Ontario PNP Draw: 468 Invited for Jobs in Key Regions
Ontario PNP Holds 5 Targeted Draws, Issues 468 Invitations Under Employer Job Offer Streams
On August 28, 2025, Ontario conducted a series of five targeted draws under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), bringing exciting news for foreign workers and international students with job offers in the province. A total of 468 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
This round of invitations focused on candidates with job offers in specific Ontario regions, including Northern Ontario communities and those eligible under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot. The draws targeted candidates in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams.
Key Highlights
- Five OINP draws were held on August 28, 2025, issuing 468 invitations in total.
- Candidates needed a valid job offer in Northern Ontario or REDI-designated communities.
- Streams included Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills.
- New EOI system now requires employers to initiate the application process.
- Draws targeted specific NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes based on Ontario’s labour market needs.
- REDI pilot offers a limited-time pathway to permanent residency for candidates in smaller Ontario communities.
What Happened in the August 28 OINP Draws?
The draws were part of Ontario’s ongoing effort to fill labour shortages in specific regions by inviting skilled foreign nationals to settle and work in the province. Invitations were issued to candidates who had registered a profile in the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system between July 2 and August 28, 2025.
Let’s break down the results by category and location.
Northern Ontario Draw Results
Ontario issued targeted invitations to candidates already residing in Canada who had job offers in Northern Ontario. This area includes communities such as Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Kenora, and more.
| Stream | Minimum Score | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 53 | 94 |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 66 | 236 |
To qualify, candidates needed to meet or exceed the minimum score for their stream and have a job offer in one of the eligible NOC codes. The list included occupations in healthcare, engineering, skilled trades, IT, and education, among many others. This targeted approach reflects the province’s commitment to supporting economic growth in under-served regions.
REDI Pilot Draw Results
The REDI pilot is a one-year initiative (ending December 31, 2025) designed to attract skilled workers to smaller communities like Lambton, Lanark, and Leeds and Grenville. On August 28, a total of 138 candidates received invitations through this pilot program.
| Draw Type | Minimum Score | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker Stream | 45 | 94 |
| International Student Stream | 68 | 56 |
| In-Demand Skills Stream | 34 | 25 |
To be eligible under REDI, candidates needed a job offer in one of the designated communities and had to meet the minimum score for their stream. The targeted occupations ranged from skilled trades and healthcare to logistics and early childhood education.
What Is the New EOI System in Ontario?
As of July 2, 2025, Ontario introduced a revamped Expression of Interest (EOI) system for its Employer Job Offer streams. This change marked a significant shift from an applicant-led to an employer-led model.
Now, employers must first register the job offer through Ontario’s Employer Portal. Only after this step can candidates be entered into the draw system. This approach ensures that job offers are verified and aligned with Ontario’s labour market needs before invitations are issued.
If you submitted an EOI before July 2, 2025, and haven’t heard back, you’ll need to work with your employer to re-submit it under the new system.
Why This Matters for Future Candidates
Ontario’s targeted draws are a golden opportunity for candidates with valid job offers in key sectors and regions. These programs not only help fill critical labour shortages across the province but also provide a reliable pathway to Canadian permanent residency through a Provincial Nominee Program.
Whether you’re a recent international grad, a skilled tradesperson, or a healthcare professional, having a job offer in the right region and NOC code could be your ticket to settling in Ontario for good.
Looking Beyond Ontario?
If you’re considering other PNP options, provinces like Manitoba also offer strong nominee programs tailored to regional needs. Exploring multiple PNP streams can boost your chances of a successful application.
Final Thoughts
This latest round of OINP draws highlights Ontario’s strategic approach to immigration—targeting specific communities and occupations that need support. If you’ve got a job offer in Northern Ontario or a REDI-designated area, now’s the time to act. With the new EOI system in place and targeted draws happening regularly, your pathway to permanent residence may be closer than you think.
Ready to explore your PNP options? Make sure your profile is up to date and your job offer meets current requirements. If you’re unsure where to start or want to check your eligibility for these streams, we’ve got you covered.
