Ontario OINP Draw April 22, 2026: 918 PR Invitations Issued to Masters and PhD Graduates
Ontario has conducted a new immigration draw on April 22, 2026, under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), issuing a total of 918 invitations for permanent residence. This draw specifically targeted international graduates who have completed Master’s and PhD degrees from eligible universities in Ontario.
This latest Ontario PNP draw is important for students and temporary residents in Canada who are looking for a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency without requiring a job offer.
OINP Draw April 22, 2026 – Key Highlights
In this draw, Ontario invited candidates under two education-based streams:
• Masters Graduate Stream: 674 invitations issued
• PhD Graduate Stream: 244 invitations issued
Minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) scores:
• Masters Graduate: 61
• PhD Graduate: 56
Profile eligibility window:
• Profiles created between April 22, 2025, and April 20, 2026
Application deadline:
• Candidates must submit their application within 14 calendar days
What This OINP Draw Means for International Students
This draw is a major opportunity for international students in Canada, especially those studying in Ontario. The Masters and PhD Graduate streams are among the few immigration pathways that do not require:
• A job offer
• Employer sponsorship
• LMIA approval
This makes it one of the most accessible routes to permanent residence in Canada for graduates.
Eligibility Requirements for OINP Masters and PhD Streams
To qualify for this Ontario PNP draw, candidates must meet the following conditions:
• Must be currently living in Canada
• Must hold a valid work permit or study permit
• Must have an active OINP Expression of Interest profile
• Must have graduated from an eligible Ontario university
• Must meet all stream-specific requirements
It is important to note that candidates outside Canada are not eligible for these streams.
What to Do After Receiving an OINP Invitation
If you have received an invitation in this draw, immediate action is required. The 14-day deadline is strict and cannot be extended.
Steps to follow:
1. Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal
2. Check your file number (NMAS for Masters, NPHD for PhD)
3. Review eligibility requirements carefully
4. Prepare all required documents
5. Submit your complete application and pay the required fees
Delays or incomplete applications may lead to rejection.
Why This Draw Is Important in 2026
This draw is especially significant because:
• The Masters and PhD streams were inactive throughout 2025
• They were only reintroduced in March 2026
• Ontario is now actively issuing invitations again
However, there is a major upcoming change. The Ontario government has announced a program redesign that will take effect on May 30, 2026. Under this new system:
• Existing OINP categories may be removed
• Current streams, including Masters and PhD Graduate streams, could be eliminated
This means the current draws may be among the final opportunities under the existing rules.
Total OINP Invitations in April 2026
Ontario has been very active in April 2026. With this draw, the total number of invitations issued this month has reached over 5,800.
Recent draws include:
• April 1: Mining sector
• April 8: Healthcare and regional occupations
• April 15: In-demand skills
• April 22: Masters and PhD graduates
This shows a strong push by Ontario to use its full nomination quota for 2026.
OINP vs Express Entry: Why This Pathway Matters
With Express Entry CRS scores increasing above 500 in recent draws, many candidates are finding it difficult to qualify.
The OINP Masters and PhD streams provide an alternative pathway because:
• No CRS score requirement
• No job offer required
• Direct provincial nomination opportunity
After receiving an OINP nomination, candidates can apply for permanent residence through the non-Express Entry PNP pathway.
Processing times are usually between 12 to 18 months.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s latest OINP draw confirms that 2026 is a crucial year for immigration candidates in Canada. With program changes coming soon, candidates who receive invitations now are in a strong position to secure permanent residence under the current system.
If you are an international student or temporary resident in Ontario, this is the time to stay prepared, keep your profile updated, and act quickly when opportunities arise.
