phd stream canada immigration 2023

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PhD Graduate Stream – Applicant Checklist

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When applying to the PhD Graduate Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program ( OINP ) you need to scan and upload copies of the following mandatory documents with your application:

• applicant consent form
• identity documents
• status documents in Canada
• residency in Ontario documents
• education documents
• documents to demonstrate that you meet the settlement funds requirement
• resumé
• expression of interest selection factors
• other optional documents (if applicable)

Important: All documents are mandatory unless otherwise stated. Please do not include additional, non-mandatory documents as this will delay the processing of your application. You may be asked to submit additional documents during the processing of your application.

Applicant Consent Form

Complete, sign and upload the Applicant Consent Form to the Required Documents section of the application.

Do this after :

• you have received an invitation to apply
• you have reviewed the correctness of your application in the e-filing portal.

If you have an immigration representative, they may not sign the Applicant Consent Form on your behalf.

Identity documents

1. photograph.

You must upload a photograph of yourself with your application. The photograph must:

• be a scanned copy of a physical photo or a digital photo
• meet passport or visa photo specifications

We will not accept a photograph:

• of the personal details page of your passport
• that is not clear or is of low quality

2. Passport

You must scan and upload a copy of the personal details page of your passport and all pages that contain Canadian visas and entry stamps.

3. Your family members’ passports

If you have included family members in your application, you need to also scan and upload copies of the personal details page from the passport of each dependent family member. A dependent family member can include your spouse or common law-partner, your children under the age of 22 and their children.

Status documents in Canada

You must scan and upload copies of current and previous status documents given to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC ) or the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ). Documents may include:

• work permits
• study permits
• temporary resident visas
• any other Canadian immigration document

If you currently have maintained status , scan and upload a copy of either:

• the letter from IRCC acknowledging that they received your application to extend your status or
• the IRCC fee receipt, and/or
• the post office mailing receipt you received when you applied to extend your status (if applicable)

Residency in Ontario documents

To show that you have legally lived in Ontario for at least one year in the last two years before you apply, you need to scan and upload documents with your full name and address in Ontario. These may include:

• phone bills
• hydro or energy bills
• car or home insurance
• lease or rental agreement
• pay slips from an Ontario employer

Education documents

Degree documents.

If your PhD degree has been granted, you must scan and upload a copy of:

• your PhD degree granted from an eligible Ontario university
• your official transcripts issued by the university that granted your degree

If your PhD degree has not yet been granted, you must scan and upload a copy of:

• degree requirements have been successfully completed
• there are no outstanding fees to be paid and
• the scheduled date on which your degree will be granted
• your official transcripts issued by the university that will be granting your degree

Other education documents (optional)

If you have any other documentation to support your education, such as other university degrees, college diplomas or occupational certificates, include them with your application.

Documents to demonstrate that you meet the settlement funds requirement

Based on how you select to meet the settlement fund requirement, you must scan and upload specific documents as follows.

Note: You can also choose a combination of any of the following options.

To show that you have available funds to meet or exceed the minimum necessary settlement fund requirement:

• name of the financial institution
• account number
• balance in the account
• indicate you as the account holder and/or
• account holder’s name
• You must also scan and upload a letter from your spouse or common-law partner indicating that you have access to the funds and/or
• Scan and upload statements of accounts for investments such as fixed term deposits and/or mutual funds.
• You also need to scan and upload a letter from the financial institution. The letter must confirm that the funds are available and the investments can be liquidated or redeemed on instructions and at what value.

Please carefully check your financial documents and black out any credit card numbers so they are not visible. Failure to redact your documents will delay the processing of your application.

Ongoing employment in Ontario

To show that you have current employment in Ontario to meet the settlement fund requirement, you must scan and upload copies of:

• your two most recent pay slips
• occupation title
• duties and responsibilities
• hours of work
• employment start date

Job offer in Ontario

To show that you have a valid job offer from an Ontario employer to meet the settlement fund requirement, you must scan and upload a copy of:

Resumé

You must scan and upload a copy of your most current resumé with your application.

The resumé should outline your current and past work experience, as well as your education and include your current residential address, email address and phone number.

Intention to reside in Ontario documents

To demonstrate your intention to reside in Ontario, you must list your established ties to Ontario. Ties to Ontario can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• current and/or previous employment in Ontario
• job offers or jobs applied to/interviewed for in Ontario
• education in Ontario
• volunteer work in Ontario
• lease agreements for a residence in Ontario or property ownership
• professional networks and affiliations
• family ties
• social connections or personal relationships
• previous visits to Ontario

If you do not have ties to Ontario, you may provide a statement of intent that you wish to reside in Ontario.

Expression of interest scoring factors documents

If you are invited to apply, you will be required to scan and upload specific documents to support each scoring factor for which you received points.

Scoring factors are not the same as stream criteria. You must meet all stream criteria and provide the mandatory documents noted above. If you are claiming points for scoring factors in your expression of interest, you must upload the documents noted below.

