Ontario Immigration - Opportunities Ontario Provincial Nominee Program

International Masters Graduate Stream

If you are a graduate or will soon be graduating from a Masters program from one of Ontario’s publicly funded universities, you may be able to apply to Opportunities Ontario for nomination as a permanent resident, under the International Student Category’s Masters Graduate Stream. Opportunities Ontario has a target of 1,000 nominations in 2012.

Ontario’s Masters Graduate students do not require a job offer.

Here is some information that will help you complete the application process:

Learn more

Do you have more questions? You will find an Application Guide for International Graduates (PhD and Masters) on this website. You can also visit our Questions and Answers section. The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration’s Welcome to Ontario guide also provides valuable information on living, learning and working in Ontario. This guide is available in English, French and 14 other languages.

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About using a representative

Applicants are not required to hire a representative. All applications are treated equally, regardless of whether or not they were prepared with the assistance of an authorized representative. Opportunities Ontario reserves the right to contact the employer or prospective nominee directly regarding the application, if the program considers this necessary.

If you do choose to use a representative, you must use an authorized representative. Opportunities Ontario follows Canadian government regulations requiring all paid immigration representatives to meet the definition of “authorized representative”. This means that Opportunities Ontario will only conduct business with paid immigration representatives who are the following:

Immigration consultants who are members in good standing, with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). (For program rules during the transition period, please visit the Program Updates page)
Lawyers who are licensees in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society and students-at-law under their supervision, and
Quebec notaries.

Can you provide a list of employers who are hiring for required occupations?

Opportunities Ontario does not maintain a list of eligible employers searching for employees. It is the responsibility of an Ontario employer to apply to Opportunities Ontario, and, if approved, recruit a qualified individual for the approved position. Learn more about the Ontario labour market and occupation classifications.
Can my family immigrate with me?

Accompanying ‘eligible’ family members of nominees may immigrate to Ontario once medical and security checks have been passed. Federal immigration law defines which family members can be included with a permanent resident application. Learn more about ‘eligible’ family members.
What happens to my application when the full quota has been reached?

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. When the program reaches its target, submitted applications will be assessed in the next calendar year. All applications received will be processed. The processing fee is non-refundable, but guarantees the processing of the application irrespective of the calendar year. You can stay up to date by checking what’s new with Opportunities Ontario.
My work permit is about to expire. What should I do?

Even if nominated by Opportunities Ontario, it is your responsibility to ensure you remain in proper status in Canada until you receive permanent resident status from the federal government. You should either renew, extend or apply for proper temporary resident status throughout your stay in the country. Learn more about work permits in Canada and how to apply.
Do you accept IELTS or TOEFL results as proof of English proficiency?

Only Master’s graduate students require a language proficiency test. Opportunities Ontario accepts only IELTS – General with an overall band score of 7 for English, or TEF with an overall band score of 5 for French, that has been obtained within 12 months of applying.
Can I change jobs or temporarily leave Canada after I submit my application?

Once you become a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. If you leave your current employer during either the nomination process or the permanent residence application process, your nomination and application can be denied by Opportunities Ontario. Prolonged absences from Ontario can also affect your eligibility for the program. You should keep Opportunities Ontario informed.
What documents are required to prove my residency in Ontario?

To prove your intention to settle in Ontario, you will need to demonstrate one year of physical residence in Ontario, in the past two years, and your presence in the province at the time of your application. You should provide credit card statements, leasing documents or bills and accounts with your name and Ontario address. See Page 12, Demonstrating Residence in Ontario.
As a student, does my overseas money count towards the funds requirement?

If the account is in your name, your overseas bank statements will be accepted in support of your nominee application. If you have received financial support from your parents or any family member, you will need to submit a letter of support, stating their ongoing financial support, original bank statements and account balance.
As an international student, my final semester is part-time. Is that okay?

To qualify for Opportunities Ontario, international students are expected to study on a full-time basis. You may be considered eligible for the program if you have proof that course offerings at your university compelled you to complete your final semester on a part-time basis. However, studying part-time by choice rather than by compulsion may affect your eligibility for the program.
How long will it take to process my nomination and permanent resident application?

Opportunities Ontario aims to process nominee and employer applications on a first-come first-served basis within 90 days, provided they are complete. Federal government application processing times vary across visa offices. More information is available at your respective visa office.