Ontario issues 759 invitations in targeted OINP draw
Ontario conducted a targeted immigration draw on April 1, 2026, issuing 759 invitations to apply under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The round focused on candidates with job offers in construction and mining-related occupations, marking a notable expansion of sector-specific selection in the province.
Invitations were distributed across three Employer Job Offer streams, with eligibility limited to individuals already residing in Canada on valid work or study permits.
- Ontario issued 759 invitations on April 1, 2026
- Draw targeted construction and mining sector occupations
- Three streams included: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills
- Foreign Worker stream received the largest share of invitations
- This was the first OINP draw to include mining occupations
Overview of the April 1 OINP draw
The April 1 draw represented Ontario’s fifth invitation round in 2026, following earlier selections held in February and March.
All selected candidates were required to have profiles submitted within a defined intake window and to hold a qualifying job offer from an employer in the province.
The draw prioritized applicants in industries tied to infrastructure development and natural resource extraction, reflecting labour market needs in these sectors.
Distribution across immigration streams
Invitations were issued through three Employer Job Offer categories, each with different score thresholds and occupational criteria.
The Foreign Worker stream accounted for 372 invitations, with a minimum score of 56 and eligibility covering 14 occupations.
The International Student stream issued 355 invitations, requiring a higher minimum score of 85 across 15 eligible occupations.
A smaller number of invitations, 32 in total, were issued through the In-Demand Skills stream, with a minimum score of 34 and a single targeted occupation.
Eligibility criteria and profile timelines
To be considered in this round, candidates needed to have submitted an Expression of Interest profile between July 2, 2025, and March 30, 2026.
Profiles also had to reflect a valid job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in one of the designated occupations.
Only individuals physically present in Canada with valid temporary status were eligible for selection in this targeted draw.
Occupations included in the draw
The targeted occupations spanned engineering, skilled trades, and technical roles linked to construction and mining.
Examples of selected roles included mining engineers, geological engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, and industrial mechanics.
Trades positions such as welders and heavy-duty equipment mechanics were also included, along with supervisory and technical roles in manufacturing and maintenance.
There was considerable overlap between the Foreign Worker and International Student streams, although certain roles were unique to each.
For instance, industrial electricians and heavy equipment operators were included under the International Student stream but not under the Foreign Worker category.
The In-Demand Skills stream focused solely on electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers.
First draw to target mining sector occupations
This round marked the first instance in which Ontario specifically selected candidates from the mining sector through the OINP.
Previous targeted draws had included construction-related roles, but mining occupations had not been directly included until now.
The addition of mining-related professions reflects broader economic developments in Northern Ontario, where resource extraction remains a key industry.
Federal investment in mining development
The draw follows recent federal funding aimed at expanding mining research and development in the region.
In March 2026, the federal government announced support for research initiatives at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, intended to advance mineral exploration activities.
According to federal data, the mining and minerals sector supports more than 700,000 jobs nationwide and contributes over $150 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product.
Application process following invitation
After receiving an invitation, employers must submit documentation to support the job offer within 14 calendar days.
Candidates are then required to submit a complete application to the OINP within 17 calendar days of receiving their invitation.
Successful applicants who obtain a provincial nomination can proceed to apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration system.
Upcoming changes to Ontario’s immigration system
The April 1 draw takes place ahead of planned legislative changes that will significantly alter Ontario’s immigration framework.
Amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act are scheduled to come into force on May 30, 2026.
These changes will eliminate existing nomination categories, including the three streams used in this draw.
Provincial authorities have not yet provided details بشأن replacement streams or transition measures for candidates currently in the system.
Context within 2026 OINP activity
Ontario has maintained a steady pace of invitation rounds in 2026, with multiple draws targeting specific groups such as international graduates and in-demand workers.
The April 1 selection highlights an increasing use of occupation-based targeting within the provincial program.
Further updates on program changes and future draws are expected as Ontario approaches the implementation of its revised immigration system.
Additional reporting on provincial nominee programs and immigration trends remains available through ongoing coverage.