PNP
Ontario PNP Draws: 1,443 PR Invitations Issued to International Students and Graduates
Ontario has once again demonstrated its commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). On September 17, 2024, Ontario conducted two new PNP draws, resulting in 1,443 invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency (PR) under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Masters and PhD Graduate Streams.
Key Highlights of the Ontario PNP Draws – September 17, 2024
In the first draw, Ontario issued 1,249 invitations to candidates through the Master’s Graduate Stream. The minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score required for this draw was 53, which marked a slight decrease from the previous draw in July 2024, where the cut-off was 54.
The second draw targeted PhD graduates, issuing 194 invitations to candidates with an EOI score of 45 or higher. This score was significantly lower than the previous draw in July 2024, which had a cut-off of 50.
For international students who have completed their master’s degrees in Ontario, the OINP Masters Graduate Stream remains an attractive option. With the Express Entry system’s high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, the Ontario PNP offers a viable alternative for those looking to gain permanent residency without needing a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Breakdown of OINP Invitations
Here’s a summary of the draws:
Masters Graduate Stream: 1,249 invitations (EOI score: 53 or higher)
PhD Graduate Stream: 194 invitations (EOI score: 45 or higher)
Ontario PNP Overview for 2024
As of now, Ontario has issued a total of 20,296 invitations for permanent residency through its Expression of Interest system in 2024. Below is a breakdown by stream:
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream – 4,967 invitations
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream – 8,363 invitations
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream – 914 invitations
Masters Graduate Stream – 5,519 invitations
PhD Graduate Stream – 533 invitations
Why Ontario Is a Top Choice for International Students
Ontario continues to be a prime destination for international students seeking permanent residency in Canada. Here’s why:
World-Class Education: Ontario is home to prestigious universities like the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University, providing a wide range of academic programs.
Multicultural Environment: The province boasts a rich cultural landscape, offering international students a vibrant experience in cities like Toronto and Ottawa.
Strong Job Market: As Canada’s economic hub, Ontario provides ample job opportunities for international graduates, making it easier to transition from student life to permanent residency.
Pathways to PR: The OINP offers several streams for international students to apply for permanent residency after graduation.
Ontario’s latest PNP draws underscore its dedication to providing skilled students and graduates with a clear path to permanent residency, making it an ideal destination for those looking to build a future in Canada.
