Ontario issues 759 ITAs in a new OINP draw targeting construction and mining workers
Ontario Issues 759 ITAs in New OINP Draw
Ontario has launched its first immigration draw of April 2026 with a strong focus on skilled trades and resource sector professionals. Through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, the province invited 759 candidates working in construction and mining-related occupations to apply for provincial nomination.
This targeted selection reflects Ontario’s evolving labour market priorities, particularly in infrastructure development and natural resource expansion.
Highlights of the April 1, 2026, OINP Draw
The latest round of invitations was conducted on April 1, 2026, making it the fifth OINP draw this year. Candidates were selected under three major Employer Job Offer streams:
- Foreign Worker stream
- International Student stream
- In-Demand Skills stream
To qualify, applicants were required to be living in Canada with a valid temporary status, either as workers or students, and possess a genuine job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.
Breakdown of Invitations by Stream
- Foreign Worker Stream: 372 invitations issued, minimum score of 56, covering 14 occupations
- International Student Stream: 355 invitations issued, minimum score of 85, covering 15 occupations
- In-Demand Skills Stream: 32 invitations issued, minimum score of 34, targeting 1 occupation
Profiles considered in this draw were created between July 2, 2025, and March 30, 2026.
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 |
Occupations in Focus: Mining and Construction
This draw placed strong emphasis on technical and trade roles essential to Ontario’s industrial growth. Some of the key occupations invited include:
- Mining and geological engineers
- Electrical and electronics engineers
- Welders and industrial mechanics
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
Notably, certain roles, such as industrial electricians and heavy equipment operators, were specifically included under the International Student stream. Meanwhile, the In-Demand Skills stream focused on a niche occupation involving electronics assembly, fabrication, inspection, and testing.
First-Ever Mining-Focused Draw
While Ontario has previously targeted construction occupations, this marks the first time the province has conducted a draw dedicated to mining-related roles. This shift aligns with broader national priorities led by the Government of Canada to strengthen the mining sector, particularly in Northern Ontario.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
- Employers must submit an application to approve the job position within 14 days.
- Candidates must file their provincial nomination application within 17 days of receiving their invitation
Once nominated, applicants can proceed to apply for permanent residence through federal immigration authorities.
Major Changes Coming to OINP in 2026
This draw may be among the final rounds under the current OINP structure. Significant reforms are scheduled under the Ontario Immigration Act, which will take effect on May 30, 2026. These changes are expected to eliminate existing streams, including:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- International Student Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream
At present, Ontario has not released details on the new immigration pathways or how current applicants will be transitioned into the updated system.
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
Ontario’s latest draw signals a clear demand for skilled professionals in trades and resource-based industries. With upcoming program changes, candidates currently in the pool may benefit from acting quickly before new rules come into effect.
For those working in construction, mining, or technical trades, this could be a key opportunity to secure Canadian permanent residency through provincial nomination.
Source :- https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates
