Ontario’s First 2026 OINP Draw: 1,825 Candidates Invited Occupation List, Deadlines and next steps
Ontario has officially opened its 2026 immigration year with a major round of invitations under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). A total of 1,825 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across several targeted Employer Job Offer streams. The focus remained on healthcare, early childhood education, and regional labour shortages—areas where Ontario continues to experience critical demand.
All candidates selected had active Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles created within the eligibility window set by the province.
Ontario conducted six targeted draws across the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In‑Demand Skills streams.
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Invitations Issued
• Physicians: 129
• Regional Economic Development (REDI): 14
• Health & Early Childhood Education (ECE): 634
Targeted Occupations
• Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
• General practitioners and family physicians
• Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses
• Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
• Early childhood educators and assistants
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Invitations Issued
• REDI: 26
• Health & ECE: 1,015
Targeted Occupations
• Health information management roles
• Occupational health and safety specialists
• Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
• Nurse aides and patient service associates
• Pharmacy technical assistants and assistants
Employer Job Offer: In‑Demand Skills Stream
Invitations Issued
• REDI: 7
Targeted Occupations
• Home support workers, housekeepers, and related roles
What Candidates Must Do After Receiving an ITA
Receiving an ITA is only the first step. Ontario enforces strict timelines and documentation requirements.
1. Submit Your OINP Application
• You have 60 days from the date of invitation.
• Applications must be submitted through the OINP e‑Filing Portal.
2. Ensure Your Employer Completes Their Requirements
Your employer must:
• Complete the Employer Form
• Provide supporting business documents
• Maintain a valid, full‑time job offer that meets wage and occupation criteria
3. Prepare and Upload Your Documents
You will need:
• Proof of work experience
• Job offer letter
• Employer Form
• Education credentials
• Passport and status documents
• Language test results (if required)
• Proof of settlement funds (if applicable)
4. After Receiving the Nomination
Once approved:
• You receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate
• You can apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC
• If you are in Express Entry, a nomination adds 600 CRS points
FAQ: What If You Did NOT Receive an ITA?
Many qualified candidates are not selected in targeted draws. Here’s how to strengthen your chances for future rounds.
Why didn’t I receive an ITA?
Common reasons include:
• Your occupation was not targeted
• Your EOI score was below the cutoff
• Your job offer is not in a REDI region
• Your employer did not meet eligibility requirements
How can I improve my chances for future OINP draws?
1. Increase Your EOI Score
• Gain additional Canadian work experience
• Improve your language test results
• Obtain new certifications or training
• Secure a higher wage or more senior role
2. Align With In‑Demand Occupations
Ontario frequently targets:
• Healthcare
• Early childhood education
• Skilled trades
• Regional occupations under REDI
3. Consider Employment in a REDI Region
These regions receive targeted draws due to labour shortages.
Examples include:
• Lanark County
• Leeds and Grenville
• Sarnia‑Lambton
• Thunder Bay
4. Ensure Employer Compliance
Your employer must meet:
• Minimum revenue requirements
• Minimum staffing levels
• Valid business operation history
5. Keep Your EOI Profile Updated
Update your profile whenever you gain:
• New experience
• New education
• New certifications
• A revised job offer
Should I create a new EOI profile?
Yes, if:
• Your circumstances have changed
• Your score could increase
• Your job offer has been updated
Are more OINP draws expected in 2026?
Yes. Ontario typically conducts multiple draws throughout the year across all Employer Job Offer streams, Masters/PhD Graduate streams, and the Entrepreneur stream.
Should I consider other PR pathways?
If you are not receiving OINP invitations, consider:
• Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST)
• Other Provincial Nominee Programs
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• Agri‑Food Pilot
Ontario’s first 2026 OINP draw highlights the province’s continued commitment to addressing labour shortages in healthcare, early childhood education, and regional communities. With 1,825 invitations issued, candidates with strong employer-backed job offers—especially in priority sectors—remain well-positioned for permanent residence.
For those who were not selected, strategic improvements to your EOI profile and employer compliance can significantly increase your chances in upcoming draws.