Work Permit Status in Canada

If applicable, you must scan and upload copies of current and previous status documents given to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ( IRCC ) or the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA ). Documents may include:

• the letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada acknowledging that they received your application to extend your status or
• the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada fee receipt, and/or

Earnings history

• Notice of Assessment(s) issued by Canada Revenue Agency ( CRA ) in the last five years

T4 slips alone will not be accepted. You must have earned at least $40,000 in a single calendar year (as reflected on a single Notice of Assessment issued in the last five years) to receive points for this factor. Combined earnings over multiple calendar years will not be accepted.

Highest level of education

• degree, diploma, certificate (if obtained in Canada), or an Educational Credential Assessment

If you completed your studies outside of Canada, you need to obtain an  Educational Credential Assessment ( ECA ) report that proves your education is equivalent to a Canadian credential.

The assessment must be done by one of the following organizations, designated by  IRCC .

• Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
• International Credential Evaluation Service
• International Qualifications Assessment Service
• Medical Council of Canada  (professional body for doctors)
• Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada  (professional body for pharmacists)
• World Education Services

Each organization charges a different fee and has different processing times. Please check the website of each  ECA  organization to choose the one that is best for you.

You must provide the OINP with an electronic copy of the  ECA  report when you submit your online application. The report cannot be more than five years old at the time you submit your application.

How to authorize the OINP to confirm your ECA results

We must be able to confirm your  ECA  results with the organization that completed it. This means you must authorize the organization to share the results with us (the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) electronically.

It is not enough to authorize the organization to share the results of your assessment with IRCC for the purposes of your application to the OINP .

Do not request a duplicate paper copy from your ECA organization to be mailed out to the OINP .

Follow these steps to authorize the OINP to access your  ECA  results:

• Comparative Education Service,  submit an online request form
• Medical Council of Canada, request the report . Once it is available, request a file transfer by logging into your physiciansapply.ca account, then click on “Other service requests” in the left panel and follow the steps. Please enter [email protected] as the third party’s email address.
• World Education Services,  order a copy of your ECA report online  and indicate the “Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program” as the recipient of the report

For the other organizations not listed above, no additional steps are required.

Please contact the  ECA  organization directly if you have any specific questions about the process for getting an ECA or how to authorize and share your  ECA  results with the OINP .

Field of study

• official transcript from your Canadian degree, diploma or certificate

Canadian education experience

• a copy of your post-secondary educational credential obtained from an eligible college or university in Canada

Credential must be for a post-secondary education credential from an eligible Canadian institution that takes at least one year to complete on a full-time basis.

Full-time study is determined by your college or university. Generally, it means a minimum of 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year (two semesters), including any period of training in the workplace that is part of your studies.

Official language ability and knowledge of official languages

• language test(s) obtained within the last two years from an approved language testing service ( IELTS , CELPIP , PTE Core, TEF Canada, TCF Canada)

Regional immigration: location of study

Changes in personal information.

You must notify us if there are any changes to the information provided in your application, including (but not limited to) changes in:

• contact information
• immigration status (expiration or change in work permit)
• marriage or common-law relationship
• birth of a child
• change of custody of a child
• divorce/separation

You can make changes to your telephone number, email address and country of residence by following these steps:

• Log into the  OINP  e-Filing Portal
• Click on “My Profile” on your main page
• Make changes to information where needed
• Click “Save” after the change has been made

For all other changes, or to correct a data entry error (for example if you misspelled your name):

• Complete and save the Change of Personal Information form
• Send the completed form as an attachment via our  webform
• If you are requesting a correction to your name or date of birth, please also include a copy of the personal details page of your passport to validate your request

Please note : We will not accept requests to completely change a name or date of birth.

If you do not notify us of changes to your personal information, it could impact the outcome of your application.

Ask us a question via webform or by phone from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

• Tel : 416-327-0374
• Toll-free: 1-866-214-6820  (toll-free within North America only)
• TTY : 416-325-0866
• Toll-free TTY : 1-866-853-2137

Use our Stream Selector Tool to identify which OINP stream you may be eligible for.

Ontario PhD Graduate Stream

The Ontario PhD Graduate stream gives international students, who have graduated from a PhD program at an eligible university in Ontario, the opportunity to immigrate permanently to Ontario without the requirement of a job offer. 

Applicants who are successfully nominated under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP's) PhD Graduate Stream may apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Canadian permanent resident status. 

Eligible PhD graduates do not need a job offer to apply.

For more information on the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream, this page will cover the following topics:

• Eligibility Requirements 
• Application Process 
• Who is not Eligible to apply for the PhD Graduate Stream?
• Eligible Ontario Universities

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the OINP PhD Graduate Stream, individuals must:

• Have completed all the necessary requirements to obtain a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university with  at least two years  of the degree requirements completed while lawfully living and studying in Ontario;
• The applicant will be required to provide documentation with his or her full name and address in Ontario to prove that this requirement is met. For example, phone bill, car insurance, hydro/energy bill, leasing document, etc.
• Dependent family members include: Spouse or common-law-partner, children under the age of 22 and their children.
• Submit the application within two years of the date on which the PhD was granted;
• Intend to live and work in Ontario; and
•  The OINP accepts applications from potential applicants who are on  maintained status  at the time of applying. 

