Ontario expands EOI system to include Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams

Ontario graduates with job offers in the province can now register for a chance to get a provincial nomination through two more immigration programs.

The Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams are the final addition to Ontario's new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. The other three programs that use the EOI system include: In-Demand Skills, International Student, and Foreign Worker.

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Now that they are a part of the EOI system, Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate candidates can register for Ontario immigration at any time. Through the EOI system, Ontario ranks candidates’ profiles based on a scoring matrix. Candidates get points for education, work experience, and intended destination in Ontario, among other factors. The purpose of ranking candidates in such a way, is to identify which ones have the skills and experience to succeed in Ontario’s labour market.

Registering for the EOI system does not guarantee that candidates will be invited to apply for a provincial nomination. Profiles are valid in Ontario’s EOI pool for 12 months. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) may contact registrants at any time to apply for a nomination.

What does this mean for future Ontario immigrants?

If you want to eventually apply for immigration through one of Ontario’s base Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), you can now register an EOI profile at any time. Before, you could only register when the OINP opened its online portal.

After you register, your profile will be entered into a selection pool, and given a score based on your answers. Ontario will then invite candidates to apply for a provincial nomination.

An EOI registration does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply. The OINP will notify you or your representative if you have been invited.

Your EOI registration is valid for up to 12 months or until you receive an invitation. You may also choose to withdraw your registration. After 12 months, your EOI will be deleted automatically.

It is free to register, but if you are invited to apply you will have to submit fees along with your application.

Receiving an invitation does not mean you get the provincial nomination. You will have to meet all the eligibility requirements of the stream you are applying for at that time.

How do I register an Expression of Interest?

The first step is to create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal. Then read the applicant requirements for your stream to ensure that you are eligible. After that you can register an expression of interest for one or more streams. You can only register one EOI profile at any given time.

The information you provide must be accurate at the time you register. You can update your profile at any time to keep the information current.

Discover if You’re Eligible for Canadian Immigration