Latest Ontario Draw Targets Graduate Talent with 918 Invitations

Ontario holds new draw for Master’s and PhD streams, issuing 918 ITAs

April 24, 2026
CIC News Update
Canada, Ontario, PNP
0

Ontario has once again turned its attention to international graduates, inviting hundreds of master’s and doctoral degree holders to take the next step toward permanent residency. The latest round under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reflects the province’s continued effort to retain highly educated individuals already contributing to its economy.

Fresh Round of Invitations for Advanced Degree Holders

On April 22, Ontario issued 918 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates who completed postgraduate studies at recognized institutions within the province. This marks the second time in 2026 that the province has selected candidates under its graduate-focused immigration pathways.

Unlike many other immigration streams, this round did not require candidates to have prior work experience tied to a specific occupation, making it particularly relevant for recent graduates looking to transition into permanent residency.

Also Read Ontario Issues 918 ITAs to Master’s and PhD Graduates in Latest Draw

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Stream-Wise Breakdown of Invitations

The invitations were distributed across two key streams, with master’s graduates receiving a larger share:

674 invitations were issued to candidates under the Master’s Graduate stream, with a minimum score of 61
244 invitations were extended through the PhD Graduate stream, where the cutoff score stood at 56

To be considered, candidates needed to have submitted their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles within the one-year window leading up to the draw.

Higher Scores Reflect a More Competitive Pool

This round saw a noticeable increase in score thresholds compared to earlier selections this year. The minimum score required for master’s graduates more than doubled, while the PhD stream also saw a rise.

These changes suggest that the candidate pool has become more competitive, possibly due to a surge in applications following the reopening of these streams after a long pause. As more applicants enter the system with strong academic backgrounds and profiles, selection criteria are naturally becoming more stringent.

Graduate Streams Resume After an Extended Gap

The recent activity under these streams is particularly significant given the lengthy pause before 2026. Before the draws held this year, Ontario had not conducted selections for master’s or PhD graduates since September 2024.

The renewed frequency of invitations indicates that the province is now actively working to re-engage this category of applicants, many of whom have been waiting for opportunities to secure a nomination.

Important Timelines for Selected Candidates

Candidates who receive an invitation must act quickly. The application for provincial nomination must be submitted within 14 days through Ontario’s online filing system.

Another key factor is the eligibility timeline linked to the completion of the degree. Applicants are required to apply within two years of finishing their program. If this condition is not met, proceeding with the application could result in refusal.

Once nominated by the province, candidates can move forward with their permanent residence application through the federal immigration system.

Ontario’s Immigration System Set for Transformation

While these draws provide opportunities for graduates, they also come just before a significant policy shift. Ontario is preparing to revamp its immigration structure, with changes scheduled to come into force on May 30, 2026.

The province plans to phase out its current stream-based model, which includes categories for skilled workers, international students, entrepreneurs, and graduates.

In its place, a simplified framework featuring four main pathways has been proposed:

A consolidated Employer Job Offer stream
A healthcare-focused pathway
An entrepreneur stream
A category for exceptional or high-impact talent

Further details on how these new pathways will function are expected but have not yet been released.

What This Means for Future Applicants

Ontario’s latest move highlights a dual trend—on one hand, the province continues to create pathways for international graduates, and on the other, it is tightening selection standards as competition grows.

For aspiring immigrants, this means that strong academic credentials alone may not be sufficient. Staying updated on policy changes and preparing a well-rounded profile will be essential as Ontario transitions into a new immigration framework.

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