Settlement Funds 

Potential applicants to the OINP PhD Graduate Stream can demonstrate they have sufficient funds to economically establish themselves in Canada through one or a combination of the following:

• Funds as demonstrated by the balance listed in bank statements, or statements of accounts showing other investments such as non-locked in, fixed term deposits, mutual funds, etc; 
• Annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario; and/or
• A job offer in Ontario.

If an applicant uses employment or a job offer in Ontario to meet the settlement funds requirement, he or she must include an employment contract/job offer letter indicating the position, hours of work, and wage. If currently working in Ontario, the applicant must provide two (most) recent pay slips as proof of funds. 

Ties to Ontario

While potential applicants to the PhD Graduate Stream do not need to be residing in the province at the time of applying, all applicants must intend to reside in Ontario.

Potential PhD Graduate Stream applicants can demonstrate a connection to Ontario by listing his or her ties to the province, which can include: 

• Current and/or previous employment in Ontario;
• Job offers or jobs applied/interviewed for in Ontario;
• Education in Ontario;
• Volunteer work in Ontario;
• Lease agreements for a residence in Ontario or property ownership;
• Professional networks and affiliations;
• Family ties;
• Social connections or personal relationships; and/or
• Previous visits to Ontario.

Application Period

An applicant's degree must be dated within two years of the OINP application submission date. For example, if the degree is dated June 1, 2017, the eligible graduate must apply before June 1, 2019. If the degree has not yet been granted, the applicant can use the date indicated on an official letter from the academic institution indicating when the degree will be granted.

Application Process

Before applying.

Prior to submitting an application, the OINP encourages potential applicants to review the eligibility criteria, document checklist, and ensure that the application is complete. All documents uploaded to Ontario's e-Filing portal must be clear and legible.

The OINP may request additional documents from PhD Graduate Stream applicants during the processing of the application. 

Applying for the PhD Graduate Stream online through the OINP's e-Filing portal may take approximately two hours to complete. 

Once a registration to apply is submitted through the OINP's online system, the applicant has  14 calendar days  to complete and submit the application or the registration will expire and get withdrawn. The OINP encourages applicants to complete an application before submitting a payment. Once an application is submitted to the OINP, the applicant will not be able to make any changes.

Applicants are responsible for the translation and notarization of any supporting documents that are not in English or French. It is the responsibility of the applicant to locate a certified translator accredited by the  Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)  and/or obtain a notarization of documents translated by a translator not certified by the ATIO.

If an applicant located in Ontario is not able to find a certified translator accredited by the ATIO, the translation must be notarized. A letter explaining the reasoning and efforts taken to locate a certified translator must included with the application. 

If applying from outside Ontario, the translation must be notarized. If deemed insufficient, the OINP may require applicants to obtain a translation from a certified translator accredited by the ATIO. Translations completed by the applicant, their representative, or others with personal ties to the applicant will not be accepted even if these individuals are considered certified translators. 

After Applying

If the OINP considers an application to be incomplete, individuals looking to apply for the OINP PhD Graduate Stream will be required to resubmit a new application. The OINP may consider an application to be incomplete if inaccurate supporting documents are provided or documents that require translation are not certified or notarized. 

Applicants who believe the OINP's decision was made in error may request an internal review of the application within 30 calendar days of receiving the notice of the decision (if residing in Canada) or within 60 calendar days if residing overseas. The request must not include any evidence that was not submitted to the program before the decision was made unless the evidence was not reasonably available at the time of applying. The OINP's internal review decision is final. 

If the application is successful, applicants will be issued a Letter of Nomination (Nomination Approval Letter) and a Confirmation of Nomination (OINP Certificate of Nomination). 

The next step after obtaining a nomination from the OINP is to submit a Canadian permanent residence application to IRCC within six (6) months of being nominated by the OINP. Applicants must include a copy of both the Letter of Nomination and the OINP Confirmation of Nomination with their permanent residence application to IRCC. 

The OINP states that a nomination does not guarantee the approval of an application for Canadian permanent residence with IRCC. The OINP requires that nominees continue to demonstrate, on a reasonable basis, the intention to reside in Ontario.

While nominations are valid for a six-month period, the nominee may submit a request for an extension of the Nomination Certificate if it is no longer valid and: 

• IRCC returns the permanent residence application due to incompleteness requiring the submission of a new application; or 
• the nominee is experiencing delays in securing supporting documents for the permanent residence application (i.e. a police criminal record check) and has not yet applied to IRCC. 

The OINP has an immigration stream dedicated to international students who have a master's degree from an eligible Ontario university. Learn about the OINP Masters Graduate Stream . 

Who is not Eligible to Apply for the PhD Graduate Stream?

The following individuals are not eligible to apply under the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream:

• Individuals who have not yet completed their PhD degree. The OINP will not accept applications from international students who are in their final semester of studies. Applicants must have met all the degree requirements at the time of application.
• Individuals who completed their PhD degree more than two years ago.
• Individuals who are the recipient of a grant, bursary, or scholarship that requires them to return to their home country or another jurisdiction (another Canadian province/territory or another country) after the completion of their studies (provided that the obligations have not been fulfilled).
• Individuals who currently live in Canada without legal status.

