The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held two new draws on July 9, issuing a total of 1,666 invitations for permanent residency (PR). This round of invitations was particularly significant due to the high number of invitations and the diverse streams that were targeted.
Breakdown of the Draws
- Masters Graduate Stream
The first draw, which was a general draw, saw an impressive 1,556 PR invitations issued under the Masters Graduate Stream. Candidates with an Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 54 or above were invited. This represents a slight increase of 2 points compared to the previous Masters Graduate Stream draw held on March 19, 2024. The increased EOI score indicates a more competitive pool of applicants as Ontario continues to attract highly educated individuals.
- PhD Graduate Stream
In addition to the Masters Graduate Stream, 110 invitations were issued for the PhD Graduate Stream. Candidates needed an EOI score of 50 or higher to receive an invitation. This score represents a notable increase of 8 points from the last PhD Graduate Stream draw, also on March 19, 2024. This increase reflects the growing interest and competition among PhD graduates seeking permanent residency in Ontario.
Eligibility and Next Steps
To be eligible for these draws, candidates must have created their OINP EOI profiles between July 9, 2023, and July 9, 2024. Invited candidates now have 14 days to submit a comprehensive application to confirm the information provided in their EOI profiles. This short window underscores the importance of preparedness for those in the immigration process.
Strategic Advice for International Students
For international students seeking permanent residency in Canada, particularly in light of the increasing Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in Express Entry draws, pursuing a Master’s program at a recognized university in Ontario presents a strategic pathway. This approach not only enhances academic qualifications but also provides an extended stay in Canada, which can significantly boost PR prospects.
Benefits of the Masters Graduate Stream
The Master’s Graduate Stream is particularly advantageous for international students because it does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a payroll job offer, which can be barriers in other immigration streams. Instead, students can focus on advancing their professional and academic profiles, which aligns with their long-term career goals.
OINP Draws: A Year in Review
As of this latest draw, the OINP has issued a total of 13,455 invitations for permanent residency in 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the invitations by stream:
- International Student Stream: 5,277 invitations
- Masters Graduate Stream: 4,270 invitations
- Foreign Worker Stream: 3,569 invitations
The significant number of invitations under the International Student and Masters Graduate streams highlights Ontario’s commitment to attracting and retaining educated and skilled individuals to meet the province’s economic and labor market needs.
Increased Nomination Quotas
The annual nomination cap for OINP has been increased by 5,000 to a total of 21,500 for 2024. This increase represents approximately 20% of Canada’s annual plan for provincial nominees. This adjustment reflects Ontario’s growing role in Canada’s overall immigration strategy, aiming to fill gaps in the labor market and support economic growth.
The recent OINP draws on July 9, 2024, underscore the program’s role in facilitating the immigration of skilled individuals to Ontario. With substantial numbers of invitations in the Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams, Ontario continues to attract highly qualified individuals. For international students, pursuing higher education in Ontario remains a strategic option for securing permanent residency, avoiding the complexities of LMIAs and payroll job offers.
Interested in Immigrating to Canada?
