OINP Stream and Immigration to PR (STEM) - Researcher Possible Path

[phuongdong]

Hi everyone,


I graduated with a PhD from the University of Waterloo in Spring 2026 (STEM Fields) and am currently working as a postdoctoral fellow in Ontario (also from one of prestigious schools in Canada) on a valid PGWP.


I had planned to apply through the OINP PhD Graduate Stream, but unfortunately the stream closed about one month before my PhD defense in April 2026 (closed in June, my defense was at the end of April), so I was unable to apply.


I then looked into the new OINP Workforce Priority Stream, but my current postdoc position is fixed-term, so my university may not be able to support the employer job-offer requirement.


I have also considered Express Entry / CEC, but the CRS cut-offs have been quite high.


Has anyone in a similar situation found another suitable OINP or PR pathway, especially as a recent Ontario PhD graduate or postdoc?


Thanks for any advice or experience you can share.

 

[Naturgrl]

OINP is only possible for your employer to create a profile in the Employer Portal, and submit a full time, permanent job offer. Also university must be eligible.

So only other pathways are EE with Canadian and foreign work experience, or hope for a category draw for Canadian researchers with a year of experience in that NOC.

 

[phuongdong]

OINP is only possible for your employer to create a profile in the Employer Portal, and submit a full time, permanent job offer. Also university must be eligible.

So only other pathways are EE with Canadian and foreign work experience, or hope for a category draw for Canadian researchers with a year of experience in that NOC.

Is there any categorical draw for Canadian Researchers with a year of experience? I google that the category was introduced in February 2026 which is this year.

 

[Naturgrl]

Is there any categorical draw for Canadian Researchers with a year of experience? I google that the category was introduced in February 2026 which is this year.

There has not been a draw yet. Your CRS score will have to be high enough whenever they decide to do a draw.