Latest Ontario draws invite 1,112 candidates across multiple streams.
Ontario Invites 1,112 Candidates in Multi-Stream Immigration Draws Across Regions
In a major round of invitations, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted five targeted draws on March 25, 2026, issuing a total of 1,112 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). These invitations were extended to foreign workers, international graduates, and skilled professionals with job offers in key sectors across the province.
This marks Ontario’s fourth round of invitations in 2026, reflecting the province’s continued efforts to address labour shortages through strategic immigration selection.
Targeted Streams and Eligibility Criteria
- Foreign Worker stream
- International Student stream
- In-Demand Skills stream
Regional Distribution of Invitations
Ontario structured these draws to meet labour market needs across five major regions:
- Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- Southwestern Ontario
- Central Ontario (excluding GTA)
- Eastern Ontario
- Northern Ontario
The Greater Toronto Area received the highest number of invitations, with 431 candidates selected. In contrast, Northern Ontario had the smallest intake, with 57 invitations issued.
Breakdown of February 2, 2026 OINP Draws
The February 2, 2026 OINP draws saw Ontario invite skilled workers through key streams, focusing on in-demand occupations and strengthening the province’s workforce needs.
| Stream | Minimum score | Invitations issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 33 | 129 | Targeted draw for physicians |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 44 | 14 | Targeted draw for REDI |
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 36 | 634 | Targeted draw for health occupations and early childhood educators and assistants |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 69 | 26 | Targeted draw for REDI |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 56 | 1,015 | Targeted draw for health occupations and early childhood educators and assistants |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | 34 | 7 | Targeted draw for REDI |
Highlights by Region:
- GTA: Strong focus on foreign workers and international students, particularly in tech and healthcare roles
- Southwestern Ontario: Balanced intake across both streams with moderate score thresholds
- Central Ontario: Included the In-Demand Skills stream, targeting specific occupations
- Eastern Ontario: Featured a mix of all three streams, including niche roles
- Northern Ontario: Smaller, targeted intake to support regional workforce gaps
Notably, the In-Demand Skills stream was applied only in select regions, prioritising candidates with job offers as home support workers.
Occupations in Demand
Key sectors included:
- Healthcare (e.g., nurses, physiotherapists)
- Information Technology (e.g., software engineers, web developers)
- Business and administration
- Skilled trades and supervisory roles
While the GTA focused heavily on high-tech and healthcare roles, other regions expanded their selection to include administrative and trade-related occupations, reflecting localised economic needs.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
Candidates who received an ITA must act quickly within strict timelines:
- Employers must submit the employment position approval application within 14 days
- Candidates must file their provincial nomination application within 17 days
Once nominated by Ontario, applicants can proceed to apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration system.
Major Changes Coming to Ontario Immigration Streams
These draws come ahead of significant legislative changes to Ontario’s immigration system. Amendments to the provincial immigration framework are scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2026. As part of this transition:
- Existing streams, including Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills, will be discontinued
- A new consolidated Employer Job Offer stream will be introduced, featuring two pathways based on skill level
Additionally, Ontario has proposed launching three new immigration pathways:
- A dedicated healthcare stream
- An entrepreneur-focused stream
- An exceptional talent stream
Details regarding the rollout timeline and transition plans for existing applicants are yet to be announced.
Outlook
Ontario’s latest draw demonstrates a continued focus on region-specific hiring needs and employer-driven immigration. With sweeping reforms on the horizon, both employers and prospective immigrants can expect a more streamlined yet targeted system in the coming months.
Recent News
- Ontario Invites 1,112 Candidates in Multi-Stream Immigration Draws Across Regions
- Canada Cuts Temporary Visa Processing Times Across Key Categories
- Canada Revamps Super Visa Rules to Make Family Sponsorship Easier
- Alberta Steps Up Immigration with Focus on Skilled Workers
- Canada Immigration Backlog Falls Below One Million
