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Ontario Issues 1,828 Invitations in April 8 OINP Draws Across Multiple Streams
Ontario has issued 1,828 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in a series of draws held on April 8, 2026.
The invitations were distributed across four targeted draws, focusing on healthcare and early childhood education, Francophone candidates, regional immigration (REDI pilot) and physicians. Candidates were selected under the Employer Job Offer streams, including the Foreign Worker, International Student and In-Demand Skills categories.
To be eligible, candidates were required to be residing in Canada with a valid work or study permit and have a qualifying job offer from an Ontario employer. Profiles had to be created and submitted by April 6, 2026.
Healthcare and Education Draw Leads with Majority of Invitations
The largest draw issued 1,635 ITAs to candidates with job offers in healthcare and early childhood education occupations.
Minimum score requirements decreased compared to previous rounds:
- Foreign Worker stream: 20
- International Student stream: 46
The lower score thresholds suggest an increased effort by Ontario to address labour shortages in essential sectors such as healthcare and childcare.
Targeted occupations included registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, nurse aides and early childhood educators.
Francophone Candidates Receive 146 Invitations
A separate draw invited 146 Francophone candidates across all three Employer Job Offer streams.
The draw covered a broad range of occupations across sectors including:
- Business and administration
- Information technology
- Healthcare
- Education
- Skilled trades
Minimum scores were set at:
- 35 for the Foreign Worker stream
- 63 for the International Student stream
- 25 for the In-Demand Skills stream
REDI Pilot Targets Regional Labour Needs
Ontario issued 32 ITAs under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot, aimed at attracting skilled workers to smaller communities, including Lanark and Leeds and Grenville.
Candidates with job offers in occupations such as healthcare support, mechanics and community services were included in this draw.
Physician-Focused Draw Issues 15 Invitations
A dedicated draw for physicians resulted in 15 ITAs under the Foreign Worker stream, with a minimum score of 43.
Eligible candidates included specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, surgical specialists and general practitioners.
Application Process and Next Steps
Following the invitation:
- Employers must submit an application for position approval within 14 calendar days
- Candidates must submit their OINP application within 17 calendar days
Successful nominees can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
Ontario Preparing for Major Immigration System Changes
The April 8 draws come ahead of planned changes to Ontario’s immigration framework. Amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act are set to take effect on May 30, 2026.
These changes will revoke existing streams under the Employer Job Offer category, including the Foreign Worker, International Student and In-Demand Skills streams. Details regarding replacement pathways have not yet been announced.