Ontario Masters Graduate Stream & International Student Stream for Canada PR – Complete Guide by Globexa Immigration
Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students not just for education but also for immigration. Among all provinces, Ontario offers two highly attractive Permanent Residency (PR) pathways for students who have graduated from post-secondary programs:
Ontario Masters Graduate Stream
Ontario Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
These two programs are part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which allows the province to nominate individuals for Canadian permanent residence who meet its labor market needs.
In this detailed blog, Globexa Immigration breaks down everything you need to know about these two streams — who’s eligible, how to apply, common mistakes, and how to increase your chances of success.
1. What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario’s official immigration program that works in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The OINP allows Ontario to nominate foreign workers, international students, and others with the right skills and experience to apply for PR.
Under the OINP, international graduates can apply under two key streams:
Masters Graduate Stream – No job offer required
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream – Requires a valid job offer from an Ontario employer
2. Masters Graduate Stream – No Job Offer Needed
This stream is ideal for international students who have graduated with a master’s degree from an eligible Ontario university and wish to live permanently in Ontario.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Masters Graduate Stream, you must:
Have completed a master’s degree program of at least one academic year (full-time) from an eligible Ontario university.
Be living in Ontario legally for at least one year within the last two years.
Show language proficiency in English or French at CLB 7 or higher (IELTS: 6.0 in each band).
Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds (proof of income, savings, or job offer).
Intend to reside and work in Ontario.
Must apply within two years of completing your degree.
Must not be enrolled in further academic studies at the time of application.
Must have legal status in Canada or be applying from abroad.
You do NOT need a job offer or Canadian work experience.
Eligible Ontario Universities:
University of Toronto
York University
University of Waterloo
Western University
Queen’s University
University of Ottawa
Carleton University
Ryerson University (TMU)
McMaster University
…and more.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Create a Profile: Register on the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Submit EOI: Enter the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool under the Masters Graduate Stream.
Receive Invitation: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your EOI score is high enough.
Apply Online: Submit the full application within 14 calendar days of receiving the ITA.
Get Nomination: If approved, receive a provincial nomination certificate.
Apply for PR: Submit your final PR application to IRCC using your nomination.
Selection Factors (EOI Score Criteria):
Education level and institution
Ontario study experience
Field of study (STEM preferred)
Language proficiency
Regional preference
Settlement funds
Employment history in Ontario (if any)
Processing Time:
OINP Nomination: 2–3 months
IRCC PR Decision: 6–9 months (approx.)
3. International Student Stream (Employer Job Offer Required)
This stream is for international students who have completed a diploma, certificate, or degree in Canada and have a job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.
Eligibility Criteria:
Have completed a 2-year diploma, degree, or a 1-year graduate certificate from an eligible Canadian college or university.
Must have received the credential within the last 2 years.
Must have a valid job offer in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 from an employer in Ontario.
The job must be:
Full-time and permanent
In line with your field of study
Located in Ontario
Language requirement: CLB 5 or higher (IELTS: 5.0 in all bands)
Must have legal status in Canada (study permit, PGWP, etc.)
Employer must meet requirements (business operation years, revenue, employee count)
Employer Criteria:
Business must have operated for at least 3 years.
Must have at least 5 employees (GTA) or 3 (outside GTA).
Must meet minimum gross annual revenue:
GTA: $1,000,000+
Outside GTA: $500,000+
Application Process:
Create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Submit an EOI under the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream.
Wait for an ITA (draws usually happen monthly).
Submit your application within 14 days of receiving the invitation.
If nominated, apply to IRCC for PR.
4. Why Choose Ontario Streams?
High success rate if eligible
Pathway to PR without Express Entry
Masters Stream is job-offer free!
Supports international graduates
Can lead to long-term career growth in Ontario
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting EOI with incomplete documents
Ignoring the expiration of IELTS score
Applying while still enrolled in another program (not allowed in Masters stream)
Missing the 14-day deadline after receiving ITA
Employer not meeting requirements in Employer Job Offer Stream
6. How Globexa Immigration Can Help You
Whether you are a recent graduate or just planning your education in Ontario, Globexa Immigration is your trusted partner for permanent residency pathways. We offer:
Free eligibility assessment
Personalized immigration strategy
Document verification and review
Full support from EOI to PR
Don’t risk delays or refusal. Let experts handle your application.