Eligible Ontario Universities 

To apply for the PhD Graduate Stream, the PhD degree must be completed at one of the following universities:

• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Dominican University College
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Ryerson University
• Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
• St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• University of Toronto
• University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

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Kelia Losa Author Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies https://www.canadianvisa.org/author/kelia-losa-reinoso

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2022-05-31T01:29:00

2023-05-10T09:06:00

The Ontario PhD Graduate stream aims to offer international students who hold a PhD degree from a designated university in Ontario, the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Ontario.

• Immigration

What is the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream and How to Apply in 4 Steps

Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies

Reviewed by David Allon

Reviewed by:

David Allon

A professional and knowledgeable RCIC with a passion for migration and international policies. He will ensure that you are provided with the best immigration service and business guidance on your journey to Canada.

Ontario is one of Canada's most populous and economically active provinces, with a diverse range of industries and a strong demand for skilled workers. To help meet the province's economic and labour needs, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (PNP) offers several streams for immigration to Ontario, including the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream. This stream is designed to attract international graduates with PhD degrees who have the skills and experience to contribute to Ontario's economy and labour market. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream and outline the application process in four simple steps.

What is Ontario’s PhD Graduate Stream?

Ontario’s PhD Graduate Stream is a program designed for international graduates who have obtained a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university . This program allows graduates to apply for permanent residency in Ontario, Canada. To be eligible for this stream, you must have completed all the degree requirements for your PhD program and must have received your degree within the past two years. Additionally, you must also meet the program's language requirements, demonstrate financial stability, and have legal status in Canada.

To apply for the PhD Graduate Stream, the first step is to register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System. After registering, you will need to wait for an invitation to apply. Once you receive the invitation, you will have 45 calendar days to submit an application online. The application process will require you to submit various documents, including your academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and a settlement plan. The OINP will review your application and assess your eligibility for the program.

If your application is approved, you will receive a nomination from the Ontario government, which means that you have been selected to apply for permanent residency. After receiving the nomination, you will then need to submit an application to the federal government through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC will conduct security and medical checks and make the final decision on your permanent residency application.

It is important to note that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system , as required by the federal government. This means that any new documents or registrations submitted to the OINP must reflect the new federal NOC 2021 system.

Apply to Ontario’s PhD Graduate Stream in 4 Steps

Step 1: check your eligibility.

Before you apply for the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream, you'll need to ensure that you meet the program's eligibility criteria. This includes having a PhD degree from an eligible institution and having completed at least two years of full-time study in Ontario. You'll also need to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French and have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Ontario. Here is a list of requirements you’ll have to meet:

• Receiving an invitation to apply and submitting the application within the specified deadline.
• Demonstrating possession of the qualifications claimed in the expression of interest registered with the OINP.
• Completing all requirements necessary to obtain a PhD degree from an eligible university in Ontario.
• Completing at least two years of PhD studies while legally living and studying in Ontario.
• Not receiving a bursary, grant, or scholarship that requires the return to the home country after earning the PhD degree.
• Legally living in Ontario for a minimum of one year within the past two years before submitting the application.
• Demonstrating sufficient settlement funds to support oneself and any dependent family members upon settling in Canada.
• Demonstrating intention to live and work in Ontario after being granted permanent residence.
• Having legal status (a visitor record, study permit, or work permit) if applying from within Canada.
• Submitting the application within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain the PhD degree.

Step 2: Apply to the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, you can begin the application process for the Ontario PhD Graduate Stream. This involves submitting an online application to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program and providing documentation to support your eligibility. You'll also need to pay a non-refundable fee of $1,500 CAD.

Step 3: Receive a Nomination from Ontario

If your application is successful, you'll receive a nomination from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. This nomination will allow you to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the federal government's Express Entry system. You'll receive an additional 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for your nomination, which will greatly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency

With your nomination in hand, you can now apply for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry. This involves submitting a complete application for permanent residency, including all required documentation and fees. If your application is approved, you and your family members will become permanent residents of Canada and be able to enjoy all the benefits of living and working in Ontario.

What’s an Expression Of Interest (EOI)?

An EOI is the process where the applicant indicates their interest in applying to a given stream through an invitation to apply (ITA). This registration step will indicate to the OINP that you wish to receive an ITA to be nominated.

Before applying for permanent residency in Canada through OINP, you must register to receive an ITA before you can directly apply to a given stream.

According to the official website of the Ontario government, OINP is driven by an Expression Of Interest (EOI) system to manage applicants. The program comprises the following streams:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
• Masters Graduate stream
• PhD Graduate stream
• Entrepreneur stream

Registering an EOI and going through the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada through OINP are two separate steps. They function independently from each other and are not the same thing.

Before applying to a stream, let’s look at how to register an EOI.

When an international student registers an EOI, OINP will detect relevant information of the applicant. This is used to determine eligibility and labour market needs. Below are some relevant pointers for registering an EOI.

