Ontario Invites 1,300+ Candidates in Latest Immigration Draw

April 18, 2026
CIC News Update
Ontario, PNP
0

Ontario has continued its active immigration selection strategy by issuing over 1,300 invitations to candidates employed in key sectors facing labour shortages. The latest selections were conducted under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), with a strong focus on individuals already working in the province in essential occupations.

This latest development represents Ontario’s third round of invitations in April 2026, underscoring the province’s ongoing effort to attract and retain talent aligned with its economic priorities.

Also Read Canada Immigration Update : Ontario Issues 1,300 ITAs in OINP Draw 2026

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Two Distinct Draws Under a Single Stream

On April 15, Ontario conducted two separate invitation rounds through the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream. Each round was tailored to a specific category of occupations, with different eligibility thresholds and invitation volumes.

Invitation Summary

Category	Invitations Issued	Minimum Score Required
Agriculture-focused roles	315	35
Non-agriculture priority roles	1,024	36

Most invitations were directed toward non-agriculture occupations, accounting for roughly three-quarters of the total selections. This indicates that demand extends well beyond farming-related roles into broader sectors requiring skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Interestingly, a small inconsistency appears in official reporting. While the program summary lists 1,334 invitations issued, the detailed category breakdown totals 1,339, leaving a gap of five invitations.

Who Was Eligible to Receive an Invitation?

Ontario limited this round of invitations to candidates who met clearly defined conditions:

Profiles must have been created between July 2, 2025, and April 13, 2026.
Candidates were required to have a valid job offer under the In-Demand Skills stream.
Applicants needed to be physically present in Canada with a valid temporary resident status, such as a work or study permit.

This approach ensures that invitations are extended to individuals already integrated into the Canadian labour market.

Occupation Coverage: A Broad Selection

The province targeted a total of 39 occupations across both draws, categorised based on sector relevance.

Occupation Categories

Type of Occupation	Number of Roles	Key Focus
Agriculture-related	6	Farming and agri-support roles
Other in-demand occupations	33	Diverse roles across industries

Candidates were assessed based on whether their job roles aligned with specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes identified by the province.

Understanding the Employer Job Offer Pathway

Ontario’s Employer Job Offer streams provide a structured pathway for foreign workers and graduates to obtain provincial nomination. These streams include:

Foreign Worker Stream
International Student Stream
In-Demand Skills Stream

Application Process Explained

To enter the selection pool, candidates must follow a multi-step process:

Obtain a valid job offer from an eligible employer in Ontario.
Employer submission: The employer registers the business and submits the job offer through the official portal.
Receive a job offer ID: This is automatically sent to the candidate after the employer submission.
Register an Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates must complete this step within 30 days.

Once submitted, the EOI remains active for up to 12 months and does not require any fee.

After Receiving an Invitation: What Happens Next?

Candidates selected in the draw must act within strict timelines:

Employers must submit documentation for position approval within 14 days.
Candidates are required to file their complete application within 17 days of receiving the invitation.

Successful applicants who secure a provincial nomination can then move forward with their permanent residence application at the federal level.

Major Changes Expected in May 2026

Ontario has confirmed that a significant transformation of its immigration framework is on the horizon. Scheduled for May 30, 2026, the changes are expected to:

Eliminate existing Employer Job Offer stream categories
Introduce a single, consolidated stream replacing current pathways

At present, there is no official guidance on how candidates already in the system will be managed during the transition phase. This creates a level of uncertainty for applicants currently in the pool.

Key Takeaway for Applicants

Ontario’s latest draw reflects a highly targeted immigration approach aimed at filling immediate workforce shortages. With structural changes approaching, candidates who meet current eligibility requirements may benefit from entering or remaining active in the system without delay.

As the province reshapes its immigration programs, timing and preparedness will play a crucial role for those seeking to secure nomination and advance toward permanent residence in Canada.

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