OINP Master Graduate Stream

The Master Graduate stream offered by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) presents a unique opportunity for international graduates with a master's degree from an Ontario university to apply for permanent residence in the province. This guide outlines the step-by-step process, eligibility criteria, scoring factors, and key considerations for a successful application.

Stream Requirements:

To be eligible for the Masters Graduate stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply:

   • Receive an invitation to apply by registering in the OINP's Expression of Interest System.

   • Demonstrate that claimed qualifications in the Expression of Interest are accurate.

2. Education:

   • Complete the requirements for a master's degree.

   • Minimum of one academic year of full-time study (at least 15 hours of instruction per week) in an eligible Ontario university.

   • Enrolled students may qualify under specific circumstances (e.g., meeting licensing requirements or working full-time in Ontario).

3. Language Proficiency:

   • English or French language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher.

   • Approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF, TCF for French) required, taken within two years of application.

4. Residency in Ontario:

   • Legal residency in Ontario for at least one year within the past two years.

   • Cumulative residency is accepted, allowing for gaps, as long as the total adds up to 12 months.

5. Settlement Funds:

   • Adequate funds to support oneself and dependents in Canada.

   • Can be demonstrated through bank statements, annual earnings, or a job offer in Ontario.

6. Intention to Live in Ontario:

   • Demonstrate an intention to live in Ontario through various ties, such as work history, job offers, studying, volunteering, property ownership, and family connections.

7. Residency at Time of Application:

   • Applicants must either be living in Ontario with legal status or living outside Canada at the time of application.

   • Ineligible if living in a province or territory in Canada other than Ontario.

8. Legal Status in Canada (if applicable):

   • Legal status (visitor record, study permit, or work permit) required at the time of application.

   • 'Implied status' may be accepted for applicants awaiting a decision on a renewal/extension application.

9. Application Period:

   • Submit the application within two years of completing the requirements for obtaining the master's degree.

   • Use the date on the degree or an official letter from the university if the degree is not yet obtained.

Scoring Factors:

Applicants are assigned points based on various factors, contributing to a comprehensive scoring system. These factors include:

1. Work or Study Permit Status:

   • With valid work or study permit: 10 points

   • Without valid work or study permit: 0 points

2. Earnings History:

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

   • Less than $40,000 earnings in a year: 0 points

3. Highest Level of Education:

   • PhD: 10 points

   • Masters: 8 points

   • Bachelors or equivalent: 6 points

   • Graduate diploma or certificate: 6 points

   • Undergraduate diploma or certificate: 5 points

   • Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 5 points

   • Less than college or trade certificate: 0 points

Field of Study:

• Points awarded based on the field of study:

• STEM/Health (Engineering, Health, Math, Computer Science), and Trades: 12 points

• Business and administration, social, legal, education, behavioral science, personal, security and transport services, social work, and related programs: 6 points

• Arts and humanities, Business, humanities, arts, social science, and education (BHASE) programs, not elsewhere classified (n.e.c): 0 points

Canadian Education Experience:

• More than one Canadian credential: 10 points

• One Canadian credential: 5 points

Language:

• Official language ability (CLB levels):

• CLB 9 or higher: 10 points

• CLB 8: 6 points

• CLB 7: 4 points

• CLB 6 or lower: 0 points

• Knowledge of official languages:

• 2 Official Languages: 10 points

• 1 Official Language: 5 points

Regionalization:

• Points assigned based on the location of study:

• Northern Ontario: 10 points

• Other areas outside GTA (except Northern Ontario): 8 points

• Inside GTA (except Toronto): 3 points

• Toronto: 0 points

• Credential completed without physically attending in-person classes: 0 points