Maple News reports that on October 20, Ontario conducted new targeted draws through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing a total of 546 invitations to apply for permanent residence to candidates from three distinct immigration streams.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) selected candidates from its Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, the Masters Graduate stream, and the PhD Graduate stream. These streams cater to international talent seeking to settle and work in the province.
Among the total invitations, 479 were issued to international students applying under the Masters Graduate stream. This makes it the second-largest draw for this stream since Ontario transitioned to the EOI selection model. Candidates required a minimum EOI score of 35 to qualify. The PhD Graduate stream saw 63 invitations issued, with a lower score cutoff of 25.
Additionally, four invitations were extended to candidates who may qualify under the Foreign Worker stream through Ontario’s Economic Mobility Pathways Project. This project supports skilled refugees in migrating to Canada through economic pathways.
According to Maple News, the volume of Masters Graduate invitations is significantly higher than PhD Graduate invitations mainly due to the greater number of masters-level graduates each year in Ontario. Thousands earn master’s degrees annually, compared to only hundreds of PhD graduates, according to recent Statistics Canada data.
The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream supports skilled foreign nationals who have received a job offer from a Canadian employer based in Ontario. Eligible candidates should have at least two years of work experience in a skilled occupation and demonstrate their intention to reside in the province.
Ontario’s targeted draws are part of a broader effort to attract and retain highly educated and skilled professionals across key industries. With increasing demand for tech, healthcare, and academic expertise, Ontario continues to use its PNP program to welcome talent aligned with its economic goals.
For candidates seeking to immigrate to Ontario, participation in the EOI system and awareness of score thresholds by stream remain critical to securing an invitation.
Maple News will continue to monitor upcoming draws and provide updates on Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.