Ontario issues 2,102 invitations in April 23 OINP draws
Ontario conducted a series of provincial immigration draws on April 23, 2026, issuing a total of 2,102 invitations to apply under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The invitations were distributed across 12 targeted rounds focused on regional labour needs.
The draws were held through three Employer Job Offer categories, covering foreign workers, international graduates, and individuals in in-demand occupations. Candidates required valid job offers and active status in Canada at the time of selection.
The results form part of Ontario’s ongoing use of targeted invitations to address workforce shortages across different parts of the province.
- 2,102 invitations issued across 12 draws on April 23, 2026
- Draws covered Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams
- Selections targeted four regional areas outside the Greater Toronto Area
- Applicants required valid work or study permits in Canada
- Profiles had to be created between July 2, 2025, and April 21, 2026
- Southwestern Ontario received the highest number of invitations
Regional immigration draws across Ontario
The invitations were allocated across four defined regions: Eastern Ontario, Northern Ontario, Southwestern Ontario, and Central Ontario excluding the Greater Toronto Area. Each area received a distinct number of invitations based on local labour demand.
Southwestern Ontario accounted for the largest share, with 797 invitations issued across all three streams. Northern Ontario recorded the smallest share, receiving 303 invitations in total.
These regional draws are designed to support employers outside major urban centres, reflecting ongoing efforts to distribute immigration more evenly across the province.
Breakdown by Employer Job Offer streams
Foreign Worker stream
Under the Foreign Worker stream, invitations were issued to candidates with employer job offers in skilled occupations. Minimum score thresholds differed significantly depending on the region.
Eastern Ontario required a score of 318 for 63 invitations, while Northern Ontario issued 60 invitations with a minimum score of 57. Southwestern Ontario and Central Ontario each issued 60 invitations, with minimum scores of 194 and 128 respectively.
The occupations selected varied widely, reflecting region-specific labour shortages and employer demand.
International Student stream
The International Student stream recorded higher invitation volumes across all regions. A total of 173 invitations were issued in each of Eastern, Southwestern, and Central Ontario, while Northern Ontario issued 167.
Minimum scores ranged from 84 to 87 across the regions. This stream included a broader range of eligible occupations, including roles in healthcare, trades, social services, and administration.
The expanded occupational scope aligns with the transition of international graduates into the provincial labour market.
In-Demand Skills stream
All regions participating in the In-Demand Skills stream applied a minimum score of 34. Invitation numbers varied notably across the province.
Southwestern Ontario issued 430 invitations, the highest among all regions in this stream. Central Ontario issued 162, Northern Ontario 79, and Eastern Ontario 48 invitations.
Eligible occupations differed by region under this stream, focusing on sectors facing persistent workforce shortages.
Eligibility and application timelines
Only candidates who had created profiles between July 2, 2025, and April 21, 2026, were eligible for consideration in these draws. Candidates were also required to confirm that they were residing in Canada with valid temporary status.
Invited candidates must submit a complete application through the OINP e-Filing system within 17 calendar days. Employers supporting these applications are required to complete their portion within 14 days.
Successful nominees can proceed to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada after receiving a provincial nomination.
Context: April draw activity and program changes
The April 23 draws represent the fifth round of invitations conducted by Ontario during the month. Earlier rounds were held on April 1, April 8, April 15, and April 22.
This increased draw activity comes ahead of planned legislative changes affecting the provincial immigration system. Amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act are scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2026.
Under these changes, the current categories used in these draws, including the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams, are set to be discontinued.
Planned restructuring of Ontario’s immigration streams
Ontario has indicated that it intends to replace the existing structure with a revised Employer Job Offer system alongside three new immigration pathways. Details on implementation timelines and transition measures have not been finalized.
The upcoming changes are expected to alter how candidates are selected and how employers engage with the provincial program. Further information is anticipated as the implementation date approaches.
The April 23 results provide one of the final snapshots of the current system before these legislative updates take effect.
Ongoing relevance for provincial immigration
The OINP continues to play a central role in addressing labour shortages across Ontario, particularly outside the Greater Toronto Area. Regional targeting remains a key feature of the program’s selection approach.
Recent draw results, combined with pending structural reforms, highlight a period of transition in Ontario’s immigration framework.
Further updates on provincial nominee programs and immigration developments across Canada are expected in the coming weeks.