The OINP PhD Graduate stream, an integral component of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, presents a unique avenue for international graduates holding an Ontario PhD degree. This specialized pathway offers a transformative opportunity for individuals to seamlessly transition into permanent residency status in Ontario, Canada.
Designed to harness the expertise and talent of doctoral graduates, this stream serves as a gateway to not only live but also contribute meaningfully to Ontario’s dynamic workforce and vibrant communities. In this article, we get into the PhD Graduate stream, exploring its eligibility criteria, and scoring factors.
Before applying online for nomination by the Ontario government for permanent residence, you need to register in the OINP’s Expression of Interest System and wait to receive an invitation to apply.
Table of Contents
- Eligible Universities for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
- Requirements for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
- FAQs for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
Eligible Universities for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
To be eligible for the OINP PhD Graduate stream, your PhD degree must be obtained from one of the following accredited Ontario universities:
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Lakehead University
- University of Guelph
- University of Waterloo
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Royal Military College of Canada
- University of Toronto
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
- Trent University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Windsor
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
When submitting your application to the PhD Graduate Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), it is imperative to scan and upload copies of the following mandatory documents:
- Applicant consent form
- Identity documents
- Status documents in Canada
- Residency documents for Ontario
- Education Credentials
- Documents verifying compliance with the settlement funds requirement
- Résumé
- Expression of interest selection factors
- Any other relevant optional documents (if applicable)
Requirements for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
The applicant must fulfill the following OINP PhD Graduate stream requirements to be qualified:
OINP PhD Graduate Stream Requirements
The OINP PhD Graduate stream offers international graduates with an Ontario PhD degree to permanently reside and work in Ontario. Once invited to apply, applicants must meet requirements across various categories for their applications to be considered. These criteria are outlined below:
1. Expression of interest and invitation to apply
Candidates must have received an invitation and applied within the stipulated deadline, validating the qualifications claimed in their expression of interest with the OINP.
2. Education
Completion of the requisite requirements for a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university is mandatory. Also, at least two years of the PhD program must have been in Ontario while legally residing and studying there.
3. Residency in Ontario
Applicants must have legally resided in Ontario for a minimum of one year within the past two years preceding the application, with cumulative residency periods totalling 12 months.
4. Settlement funds
Demonstrating sufficient funds to support oneself and dependents upon settling in Canada is essential. Various means, including bank statements and employment earnings, can be utilized to meet this requirement.
5. Intention to live in Ontario
A genuine intention to reside and work in Ontario post-permanent residency is imperative. Factors such as employment history, property ownership, and professional networks in Ontario contribute to establishing this intention.
6. Legal status in Canada
Applicants applying from within Canada must possess legal status at the time of application submission, maintaining it until the nomination process.
7. Application period
Applications must be submitted within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain the PhD degree, based on the degree date or an official letter from the university indicating the expected grant date.
Scoring Factors for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
After registering an expression of interest under this stream, you will get scores on the following factors.
Upon receiving an invitation to apply, you need to provide particular documents corresponding to each factor where you earned points. It’s important to note that scoring factors differ from stream criteria. You have to meet all criteria for this stream along with attaching the mandatory documents with your application.
Work Permit Status
- With a valid work permit: 10 points
- Without a valid work permit: 0 points
Earnings in Canada in a Year
Taken from a Notice of Assessment provided by the Canada Revenue Agency within the past five years.
- More than or equal to CAD 40,000: 3 points
- Less than CAD 40,000: 0 points
Highest Level of Education
Canadian credential or Educational Credential Assessment required.
- PhD: 10 points
- Masters: 8 points
- Bachelors or equivalent: 6 points
- Graduate diploma or certificate: 6 points
- Undergraduate diploma or certificate: 5 points
- Apprenticeship or Diploma or Trades Certificate: 5 points
- College diploma or trade certificate: 5 points
- Only high school (less than college or trade certificate): 0 points
Field of Study
The field of study must be from the following
- STEM/Health and Trades encompass disciplines such as agriculture and natural resources operations and management, mechanics and repair, architecture, construction, and precision production: 12 points
- Social work and related programs, education, personal, business and administration, behavioural science, security and transport services, legal: 6 points
- Programs categorized under arts and humanities, business, social science and education, and other miscellaneous programs that do not fall into specific classifications: 0 points
Canadian Education Experience
The credential you submit must be from a Canadian college or university and should require at least one year of full-time study to complete.
- More than one Canadian credential: 10 points
- One Canadian credential: 5 points
Language
Your language test results will also play a role in getting you some points in OINP PhD Graduate stream. The points are distributed as follows.
| CLB | Points |
| 9 or higher in official language | 10 |
| 8 in official language | 6 |
| 7 in official language | 4 |
| 6 or lower in official language | 0 |
| Number of Official Languages Known | Points |
| 2 | 10 |
| 1 | 5 |
Location of Study
- Northern Ontario: 10 points
- Other areas outside the Greater Toronto Area (excluding Northern Ontario): 8 points
- Inside GTA (except Toronto): 3 points
- Toronto: 0 points
- Credential was completed without physically attending (in-person) classes: 0 points
In conclusion, the OINP PhD Graduate stream stands as a beacon of opportunity within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, offering a pathway for international graduates holding esteemed Ontario PhD degrees to permanently reside and contribute to the province’s vibrant communities. With eligibility criteria meticulously designed to harness talent and expertise, this stream ensures that candidates meet stringent requirements, including educational attainment, residency, settlement funds, and a genuine commitment to Ontario’s future.
FAQs for OINP PhD Graduate Stream
1. What is the Ontario PhD graduate stream?
A. The Ontario PhD Graduate Stream is a program designed by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to provide a pathway for international graduates with a doctoral degree from an eligible Ontario university to secure permanent residence in Canada.
2. What are the eligible universities for the OINP PhD Graduate Stream?
A. The OINP PhD Graduate Stream accepts applications from graduates holding a PhD degree from accredited Ontario universities, including institutions such as the University of Toronto, McMaster University, and York University, among others.
3. What are the primary requirements for eligibility under the OINP PhD Graduate Stream?
A. Eligibility criteria include having received an invitation to apply, completing the requirements for a PhD degree from an eligible Ontario university, legally residing in Ontario for at least one year within the past two years, demonstrating sufficient settlement funds, and showing a genuine intention to live and work in Ontario post-permanent residency.
4. Do applicants need to possess legal status in Canada during the OINP PhD Graduate Stream application process?
A. Yes, applicants applying from within Canada must have legal status at the time of application submission and maintain it until the nomination process. This includes possessing a visitor record, study permit, or work permit.
5. Is there a specific timeframe for applying after completing the PhD degree to the OINP PhD Graduate Stream?
A. Yes, applicants must submit their applications within two years of completing the requirements necessary to obtain the PhD degree. This timeframe is based on either the degree date or an official letter from the university indicating the expected grant date.
