Ontario Invites International Graduates in Recent Draws: A Pathway to Permanent Residency

On September 17, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held two major draws targeting international graduates, offering them the chance to apply for permanent residency in Ontario. These draws focused on candidates in the Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams, reinforcing Ontario’s commitment to attracting highly skilled individuals educated within the province.

Masters Graduate Stream: Key Details

In the Masters Graduate stream, 1,249 invitations were issued. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum score of 53 in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This score evaluates candidates based on factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency. The eligible profiles for this draw were created between September 17, 2023, and September 17, 2024.

Notably, this score requirement saw a slight drop from the previous draw on July 9, 2024, which had a minimum score of 54. This minor adjustment may reflect changes in the competition level or shifts within the candidate pool.

PhD Graduate Stream: Highlights

In a separate draw for the PhD Graduate stream, 194 invitations were extended. Candidates needed a minimum score of 45 to qualify, with eligible profiles created in the same timeframe as the Masters Graduate draw. This marked a more substantial decrease from the previous draw on July 9, which required a score of 50. This drop suggests OINP’s efforts to attract more PhD graduates to the province.

Steps for Invited Candidates

If you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) on September 17, 2024, it’s crucial to follow the application process diligently:

1. Review Eligibility: First, revisit the specific eligibility criteria for either the Masters Graduate or PhD Graduate stream on the OINP official website. Ensure that you meet all the necessary qualifications before proceeding.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather essential documents such as degree certificates, transcripts, language proficiency test results (if needed), and identification. Having these ready will make the process smoother.
3. Access the OINP Portal: Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal to find your new application file number. It will have a prefix of NMAS for Masters or NPHD for PhD, and it is separate from the EOI file number displayed on your profile.
4. Complete and Submit Application: Fill out the application form thoroughly, ensuring accuracy and attaching all required documents. Mistakes or missing information could lead to delays or rejection.
5. No Need to Contact OINP: There’s no need to reach out to OINP for status updates. Instead, focus on meeting the application deadlines and submitting everything correctly. 

For Candidates Awaiting an Invitation

For those who did not receive an invitation, rest assured that your EOI profile remains valid for one year from its creation date. Keep monitoring future draws—you may still receive an invitation if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Importance of Timely and Accurate Submission

Processing times can vary, often influenced by application volume and completeness. Ensuring that all required documents are submitted accurately and on time will help ensure a smoother processing experience.

The recent draws for the Masters and PhD Graduate streams demonstrate Ontario’s ongoing efforts to attract top international graduates, strengthening its workforce and economy. For those invited on September 17, acting quickly and following the application process is crucial. For others, keeping an active EOI profile and staying informed about future draws will increase their chances of success. Best of luck!