• You can register an EOI and create a profile on the OINP e-filing portal.
• Registration of an EOI does not guarantee an ITA and an ITA does not guarantee a certificate of nomination.
• Applicants should ensure that they understand and meet the stream requirements.
• Candidates who get an ITA need to demonstrate that they’re eligible for the stream they’ve applied to.
• Information that applicants provide in their EOI must be honest and valid.This will later be evaluated. Failure in providing honest and accurate information will result in the application being denied, a penalty or prosecution.
• Applicants who receive an ITA must apply to the desired stream within 14 calendar days from the date you received the invitation.
• Applicants should have the necessary supporting documents ready. These documents must be scanned and uploaded in your online application.

Fees and costs

The official website of the Ontario government outlines the following costs to apply:

For the Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Employer Job Offer:

• International Student streams, the application fee is $1,500.

The application fee for employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and In-Demand Skills streams:

• $1,500 if the job offer is outside of the Greater Toronto Area
• $2,000 if the job offer is within the Greater Toronto Area (City of Toronto, Durham, Halton, York and Peel regions)

The above fees are used for the processing of your application. They must be paid with either Visa, Visa Debit, Mastercard and Mastercard Debit.

PhD Graduate Stream Scoring Factors

After you’ve registered your EOI under the chosen stream, points will be assigned to you for each scoring factor. Have your supporting documents ready for submission to validate each scoring factor. You will be ranked according to the following factors as outlined by the Ontario Government’s official website.

Employment / Labour Market Factors

Duration-Cumulative, full-time or part-time equivalent.

• 12 Months or more – 4 points
• Less than 12 months – 0 points
• NOC TEER 1 – 3 points
• NOC TEER 2 – 0 points
• NOC TEER 3 – 0 points
• NOC  TEER 4 – 0 points
• NOC S TEER 5 – 0 points

Based on a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency in the last five years.

• $40k or more earnings in a year – 3 points
• Less than $40k earnings in a year – 0 points

Field of study

• Engineering – 10 points
• Health care – 10 points
• Math and Computer Science – 9 points
• Business and Administration – 7 points
• Trades – 7 points
• Social, Legal, Education and Science – 6 points
• Arts and Humanities – 5 points

Canadian education experience

When it comes to education experience, the student should have obtained a qualification under a degree or diploma program from a Canadian public institution. The qualification should take a minimum of two years to complete on a full-time basis.

Alternatively, the applicant should be registered under a degree, diploma or certificate program from a Canadian public institution that should take one year to complete on a full-time basis. However, the program should require a degree as an admission requirement. Below are the points allocated for:

• More than one Canadian credential – 10 points
• One Canadian credential – 5 points

Official language ability

• CLB 9 or higher – 10 points
• CLB 8 – 6 points
• CLB 7 – 4 points
• CLB 6 or lower – 0 points

Knowledge of official languages

• 2 Official Languages – 10 points
• 1 Official Language – 5 points

Regionalization

Location of study

• Outside GTA – 10 points
• Inside GTA – 6 points

International students in Canada who are applying for the PhD Graduate Stream through OINP will also need to have the following supporting documents at hand. These documents must be scanned and uploaded with your application:

• identity documents
• status documents in Canada
• residency in Ontario documents
• education documents
• documents that show you meet the settlement funds requirement
• expression of interest selection factors
• any other supporting documents, where applicable

Why Choose Ontario

If you're considering pursuing a PhD in Canada, Ontario should be at the top of your list. With its excellent universities, top-notch research facilities, and strong economy, Ontario is an ideal destination for students looking to advance their academic and professional careers.

One of the primary reasons to choose Ontario for your PhD studies is the quality of its academic institutions. Ontario is home to some of the best universities in Canada and the world, including the University of Toronto , the University of Waterloo , and McMaster University. These universities offer a wide range of PhD programs across various disciplines, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and world-renowned faculty members.

Moreover, Ontario has a strong economy and is home to many of Canada's leading industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. This means that there are excellent job opportunities for PhD graduates, both in academia and industry. Many of the universities in Ontario have close ties to local businesses and industries, which provides students with opportunities for internships, co-op placements, and research collaborations.

In addition to the academic and job opportunities, Ontario also offers a streamlined immigration process through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) PhD Graduate Stream. This program allows international PhD graduates from eligible Ontario universities to apply for permanent residency in Ontario without needing a job offer.

The PhD Graduate Stream provides a pathway for highly skilled international students to stay in Ontario and contribute to the province's economy and research community. By choosing to pursue a PhD in Ontario and taking advantage of the PhD Graduate Stream, you can enhance your academic and professional credentials while also increasing your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Stay in Ontario

If you're an international student dreaming of becoming a permanent resident in Canada, we've got good news for you. It may not be as complicated as you think, especially if you get the right guidance. We've put together a helpful guide on the Ontario PhD Graduate stream that lays out the steps in a practical and realistic way. But if you'd rather leave the paperwork to the pros, consider reaching out to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who can give you personalized advice and support throughout the process.

How do PhD Students get PR in Canada?

If you’re an international student in Canada, you can apply for permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Before you can apply directly to the OINP PhD Graduate stream, you must register an Expression Of Interest (EOI) first. Thereafter, check that you have the necessary supporting documents which would have to validate the information you provided in your EOI. If you’re an eligible PhD graduate, you do not need a job offer to apply to the stream for permanent residency.

