OINP PhD 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 PhD Graduate Stream mirrors the Masters Graduate stream but for doctoral graduates. If you completed (or are about to complete) a PhD from a publicly funded Ontario university, you don't need a job offer or Canadian work experience — Ontario will nominate you on the basis of the degree alone. The bar is your PhD itself and your intention to stay in Ontario.
Who is it for?
- You completed (or are close to completing — at least 2 years of full-time doctoral study finished) a PhD at an eligible Ontario university
- You're applying within 2 years of completing your degree
- You meet the language requirement
- You intend to live and work in Ontario after PR
What does it lead to?
Provincial nomination → federal permanent residence application. The federal step after nomination currently takes about 13 months (IRCC's estimate) — the province's own step comes first.
Primary requirements
- PhD from an eligible Ontario university, with at least 2 years of doctoral study completed.
- Apply within 2 years of completing the degree.
- Language: usually CLB 7 in all four abilities (check current OINP requirements — has varied).
- Settlement funds (amount varies).
- Intent to live and work in Ontario.
What you'll need to apply
- PhD degree (or letter confirming completion of doctoral study) from the Ontario university
- Transcripts covering the full PhD
- Language test results
- Proof of settlement funds
- Current immigration status documents
- Passport, medical, police certificates
Where to start
See which OPEN programs fit you (free)
Or visit the official ontario page for OINP PhD 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
- Hourly source check. A scheduled job checks the official source page above every hour and looks for changes.
- Change alert. When the page changes, we record it and review the program rules again.
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Informational only — not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements on the official government page.