiliations
- Family ties and personal relationships
- Previous visits to Ontario
6. Current Residency Status
At time of application, you must be either:
- Living in Ontario with legal status (study permit, work permit, visitor record)
- Living outside Canada
- Note: You cannot apply if living in another Canadian province or territory
Application Process Step-by-Step
The OINP Masters Graduate Stream follows a structured application process through the Expression of Interest system.
Step-by-step flowchart of the OINP Masters Graduate Stream application process
Phase 1: Preparation (Before EOI)
- Verify eligibility against all requirements
- Gather documents (language test results, transcripts, etc.)
- Create OINP e-Filing Portal account
- Calculate your points using the scoring system
Phase 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Register EOI through the OINP e-Filing Portal
- Complete profile with accurate information
- Submit EOI (free of charge)
- Wait for invitation – EOI valid for 12 months
Phase 3: Application Submission
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) in regular draws
- Submit complete application within 14 days
- Pay application fee of $1,500 CAD (non-refundable)
- Upload all required documents
Phase 4: Processing and Decision
- Application assessment by OINP (60-90 days)
- Receive provincial nomination (if approved)
- Apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months
- Receive COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence)
Points System Breakdown
The OINP Masters Graduate Stream uses a points-based system with a maximum score of 70 points. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
OINP Masters Graduate Stream Points System – Complete breakdown of scoring factors
Recent Draw Results (2024)
| Date | Invitations | Score Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 17, 2024 | 1,249 | 53 and above | General Draw |
| July 9, 2024 | 1,556 | 54 and above | General Draw |
| March 19, 2024 | 1,370 | 52 and above | General Draw |
| January 24, 2024 | 1,344 | 50 and above | General Draw |
Total invitations in 2024: 5,519
Eligible Ontario Universities
Only graduates from the following 21 universities are eligible for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream:
Public Universities
- Algoma University
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- Queen’s 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
Specialized Institutions
- Ontario College of Art & Design University
- Royal Military College of Canada
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
Required Documents Checklist
| Category | Document | Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applicant Consent Form | Applicant Consent Form | Mandatory | Complete, sign, and upload after reviewing application in e-filing portal |
| Identity Documents | Photograph | Mandatory | Scanned copy of physical photo meeting passport/visa requirements |
| Identity Documents | Passport | Mandatory | Personal details page, pages with Canadian visas and entry stamps |
| Identity Documents | Family Members’ Passports | If applicable | Personal details page for each dependent family member |
| Status Documents | Work/Study Permits | Mandatory | Current and previous status documents from IRCC/CBSA |
| Status Documents | Maintained Status Documents | If applicable | IRCC acknowledgment letter, fee receipt, or mailing receipt |
| Residency Documents | Proof of Ontario Residency | Mandatory | Phone bills, hydro bills, insurance, lease agreement, pay slips (12 months in last 2 years) |
| Education Documents | Master’s Degree | Mandatory | Degree certificate from eligible Ontario university |
| Education Documents | Official Transcripts | Mandatory | Issued by the university that granted the degree |
| Education Documents | Official Letter (if degree not yet granted) | If applicable | On institution letterhead confirming completion and scheduled grant date |
| Language Test Results | Language Test Results | Mandatory | IELTS General/CELPIP General/PTE Core (English) or TEF Canada/TCF Canada (French) – CLB 7+ required |
| Settlement Funds | Bank Statements | Mandatory | Last 3 months showing account details and balances |
| Settlement Funds | Employment Documents | If applicable | Pay slips and job offer letter for ongoing employment in Ontario |
| Settlement Funds | Investment Statements | If applicable | Fixed term deposits, mutual funds with liquidity letter |
| Other Documents | Resumé | Mandatory | Current resume with work experience and education details |
| Other Documents | Intention to Reside Documents | Mandatory | Evidence of ties to Ontario or statement of intent |
| Scoring Factor Documents | Notice of Assessment | If claiming points | CRA Notice of Assessment showing $40,000+ earnings in last 5 years |
| Scoring Factor Documents | Educational Credential Assessment | If claiming points | ECA report for foreign education credentials |
✅ Pre-Application Todo List
Before Starting Your EOI:
- Verify your university is on the eligible list
- Confirm your degree was completed within the last 2 years
- Take language test (IELTS/CELPIP/PTE Core for English or TEF/TCF for French)
- Gather proof of Ontario residency documents
- Prepare bank statements or employment documents for settlement funds
- Calculate your EOI points using the scoring system
- Create OINP e-Filing Portal account
After Receiving ITA:
- Complete application within 14 days
- Upload all mandatory documents
- Pay $1,500 application fee
- Submit application before deadline
Post-Application:
- Monitor application status through e-Filing Portal
- Respond to any requests for additional information
- Prepare for IRCC application (if nominated)
- Maintain legal status in Canada throughout process
Tips for Success
Maximize Your Points
- Field of study: STEM, health, and trades programs receive the highest points (12 points)
- Language proficiency: Aim for CLB 9+ to get maximum language points
- Work experience: Maintain valid work/study permit status for additional points
- Regional advantage: Consider schools outside Toronto for location points
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Late application: Missing the 2-year deadline after degree completion
- Incomplete documents: Ensure all required documents are properly uploaded
- Incorrect information: Verify all details match your supporting documents
- Expired language tests: Ensure tests are valid within 2 years
- Insufficient funds: Maintain required settlement funds throughout process
Timeline Expectations
- EOI processing: Immediate (system generates score automatically)
- Invitation frequency: Every 2-3 months typically
- Application processing: 60-90 days after submission
- Federal processing: 6-12 months after provincial nomination
Processing Times and Fees
Current Processing Times (2025)
- Masters Graduate Stream: 60-90 days
- Federal application: 6-12 months after nomination
Fee Structure
- EOI registration: Free
- Application fee: $1,500 CAD (non-refundable)
- Language tests: $300-400 CAD
- Document translation: Varies
- Federal application: $1,325 CAD + $515 CAD (right of permanent residence fee)
Frequently Asked Questions
u003cstrongu003eQ: Can I apply if I’m still studying?u003c/strongu003e
A: Generally no, unless you’re studying for professional licensing in Ontario or working full-time.
u003cstrongu003eQ: What if my degree isn’t granted yet?u003c/strongu003e
A: You can apply if you have an official letter from your university confirming completion and expected graduation date.
u003cstrongu003eQ: Can I include my spouse’s funds?u003c/strongu003e
A: Yes, if you can prove access to joint accounts or provide written authorization for funds in spouse’s name.
u003cstrongu003eQ: How long is my EOI valid?u003c/strongu003e
A: 12 months from submission date. You can update information anytime before receiving an ITA.
u003cstrongu003eQ: What happens if I don’t receive an ITA?u003c/strongu003e
A: You can re-register a new EOI after the 12-month period expires.
Final Thoughts
The OINP Masters Graduate Stream offers an excellent opportunity for international graduates to obtain permanent residence in Ontario without requiring a job offer. Success depends on careful preparation, meeting all eligibility requirements, and achieving a competitive score in the points system.
Key takeaways:
- Start early and plan your timeline carefully
- Focus on maximizing your points through language proficiency and other factors
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
- Maintain legal status throughout the process
- Consider professional help if needed
The program has issued over 5,500 invitations in 2024 alone, demonstrating Ontario’s commitment to retaining international talent. With proper preparation and attention to detail, the OINP Masters Graduate Stream can be your pathway to permanent residence in Canada.
