Ontario makes it easier for foreign students to become permanent residents of Canada

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.

QUOTES

"These changes will help Ontario attract the best and brightest international students, and help us compete in the new knowledge-based economy. Our newcomers bring with them talent, expertise, and wisdom. Helping them put their skills to work is an economic imperative for a more prosperous and Open Ontario."

– Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

"To thrive in a global economy, we need to attract top minds from around the world – and the Provincial Nominee Program will help make Ontario the destination of choice for international students. These students are a vital asset and we want to help them put their outstanding knowledge, skills and experience to work in Ontario."

– John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities

"I am very grateful to the Provincial Nominee Program. The door that has been opened for me will lead me to a whole new world. I will do my best to contribute to Ontario and Canada."

– Yikai Zhang, Master’s Graduate Stream Nominee, Provincial Nominee Program

QUICK FACTS

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.