How Do I Submit my EOI for Ontario?

A good place to start is to register an EOI here, create a profile on the OINP e-filing portal and follow the instructions further. Candidates must ensure they’re eligible by knowing the stream requirements before applying. You can only apply to the stream once you’ve registered an EOI. Thereafter, you’ll receive an ITA for a nomination.

How Many Points do You Need for EOI?

The system is driven by an expression of interest system to manage applicants. Applicants must score a certain number of points for each scoring factor. This will determine if the candidate.

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New Ontario-OINP Draw On Sep 19 Sent Out 608 PR Invitations

• 19 September 2023, 5:54 PM EDT 19 September 2023, 5:54 PM EDT
• Ontario PNP Latest Draws and News , Canada Immigration News

On September 19, 2023, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program-OINP draw issued 608 invitations to apply for permanent residency (PR) in general draws under two different streams.

537 invitations have been sent under the Masters Graduate Stream to all the Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles with a score of 41 and above.

Furthermore, 71 invitations to apply are issued under the PhD Graduate stream to all the EOI profiles with a score of 40 and above.

Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles created under the above mentioned streams between November 22, 2022, and September 19, 2023, were considered for the OINP draw today.

Summary of OINP Draws today

Invited candidates will now have 14 days to submit their application in support of the information mentioned in their Expression of Interest profile to get permanent residency (PR) in Ontario.

Reiterating our suggestion for Canada permanent residency aspirants in times of increasing Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in Express Entry draws .

Rather than purchasing LMIAs or running payrolls, international students seeking PR in Canada can enroll in a Masters degree at one of the qualifying universities , which will:

• boost their academic performance for future career opportunities
• offer them the right to remain in Canada as students, and
• offer a significantly better chance of obtaining permanent residency.

Because no job offer is required for the OINP Masters Graduate Stream , it is better to spend your money developing your career profile rather than buying employment offers/LMIAs/Payrolls.

OINP Masters Graduate Stream  Draws 2023

All the oinp draws 2023.

OINP’s Expression of Interest has issued a total of 12,954 invitations for permanent residency so far.

The Masters Graduate stream is the largest stream, bagging nearly 4,683 invitations, followed by the Foreign Worker stream with 4,032 invitations so far.

When was the last draw for the Ontario PNP?

The most recent draw for the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) was on September 19, 2023, which sent 608 invitations to apply for permanent residency under the Masters Graduate Stream and PhD Stream .

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

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Ontario International PhD Graduate Stream

By rebecca major.

Updated on September 25, 2024

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Share article, ontario’s phd graduate stream is for individuals who have a doctoral degree from an ontario university and want to immigrate to ontario as permanent residents. this is your complete guide to the oinp phd graduate stream..

Successful applicants to this Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will receive a provincial nomination from Ontario, allowing the applicant to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent resident status. The spouse/common-law partner of the applicant, as well as any dependent children, may also be included on the application.

What you'll find on this page

Do you prefer to learn by video? Check out this webinar on the OINP presented by Moving2Canada in partnership with Doherty Fultz Immigration — an immigration consultancy based in Ontario — and one of Moving2Canada’s trusted partners!

Eligibility requirements

Please note: this stream uses a points-based ranking system to invite candidates to apply for nomination. Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee you will receive an invitation. Refer to the section below for details on the points breakdown .

In order to be eligible for the OINP PhD Graduate stream, candidates must meet the following requirements:

PhD degree from an eligible university in Ontario

Candidates must have completed the requirements to obtain a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university. To qualify for the OINP PhD Graduate stream, at least two years of the PhD studies must have been completed while legally living and studying in Ontario. The PhD must have been completed at one of the eligible Ontario universities listed here:

Eligible Ontario universities — OINP PhD Graduate stream

To qualify for the OINP PhD Graduate stream, your PhD degree must be from one of the universities listed below:

• Brock University
• Carleton University
• Dominican University College
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• Queen’s University
• Royal Military College of Canada
• Ryerson University
• Saint Paul University (Federated with the University of Ottawa)
• St. Jerome’s University (Federated with the University of Waterloo)
• Trent University
• University of Guelph
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• University of St. Michael’s College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• University of Toronto
• University of Trinity College (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• University of Waterloo
• University of Windsor
• Victoria University (Federated with the University of Toronto)
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• York University

Language proficiency test

You must take an approved language test demonstrating proficiency in either English or French consistent with (or above) the Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 7 (CLB 7). This test must be less than two years old at the time you submit you application.

Settlement Funds

You must have enough money to support yourself and your dependent family members when you settle in Canada. You can meet this requirement through one or a combination of:

• funds as demonstrated by the balance listed in bank statements, or statements of accounts showing other investments such as non-locked in, fixed term deposits, mutual funds, etc.
• annual earnings from ongoing employment in Ontario
• a job offer in Ontario

The required funds are as follows:

Other eligibility criteria

Candidates must meet several additional eligibility criteria in order to apply:

• have the intention to reside in Ontario
• have lived legally in Ontario for at least one year in the two years prior to applying
• apply within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain the master’s degree
• be medically and criminally admissible to Canada

Application procedure

To apply to the OINP PhD Graduate stream, candidates must follow these five steps:

Step One: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The OINP PhD Graduate stream uses a points-based ranking system to invite the top-ranked candidates to apply. In order to be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA), candidates must begin by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the OINP e-Filing Portal .

