Ontario has issued 918 invitations for permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, focusing on international graduates who completed master’s or PhD programs at eligible universities in the province.
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April 22, 2026 OINP Draw Overview
The latest draw was divided between two education-based streams:
- Masters Graduate stream: 674 invitations
- PhD Graduate stream: 244 invitations
This marks the second round of invitations under these streams in 2026, following their reactivation on March 18 after remaining inactive throughout 2025.
To qualify, candidates must currently be living in Canada and hold a valid work or study permit.
Key Draw Details
| Detail | Masters Graduate | PhD Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Invitations Issued | 674 | 244 |
| Minimum EOI Score | 61 | 56 |
| Profile Window | Apr 22, 2025 – Apr 20, 2026 | Apr 22, 2025 – Apr 20, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 14 days | 14 days |
| File Prefix | NMAS | NPHD |
Stream Breakdown
The Masters Graduate stream received the majority of invitations, consistent with previous trends. Its minimum score of 61 matches the cutoff from the March 18 draw.
The PhD Graduate stream issued fewer invitations but had a lower cutoff score of 56, reflecting a smaller pool of candidates and Ontario’s emphasis on advanced research qualifications.
Neither stream is aligned with Express Entry. Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination through OINP and can then apply for permanent residence via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, either through Express Entry (if eligible) or the non-Express Entry pathway.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this draw, candidates must:
- Be physically present in Canada
- Hold a valid work or study permit
- Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile created between April 22, 2025, and April 20, 2026
- Meet all stream-specific criteria
- Have completed a qualifying program at an eligible Ontario institution
What Invited Candidates Should Do
Applicants must act quickly due to the strict 14-day deadline:
- Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal and locate the new file number (NMAS or NPHD)
- Verify eligibility requirements for the selected stream
- Gather all required documents
- Submit the application and fees within 14 days
Note: The new application file number is different from the original EOI number, which will appear inactive after receiving an invitation.
Why This Draw Is Important
These streams were inactive throughout 2025, leaving many graduates without a clear pathway to permanent residence. Their return in 2026 offers renewed opportunities, especially for candidates without competitive Express Entry scores.
However, major changes are on the horizon. Ontario has announced that nine existing selection categories may be removed as part of a program redesign expected by May 30, 2026. This could potentially eliminate the Masters and PhD Graduate streams.
With rising CRS cutoffs in Express Entry draws, these education-based streams remain one of the most accessible options for international graduates who do not require a job offer.
April 2026 OINP Activity
With this draw, Ontario has issued more than 5,800 invitations so far in April 2026. Previous draws this month targeted sectors such as mining, healthcare, regional development, and in-demand skills.
This surge suggests Ontario is accelerating nominations to fully utilize its annual allocation of 14,119 spots.
Key Takeaways
- 918 invitations issued on April 22, 2026
- 674 under Masters Graduate; 244 under PhD Graduate
- Minimum scores: 61 (Masters), 56 (PhD)
- Candidates must be in Canada with valid status
- 14-day deadline to apply
- Streams may be discontinued after May 30, 2026
Final Insight
Ontario is moving quickly to issue nominations before the upcoming program overhaul. For international graduates, the Masters and PhD Graduate streams currently offer a direct pathway to permanent residence without needing employer sponsorship, but that opportunity may soon close.
Candidates who receive invitations now should act immediately, while those still in the pool should keep their profiles updated and be ready for potential final draws in the coming weeks.
