Immigration to Ontario for PhD graduates

If you studied at a university in Ontario and have a PhD, you can immigrate through the PhD Graduate stream.

The PhD Graduate stream of Ontario’s provincial program provides immigration opportunities for international students with a doctoral degree earned in Ontario. Candidates are not required to have a job offer.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the PhD Graduate stream, you must meet the following requirements:

get a PhD from a university in Ontario in a program that lasts at least 2 years;
have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months within the last 24 months prior to application;
demonstrate the ability to support yourself and your family members (see below).

Candidates must apply for this stream within two years of receiving their PhD.

Settlement funds

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family. This requirement is waived if you have a Canadian work permit and a job offer.

Number of family members	Required amount in Canadian dollars
1	$13,310
2	$16,570
3	$20,371
4	$24,733
5	$28,052
6	$31,638
7	$34,224
Each additional family member	$3,586

Candidate evaluation

Ontario evaluates candidates using the provincial Expression of Interest system. Points are awarded as follows:

Criterion	Points
WORK EXPERIENCE IN CANADA
Duration
From 12 months	4
Less than 12 months	0
NOC skill level
The experience was at level A	3
The experience was at level B, C, or D	0
Earnings history
Earnings from $40,000 CAD per year	3
Earning less than $40,000 CAD per year	0
EDUCATION
Field
Engineering or health care	10
Mathematics and computer science	9
Business and administration or Trade	7
Sociological, legal, or pedagogical education	6
Arts and humanities	5
Study experiences in Canada
More than one completed education in Canada	10
One completed education in Canada	5
LANGUAGE ABILITY
CLB language level
Level 9 or higher	10
Level 8	6
Level 7	4
Level 6 or lower	0
Knowledge of official languages
Proficiency in two languages (English and French)	10
Proficiency in one language	5
REGIONAL IMMIGRATION
Location of educational institution where education was received
Outside Toronto	10
Within Toronto	6
LABOUR MARKET PRIORITIES
This criterion is designed to meet the current labour market needs of the province or its particular area. Ontario's immigration program determines the needs. At the time the candidate applies, there may be priority occupations identified, but there may not be any.
The candidate's profession is in demand in the labour market (if there is currently a demand)	10