Master’s Graduates: Path to Canadian Permanent Residency

If you have earned a master’s degree from a Canadian university, you may have an easier pathway to permanent residency, as you do not need work experience to apply.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Master’s Graduate Stream allows international graduates who have a master’s degree, to apply for permanent residency in Ontario. This stream is specifically designed to help highly skilled individuals make the transition to permanent residency without the need for prior work experience. If you’re an international graduate in Ontario, this opportunity can fast-track your immigration journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident!

Unlike most immigration pathways, to apply to the OINP master’s graduate stream, you do not need a job offer to apply. According to the government of Ontario website, you do however need to register an expression of interest and receive an invitation to apply (ITA) prior to applying to the master’s graduate stream.

OINP Master’s Graduate Stream requirements

Education: To qualify for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Master’s Graduate Stream, you will need to have completed a master’s program from a recognized Ontario university. This includes at least one full academic year of study, if you were a part-time student, your program must still be equivalent to a full-time academic year. You are not eligible to apply under this stream if you are still a student at the time of applying, unless you are working full-time in Ontario or need your degree to meet the requirements to be licensed in a certain field.

It is important to note that if you have received funding (such as a scholarship or bursary) with a commitment to return to your home country, you must fulfill that first prior to being eligible to apply.

Language: You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 or higher. The accepted English language tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (General Training), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program CELPIP (General), and The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core.

For French, the accepted language tests are Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or  Test de connaissance du français (TCF). Any test taken must be taken within the past two years at the time of application.

Residency Status: At the time of your application, you must be legally residing in Ontario on a valid study, work, or visitor permit, until you are nominated. You can also apply from outside of Canada if you have travelled back home following the completion of your master’s and if you meet the “living in Ontario” requirement below.

If you are residing in another Canadian province other than Ontario at the time of your application, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply under this stream.

Living in Ontario Requirement: You must have legally lived in Ontario for at least 12 months (1 year) within the past two years from the time that you apply. The 12 months do not have to be consecutive; it can be multiple months or weeks at a time if it equals 12 months over the duration of the two years.

Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents, if applicable, upon arrival in Canada. This can be shown through bank statements, savings, job offers and more.

Deadlines: The date on your master’s degree must be within two years of your application submission date. If your degree hasn’t been awarded yet, use the date on the official university letter stating when you’ll graduate.

Intent to Live in Ontario: To qualify for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, it goes without saying that you must intend to live in the province of Ontario permanently. You can demonstrate your intent through job offers in the province, volunteering at organizations in Ontario, having family who live in the province, renting property in Ontario and much more.

By doing so you will prove to the Ontario government that you have a genuine interest in living in and making Ontario your home- which is ultimately one of the main goals of this immigration stream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need work experience to apply for the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream?
   No, this stream does not require work experience, making it one of the easiest ways for master’s graduates to obtain permanent residency in Ontario.
2. Can I apply if I am living outside Canada?
   Yes, you can apply if you recently graduated and returned to your home country, as long as you meet the Ontario residency requirement.
3. What if I have a part-time master’s degree?
   If your program was part-time, it must still be equivalent to one full-time academic year to qualify for the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream.
4. How long does it take to process the application?
   Processing times can vary, but it generally takes several months from receiving the ITA to final PR approval.
5. Can I apply if I am currently in another province in Canada?
   No, applicants residing in other Canadian provinces at the time of application are not eligible under this stream.

If you’re a master’s graduate looking for a fast-track route to Canadian PR, Pelican Migration Consultants is here to guide you every step of the way! Contact us today for expert assistance and begin your journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident!

At Pelican Migration Consultants, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals successfully navigate their path to permanent residency. Our team of experts can assess your eligibility for the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements for the best possible outcome.

Take advantage of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Master’s Graduate Stream and secure your Canadian PR card today!