Exciting news! The Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2026 issued 674 ITAs. Also, BC invites high-earners and Saskatchewan launches the new EPA process.

Big Wins: Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2026 and Saskatchewan’s New EPA System

As of April 23, 2026, provincial immigration pathways are becoming more specialized and time-sensitive. While Ontario continues to reward high-level academic achievement, Saskatchewan is overhauling its employer-driven process to ensure faster, more structured labor market integration.

Ontario: Masters and PhD Graduate Streams See Surge in Scores

On April 22, 2026, the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2026 and the PhD Graduate stream held significant invitation rounds, signaling a highly competitive pool for advanced degree holders.

Draw Highlights:

• Masters Graduate Stream: 674 ITAs issued with a minimum score of 61 points (a 31-point jump from the previous draw).

• PhD Graduate Stream: 244 ITAs issued with a minimum score of 56 points.

• Selection Window: Profiles created between April 22, 2025, and April 20, 2026, were considered.

• 2026 Total: Ontario has now invited 10,428 candidates through the OINP this year.

British Columbia: High-Impact Skills Immigration Draw

The Government of British Columbia conducted its third Skills Immigration draw of the year, targeting candidates with exceptional economic potential.

The BCPNP Selection:

• Total Invitations: 484 skilled candidates.

• The High-Earner Bracket: 252 invitations went to NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 professionals earning at least $62 per hour ($125,000/year).

• The Points Bracket: 232 invitations were issued to those achieving a minimum of 138 points.

• Annual Progress: BC has invited 1,424 candidates so far in 2026.

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Saskatchewan: New EPA Process Replaces Job Approval Form

Effective April 23, 2026, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has introduced the Employer Position Assessment (EPA), replacing the old JAF.

Critical New Rules:

• Strict Validation: Once an EPA is approved, the applicant must validate their info within 10 days, or the approval is cancelled.

• Validity: Approved EPAs are valid for 60 days.

• Sector Differences: Capped sectors are limited to specific intake windows and one candidate per EPA, while non-capped sectors allow multiple candidates.

• Preparation: Incomplete applications are no longer accepted, making attention to detail a top priority for employers.

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Economic Insights: Immigrant Entry Earnings Volatility

A new Statistics Canada study highlights how shifts in immigration pathways affect initial salaries.

• The Decline: The 2022 cohort saw a 13% decline in entry earnings, primarily due to fewer “two-step” immigrants (those who transition from work permits to PR).

• The Trend: Despite short-term fluctuations, the underlying data shows steady growth in the economic integration of newcomers when adjusted for sociodemographic factors.

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Why Choose Go Canada Services?

Go Canada Services (est. 2004) provides the precision needed for the new 10-day validation rules and high-score draws.

• OINP Masters & PhD Services: Optimize your EOI profile to reach the 61-point threshold in the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2026.

• Saskatchewan EPA Management: Professional coordination between employers and applicants to meet the strict 10-day SINP validation deadline.

• High-Earner Work Permits: Tailored strategies for BC’s $62/hour specialized category.

• Free Immigration Assessment: Evaluate your 2026 points for BC, Ontario, or Saskatchewan.

• Contact Our Experts: Ensure your application is 100% complete to avoid the new SINP “no margin for error” policy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What was the minimum score for the Ontario Masters Graduate Stream 2026? The score for the April 22 draw was 61 points, which is a significant increase from previous rounds.

2. What happens if I miss the 10-day validation for my SINP EPA? The approval will be automatically cancelled, and the employer may have to restart the entire process.

3. Does BC require a specific salary for its Skills Immigration draw? In the latest specialized draw, one category required a minimum wage of $62 per hour and a yearly salary of $125,000.

4. How long is a Saskatchewan EPA valid for? Once approved, the EPA remains valid for 60 days.

5. Why did immigrant entry earnings drop in 2022? According to Statistics Canada, the drop was largely due to a decrease in the number of “two-step” immigrants who usually earn higher starting salaries.