After submitting an EOI, candidates will receive a score based on the OINP EOI Selection System .

Step Two: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Periodically, the OINP will conduct a draw for candidates. In these draws, invitations will be issued to candidates who have submitted EOIs and received a certain threshold of points.

Step Three: Submit an application for provincial nomination

Once a candidates receives an invitation to apply (ITA), they are given 14 calendar days to submit an application. These applications can be submitted electronically using a ONe-key account . Applications require extensive personal information and supporting documentation — ensure you’re ready if you receive an ITA.

Step Four: Receive a provincial nomination

The processing time varies for OINP applications. Generally, an application will be processed somewhere between 30 and 150 days. If an application is approved, the applicant receives a formal provincial nomination from the province of Ontario.

Step Five: Submit a federal application for permanent resident status

With a provincial nomination, candidates are eligible to submit an application to the federal government for permanent resident status. This application will include extensive personal information and supporting documentation — similar to the application for provincial nomination.

Notably, the PhD Graduate stream is not aligned with Canada’s Express Entry system — this means that the applications are processed at a slower pace. Applicants should be prepared to wait more than one year for applications to be processed.

Ontario’s EOI selection system — points breakdown

The OINP PhD Graduate stream uses a points-based ranking system to assess Expressions of Interest (EOI) submitted by candidates. Periodically, Ontario will invite candidates with a certain threshold of points to apply — refer to the draw history for more details .

The points breakdown is as follows:

Ontario's EOI Selection System — Points Breakdown

Oinp draw results — masters graduate & phd graduate streams.

These are the most recent draw results for the OINP Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams:

OINP Masters & PhD Graduate streams

Want to be the first to find out about the latest PNP updates? Register for a free Moving2Canada account . It only takes a minute and give you access to our newsletters, plus tons of Canadian immigration resources.

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ONTARIO PNP (OINP) Ph.D. graduate stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) , Ph.D. Graduate Stream is targeted toward graduates who hold a Ph.D. degree from an eligible Canadian higher institution to relocate, live, and work in Ontario. The stream is designed to attract and retain talented individuals who have successfully obtained their Ph.D. degrees and will flourish in Ontario as talented specialists in their fields.

This initiative underscores Ontario’s dedication to embracing and assimilating international students, acknowledging their capacity to make a positive contribution to the regional economy and enhance the province’s diverse cultural environment. It is in harmony with Ontario’s objective of drawing in and retaining adept individuals who have already exhibited their allegiance to the province through their educational pursuits.

This program not only offers international students a route to permanent residency but also plays a role in fostering Ontario’s economic advancement by addressing workforce needs with capable and skilled professionals. In turn, the candidates must meet certain criteria to be considered for the program and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI). You can also get to know other immigration pathways more suited to each particular situation. All of our fees and packages are also available! You can also get acquainted with other OINP programs. 

Book a consultation today to discuss your eligibility and take your first step towards living and working in Ontario. Let us guide you through the Ph.D. Graduate Stream and make your Canadian dream a reality.

Recent draws

Jan 24, 2024

Ph.D Graduate Stream

INVITATIONS ISSUED

LOWEST SCORE

Latest Updates

On January 4, 2024 invitations were sent to Ph.D. graduates who could be deemed eligible for this stream and their score was 45 and above.   Read more

On October 30th, 2023 invitations were issued to eligible candidates in general occupations, and the candidates received an invitation if they had a score of 42 and above.  Read more

On September 19, 2023 invitations to apply were sent to candidates in general occupations, and the lowest score to be eligible was 40 and above.  Read more

On August 1, 2023 candidates working in general occupations were invited and the lowest score to be eligible for an invitation was 39 and above.  Read more

The key attribute necessary for an applicant to be eligible under this stream’s requirements is a Ph.D. degree from an eligible institution in Ontario. The degree must have been completed in at least two years while simultaneously living and residing in Ontario. Since another key requirement for this stream is the intent to live in Ontario, the applicant is not eligible if the degree was completed with a grant from their home country that requires the applicant to go back home. Hence why, upon applying, the candidate must show appropriate proof of intent to live in Ontario. 

The candidate must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years before application. This serves as appropriate proof of integration within the province. It is important to remember that this one year can be acquired cumulatively, meaning there can be gaps throughout residency, that all together add up to a year of living in Ontario. 

