Ontario has issued 918 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to international graduates through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in its latest provincial immigration draw. The invitations were sent to candidates under the Master’s Graduate Stream and PhD Graduate Stream, giving eligible graduates a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
This latest round highlights Ontario’s continued focus on retaining highly educated talent already trained within the province.
📊 Draw Results: April 22, 2026
Ontario conducted the draw on April 22, 2026, issuing invitations across two graduate streams:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Graduate Stream | 674 | 61 |
| PhD Graduate Stream | 244 | 56 |
| Total | 918 | — |
Approximately 73.4% of all invitations were issued through the Master’s Graduate Stream.
🎓 What Is the OINP Master’s Graduate Stream?
The Master’s Graduate Stream is for individuals who completed an eligible master’s degree from an Ontario university and want to settle permanently in the province.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed a qualifying master’s degree in Ontario
- Met residency requirements in Ontario
- Language proficiency requirements
- Intention to live and work in Ontario
- Sufficient settlement funds
This stream does not require a job offer, making it highly attractive for recent graduates.
🎓 What Is the OINP PhD Graduate Stream?
The PhD Graduate Stream is for candidates who completed a PhD degree at an eligible Ontario university.
Typical requirements include:
- Completed at least two years of PhD studies in Ontario
- Intention to reside in Ontario
- Legal status if applying from inside Canada
Like the master’s stream, this pathway generally does not require an employer job offer.
📈 Why This Draw Matters
Ontario is Canada’s largest province and one of the top destinations for international students. By inviting graduates directly through provincial nomination streams, Ontario can:
- Retain highly skilled graduates trained in Canada
- Fill labour shortages with educated talent
- Support innovation, research, and economic growth
- Provide PR opportunities without requiring employer sponsorship
This is especially valuable for graduates who may not yet qualify through Express Entry.
🏆 Benefits of Provincial Nomination
Receiving an OINP nomination can provide major immigration advantages:
✔ Direct PR Pathway
Candidates can apply for Canadian permanent residence after nomination approval.
✔ Strong Option for Graduates
Ideal for students who studied in Ontario and want to remain in Canada.
✔ No Job Offer Needed
Unlike many employer-driven streams, these graduate pathways often do not require employment offers.
📅 Ontario’s Active 2026 Immigration Strategy
Ontario has been highly active in 2026, issuing invitations across multiple streams including:
- Employer Job Offer streams
- Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot
- Healthcare and education draws
- Graduate streams (Master’s and PhD)
The province also received 14,119 nomination spaces for 2026, one of the largest allocations in Canada.
🎯 What This Means for International Students
If you are studying in Ontario or planning to study there, this draw shows that Ontario remains one of the strongest provinces for post-study immigration pathways.
Students can improve future chances by:
- Completing eligible Ontario graduate programs
- Maintaining legal status in Canada
- Improving language scores
- Monitoring future OINP draw announcements
📌 Final Thoughts
Ontario’s latest draw inviting 918 Master’s and PhD graduates confirms the province’s strong commitment to retaining international student talent. For graduates seeking a pathway to permanent residence without relying on a job offer, the OINP graduate streams remain among the best opportunities in Canada.
With Ontario continuing frequent draws in 2026, more opportunities may be ahead for qualified candidates.
