Ontario issues 1,112 invitations in March 25 OINP draws
Ontario conducted a series of targeted immigration draws on March 25, 2026, issuing 1,112 invitations to apply under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The invitations were distributed across multiple regions and focused on candidates with job offers in specific occupations.
The draws were held under employer-driven pathways, including the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams. Only candidates already residing in Canada with valid work or study permits were considered.
The latest round represents the fourth set of invitations issued by Ontario in 2026, reflecting ongoing provincial selection activity aligned with labour market needs.
- 1,112 invitations issued across five targeted draws
- Selections covered five Ontario regions, including the GTA and Northern Ontario
- Employer Job Offer streams were used for all invitations
- Candidates required valid permits and Canadian residency
- Technology, healthcare, and skilled trades roles were widely targeted
Overview of the March 25 OINP draws
The March 25 invitation rounds were conducted across five geographic areas: the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario excluding the GTA, Eastern Ontario, and Northern Ontario. Each region had separate selection criteria and allocation targets.
The largest number of invitations was issued to candidates with job offers in the GTA, while Northern Ontario received the fewest. The distribution reflects regional labour demands and population differences.
Invitations were issued through three employer job offer streams. These included the Foreign Worker stream, International Student stream, and In-Demand Skills stream, with varying minimum score thresholds depending on the region.
Regional distribution of invitations
The Greater Toronto Area accounted for 431 invitations, making it the most active region in this round. Southwestern Ontario followed with 251 invitations.
Central Ontario (excluding the GTA) received 199 invitations, while Eastern Ontario had 174. Northern Ontario recorded the lowest number, with 57 invitations issued.
Score requirements differed across streams and regions. For example, minimum scores for foreign workers ranged from the low 50s to low 60s, while international student thresholds were generally higher.
Use of the In-Demand Skills stream
The In-Demand Skills stream was applied in selected regions only, specifically Central and Eastern Ontario. Invitations under this stream targeted a single occupation category.
Candidates working as home support workers and related roles under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 44101 were eligible. Minimum scores for this stream were significantly lower compared to other streams.
Eligibility criteria and profile requirements
To qualify for consideration, candidates were required to have submitted an online expression of interest profile within a defined timeframe. Only profiles created between July 2, 2025, and March 23, 2026, were included in these draws.
Each profile also needed to be supported by a qualifying job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. Candidates had to confirm that they were residing in Canada with valid temporary status at the time of selection.
The employer plays a formal role in the process, including the submission of documentation supporting the job offer. This requirement applies across all Employer Job Offer streams.
Occupations targeted in the draws
The March 25 draws focused on a wide range of occupations identified through the National Occupational Classification system. These occupations varied by region but showed common trends across key sectors.
In the GTA, selections were concentrated in technology and healthcare roles. Positions such as software engineers, web developers, and registered nurses were prominently included.
Outside the GTA, the scope widened to include administrative roles, healthcare support occupations, and trades. Examples include administrative officers, physiotherapists, licensed practical nurses, and construction supervisors.
The inclusion of multiple sectors indicates a regional approach to labour shortages, with different areas prioritizing distinct occupational categories.
Application timelines and process
Following an invitation, both the employer and the candidate must complete required steps within set deadlines. Employers are required to submit an application for approval of the job position within 14 calendar days.
Candidates must submit their complete application to the OINP within 17 calendar days of receiving the invitation. Applications are assessed based on program criteria and supporting documentation.
If approved, the candidate receives a provincial nomination certificate. This nomination can then be used to apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
Context within Canada’s provincial nominee programs
Ontario’s program operates as part of Canada’s broader Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) system. Each province and territory manages its own streams to address regional economic needs.
Other provinces, including Manitoba, also conduct targeted draws through similar frameworks. Additional information on provincial selection systems is available through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
Provincial nominations remain a key pathway to permanent residence, complementing federal immigration programs.
Upcoming changes to Ontario’s immigration framework
The March 25 draws took place ahead of planned legislative changes to Ontario’s immigration system. Amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act are scheduled to come into effect on May 30, 2026.
These changes will remove the current Employer Job Offer categories, including the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams used in this round.
The province has proposed a new structure that includes a consolidated employer job offer stream with two pathways based on skill level. Additional planned streams include a healthcare-focused category, an entrepreneur pathway, and a stream for exceptional talent.
Details on the implementation timeline and transition arrangements for existing candidates have not yet been confirmed.
Ongoing provincial selection activity
This latest round follows earlier OINP draws held on February 2, February 18, and March 18, 2026. The continued frequency of draws highlights ongoing provincial engagement in selecting candidates aligned with labour market requirements.
Provincial immigration programs remain subject to periodic updates and adjustments, with further announcements expected as Ontario finalizes its revised framework.
Additional coverage of Canadian immigration developments and provincial nominee programs is available through ongoing reporting and official updates.