Ontario Opens Provincial Immigration to Master’s and PhD Graduates For first Time Since 2024

Ontario has made significant changes to its immigration system with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) for international graduates in both the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams. This marks the first time since September 2024 that Ontario has issued ITAs under these categories.

New ITAs for Master’s and PhD Graduates

On March 18, 2026, Ontario invited over 1,100 international students who have completed their Master’s or PhD in Canada and have Canadian work experience. These invitations came through six different draws, totaling 1,243 ITAs. The province targeted graduates with experience in specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.

These ITAs come after a gap of more than a year, as the last draws for the Master’s and PhD Graduate streams took place in September 2024. Ontario's immigration officials considered profiles created between July 2, 2025, and March 16, 2026. Applicants needed to submit their profiles by 11:59 p.m. on March 16, 2026, to be eligible.

Invitations for Targeted Occupations

Ontario focused on specific job sectors in these draws. Candidates had to be residing in Canada with a valid work or study permit. The draws were highly targeted, meaning only applicants with experience in certain occupations were selected.

The minimum score thresholds and the number of ITAs issued differed between the Master’s and PhD streams. For the Master’s Graduate stream, the minimum score was set at 30, with 582 invitations issued. The PhD Graduate stream had a higher threshold of 49 points and saw 525 ITAs issued.

ITAs Under Employer Job Offer Streams

In addition to the Master’s and PhD Graduate streams, Ontario also sent out 136 invitations under its Employer Job Offer streams. These included targeted draws for workers with job offers in specific areas. Among these, 39 invitations were issued through the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot, aimed at candidates with job offers in Lanark, Leeds, or Grenville.

Invitations for Physicians

Ontario also sent out 97 invitations to physicians under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. These physicians were targeted based on their job offers and experience in specific National Occupational Classification codes.

Major Changes Ahead for OINP

These recent draws come as Ontario prepares for major changes in its immigration system. The provincial government plans to revamp the Ontario Immigration Act and eliminate several existing application categories, including the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams. These changes are set to take effect on May 30, 2026.

Ontario is looking to introduce four new streams to replace the existing categories. These include a consolidated Employer Job Offer stream, a priority healthcare stream, an entrepreneur stream, and an exceptional talent stream. While these new streams are in the works, the specific details and timelines for their launch remain unclear.

The recent ITA draws are a positive move for international graduates looking to live and work in Ontario. These updates to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) open new doors for students with Canadian education and work experience. However, as changes to the immigration system loom, many applicants may need to adjust their expectations in the near future.