OINP Masters Graduate stream
Ontario closed this stream to new applicants on June 26, 2026, as part of a redesign of its immigration program. If you already applied, your application is still being assessed under the rules that applied when you sent it. Ontario is replacing its old streams with one new stream called Ontario Workforce Priority — it has not opened yet. Check the official Ontario page for updates.
What is this program?
OINP Masters Graduate Stream is for people who've recently earned a master's degree from a publicly funded Ontario university. The premise: you spent 1+ years studying in Ontario, you've integrated, and the province wants to keep you. Unlike the Employer Job Offer streams, you don't need a Canadian job offer — your Ontario master's IS the qualifier. You DO need to commit to living in Ontario.
Who is it for?
- You graduated with a master's degree from an eligible Ontario university in the last 2 years
- Your master's program was at least 1 year of full-time study
- Your English or French is at CLB 7 or higher
- You've lived legally in Ontario for at least 1 of the last 2 years
- You intend to live and work in Ontario after PR
What does it lead to?
Provincial nomination → permanent residence through a federal application. The federal step after nomination currently takes about 13 months (IRCC's estimate) — Ontario's own step comes first.
Primary requirements
- Master's degree from an eligible Ontario university, completed within the past 2 years.
- Master's program was at least 1 year of full-time study.
- Language: CLB 7 in all four abilities.
- Have lived legally in Ontario for at least 1 cumulative year of the past 2 years.
- Settlement funds (amount varies; updated by IRCC).
- Intent to live and work in Ontario after PR.
What you'll need to apply
- Master's degree and final transcript from the Ontario university
- Language test results
- Proof of Ontario residency (utility bills, lease, bank statements covering at least 1 year)
- Proof of settlement funds
- Current immigration status documents (study permit, post-graduation work permit)
- Passport, medical, police certificates
Where to start
See which OPEN programs fit you (free)
Or visit the official ontario page for OINP Masters Graduate stream to read the government's own requirements.
If you want professional advice before applying, work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
How we keep this page current
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Informational only — not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements on the official government page.