Ontario is making it easier for international students graduating from Master’s degree programs in the province to become permanent residents, while retaining knowledge here in Ontario.

Through the Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program the province can attract and retain highly-skilled international students and workers to help Ontario’s businesses compete in the global economy.

The province is expanding the program to allow international students graduating from Master’s programs to apply for permanent residence without a job offer.  This change will help make Ontario the destination of choice for the best and brightest international students. 

As part of the Open Ontario Plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth, the province is increasing the number of international students by 50 per cent while maintaining spaces for Ontario students.

• There are 4,602 international students studying for their Master’s degrees in Ontario.
• Ontario universities with the highest population of international students studying for their Master’s degrees are: University of Toronto; University of Waterloo; University of Western Ontario; University of Ottawa; Queen’s University; York University.
• The Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program was established in 2007.
• Since April, international graduates from PhD programs at eligible Ontario universities have been able to apply for permanent residence without a job offer through the program.

• Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program
• About Opportunities Ontario
• About Studying in Ontario