Ontario issues over 1,300 invitations in OINP draw
Ontario conducted two new immigration draws on April 15, issuing more than 1,300 invitations to candidates with job offers in key sectors. The selections were made under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and focused on occupations identified as in demand across the province.
The invitations were issued through the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, which targets workers in specific sectors facing labour shortages. This marks the third round of invitations held by Ontario in April.
The results reflect continued provincial efforts to address workforce gaps through targeted immigration selection rounds. Candidates already living in Canada with valid temporary status were included in the selection pool.
- A total of 1,334 invitations were issued in two draws
- Selections took place on April 15, 2026
- Candidates were invited through the In-Demand Skills stream
- About 77% of invitations went to non-agriculture occupations
- Profiles had to be submitted between July 2025 and April 13, 2026
- Applicants were required to reside in Canada with valid permits
Details of the April 15 selection rounds
The April 15 draws were divided into two categories based on occupation type. One draw targeted agriculture-related roles, while the other focused on a broader set of priority occupations identified by the province.
In the agriculture-focused round, 315 invitations were issued to candidates with a minimum score of 35. These applications were limited to a small group of occupations connected to farming, food processing, and livestock operations.
The second and larger draw issued 1,024 invitations to candidates in other high-demand occupations. This category required a minimum score of 36 and accounted for the majority of invitations issued in this round.
Combined figures published by the province indicate a total of 1,339 invitations across both draws. This differs slightly from the reported total of 1,334, reflecting a minor discrepancy in official reporting.
Occupations included in the draws
A total of 39 occupations were included across both draws under the In-Demand Skills stream. These were identified using Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
The agriculture category covered six occupations, including roles such as livestock workers, greenhouse labourers, and food processing operators. These positions are typically linked to primary agriculture and agri-food production.
The remaining 33 occupations fell under the broader priority category. These included roles in manufacturing, construction support, transportation, and industrial processing.
Examples of selected occupations include construction trades helpers, material handlers, production workers, and mechanical assemblers. Positions in home support services and public works were also part of the targeted occupations.
Eligibility and candidate requirements
To be considered in these draws, candidates needed a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible occupation. The employer must register the position through the province’s employer portal before a candidate can enter the selection pool.
Candidates were required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) after receiving a job offer identifier from their employer. EOIs remain active in the system for up to 12 months.
For this round, eligible profiles had to be created between July 2, 2025, and April 13, 2026. Candidates also needed to be living in Canada at the time of selection with valid work or study permits.
There is no fee to submit an Expression of Interest under this stream. Selection is based on a points-based system that ranks candidates within the pool.
Post-invitation process
Following an invitation, both the employer and candidate must complete further steps within defined timelines. Employers are required to submit documentation supporting the job offer within 14 days.
Candidates must submit their full application for provincial nomination within 17 days of receiving an invitation. Applications are submitted through the OINP e-Filing system.
Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination, which allows them to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Program structure and upcoming changes
The Employer Job Offer category currently includes three streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills. Each stream targets different groups of candidates based on work experience and education background.
Ontario has previously indicated plans to restructure these streams. A program update expected later in May 2026 may consolidate existing pathways into a single framework.
Details regarding how current applicants or candidates in the selection pool will be affected have not yet been released. The province has not outlined transition measures for those already participating in the program.
Role within Canada’s provincial nomination system
The OINP is part of Canada’s broader Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to select immigrants who meet local labour market needs. Each province operates its own streams and selection criteria.
Other provinces, including Manitoba, also conduct targeted draws to address workforce shortages. Manitoba operates its own selection system, and tools such as the MPNP points calculator are used to assess eligibility within its ranking system.
Ontario remains one of the largest recipients of provincial nominations, reflecting its population size and economic demand.
Context of recent OINP activity
The April 15 draws represent the third round of invitations conducted by Ontario in April 2026. The province has increased the frequency of targeted draws in recent months.
Recent selections have focused on specific occupational groups rather than broad intake rounds. This approach aligns with efforts to match immigration intake with sector-specific labour shortages.
Agriculture, manufacturing, and construction-related roles continue to be among the most frequently targeted categories under the In-Demand Skills stream.
Ontario’s nomination allocations are set annually by the federal government. The number of invitations issued throughout the year depends on these limits as well as provincial labour market priorities.
Ongoing developments
Further draws are expected as part of Ontario’s ongoing use of targeted immigration selection. The province continues to adjust its intake in response to employer demand and economic conditions.
Updates on program changes and additional draws are typically published through official provincial channels. Coverage of provincial immigration developments remains available through ongoing reporting on Canadian immigration programs.