Ontario has officially launched its 2026 provincial immigration selections, issuing more than 1,800 invitations through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The province conducted multiple targeted draws on February 2, 2026, focusing on labour shortages in healthcare, regional communities, and early childhood education.
This round marks Ontario’s first set of nomination invitations for the year and highlights the province’s continued emphasis on employer-backed immigration pathways.
Also Read Ontario Issues 1,800+ Invitations in First 2026 Draws
Multiple Targeted Draws Held on a Single Day
On February 2, 2026, Ontario carried out six separate draws under its Employer: Job Offer immigration streams. A total of 1,825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who had valid job offers from Ontario employers.
The selection rounds were specifically targeted:
- Physicians
- Healthcare professionals
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Candidates under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative
All candidates considered in these draws had profiles created between July 2, 2025, and January 28, 2026.
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February 2, 2026 OINP Draw Results
| 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 Included in the February Draws
Ontario structured these draws to meet sector-specific workforce needs across the province. Invitations were issued under the following categories:
- Occupations targeted under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
- Occupations selected through the Employer Job Offer streams under the REDI initiative
- Healthcare occupations and early childhood educators and assistants across Employer Job Offer streams
These targeted selections reflect Ontario’s approach of matching immigration intake with real-time labour market demand.
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Understanding the REDI Pilot Program
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot is designed to support employers located in smaller, rural, and northern Ontario communities that struggle to fill key positions locally.
Rather than operating as a standalone immigration stream, REDI functions within Ontario’s existing Employer Job Offer pathways.
To qualify under REDI:
- Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria of an Employer Job Offer stream
- The job offer must be located in one of the designated regions:
- Lanark County
- Leeds and Grenville
- Sarnia-Lambton
- Thunder Bay
- Lanark County
There are no additional application steps or separate eligibility rules specific to REDI. Candidates are selected directly through targeted OINP draws.
Next Steps for Invited Candidates
Applicants who received an invitation must submit a complete application to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program within 60 days, along with all required documents and supporting evidence.
Once Ontario approves the application and issues a provincial nomination, candidates can proceed to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the federal immigration system.
What This Means for Ontario’s 2026 Immigration Strategy
Ontario’s first draws of 2026 signal a continued focus on:
- Employer-led immigration
- Strengthening healthcare services
- Supporting early childhood education
- Boosting economic growth in regional communities
With targeted selections already underway, further draws under the OINP are expected as the province addresses evolving labour market needs throughout the year.