The applicant’s ties to Ontario are another determining factor in receiving an invitation to apply. The candidate must show that upon receiving permanent residence, he/she intends to live and work in Ontario. Some of the factors that can serve as proof of ties in the province include: 

• Past work experience in Ontario
• Applying for jobs/actively going to job interviews 
• Leasing or owning property 
• Studying/volunteering 
• Having professional ties or personal relationships

To be a successful candidate under this stream, the applicant must show sufficient proof of funds required by the Canadian government. These funds will be required in support of the applicant, and any dependant family members that will be settling in Canada with them (spouse, children, grandchildren) Funds can be proven in various ways including: 

• Balances reflected in the bank statements, or statements demonstrating appropriate investments such as mutual funds, etc.
•  Annual salary from employment in Ontario 
• A prospective job offer in Ontario 

For example, if the candidate is required to show $25564, but their employment only covers $20000, the candidate then can even this up by money available in their balance. Candidates can learn about how much money they will require depending on their family size. (One-time large deposits may require more documentation in support of genuine funds rather than debt or liability) 

• Legal Status in Canada (if applicable) 

If the candidate is submitting their application from inside Canada, they must show that they possess a valid status like a visitor visa or a study permit. If they are in the process of extending their status, they can apply if they have their “maintained status” which essentially grants the applicant the right to remain in Canada while a decision is being made on the extension of their status. 

The application must be submitted within two years of completing the Ph.D. degree. Hence, the entire process of registering for an expression of interest, receiving the invitation, and applying within 14 days should all lie within those two years. For example, if the date on the degree says May 5, 2022, the application cannot be submitted later than May 5, 2024. Once a candidate’s application is approved, the following will be sent via email: 

• A nomination approval letter 
• A nomination certificate 

Once the applicant has both, the next step will be applying for permanent residency through the OINP Ph.D Graduate stream. 

To apply for the OINP Ph.D. Graduate stream, there is a set of documents that need to be scanned and uploaded. Those include: 

• attestation
• identity documents
• status documents in Canada
• residency in Ontario documents
• education documents
• documents to demonstrate that you meet the settlement funds requirement
• expression of interest selection factors
• other optional documents (if applicable)

(including non-mandatory documents may delay the process) 

The average processing time for this stream usually takes 30-60 days. An applicant can check the status of the application on the OINP e-Filing portal.

While there are no government fees when submitting the application to the Express Entry pool or creating an e-Filing portal, once the applicant receives the notification of interest, a sum of $1500 will need to be paid for the processing of the application. (Refunds are possible in case of incomplete applications or withdrawal before the start of the processing). If you decide to retain us as your representative, some professional fees will be applicable.

Program Timeline

Once your application has been approved, you will receive the following via email:

• A nomination approval letter
• A work permit support letter (if applicable) 

Once the applicant has the appropriate documents, the following stage is applying for Permanent Residency through the OINP Ph.D. Graduate Stream.

Create a profile

Creating a profile on the OINP e-Filing Portal.

Register an expression of interest

Registering an expression of interest for the international student stream.

Fill in forms and upload documents

Filling in forms and uploading required documentations within 14 days of receiving invitation to apply.

Applying for permanent residency (PR)

Applying for permanent residency (PR) to the IRCC within 6 months of receiving the nomination.

Our Professional Fees

Is the oinp international student stream part of the express entry system.

No, this stream, like other OINP Job Offer Streams, operates outside of Express Entry. An applicant cannot apply for this stream directly. Rather, they have two ways to be considered for this stream:

• Create an Express Entry profile and receive their Notification of Interest (NOI) 
• Create a profile on the OINP e-filing portal and register an Expression of Interest 

The concluding phase involves obtaining the approval letter for nomination and initiating the Permanent Residency application within a six-month timeframe. The fundamental concept underlying the OINP program is to identify eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool possessing the skills and expertise necessary to enhance Ontario’s economic landscape by attracting skilled professionals to the province.

Do I need a job to be eligible for this stream?

No, this is one of the few streams that does not require employment since the graduate’s degree was acquired in the past two years. While having a valid occupation is not required, it may be a requirement when trying to meet the financial requirement. If a graduate does not have enough money on their balance to support themselves and any dependents that will be settling in Ontario with them, they will need to show either an occupation or a valid job offer. 

My study permit is still valid, can I receive any points for that?

Yes, a valid study or work permit grants the candidate 10 points, meanwhile, any other status like a visitor visa will not grant any points. 

Can I receive extra points for my language ability?

Yes, It is important to remember that knowledge of the official Canadian languages also affects an applicant’s scores, so upon learning both, and applicant can increase the chances of getting an NOI. For example, if the applicant speaks both official languages: French and English, they will receive 10 points. However, 5 points are granted for each official language ability. The level at which the applicant commands the language is also a scoring factor. For example: 

• CLB level 9 – 10 points 
• CLB level 8 – 6 points 
• CLB level 7 – 4 points 

(any level lower does not receive any points) 

My Ph.D. degree was in the field of Engineering, may I receive any extra points for this field?

Yes, the field of study does grant an applicant certain points. In this case, since the degree acquired was in STEM, the applicant is eligible to receive 12 points. Other fields of study like business administration grant 6 points, while degrees in arts and humanities are not eligible for extra points.

Can my study location grant me any points?

Yes, Regionalization is a factor that can grant candidates points. For example, if you physically attend classes in Northern Ontario, you will receive 10 points, which is the highest amount of points you may receive in this category. Areas outside the GTA grant 8 points, inside the GTA (except Toronto) grant 3 points, while Toronto and other areas do not grant any points to the candidate.