The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held five new draws on March 25, 2026, issuing a total of 1,112 invitations to candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence across multiple immigration streams.
These targeted draws focused on candidates with valid job offers in specific regions across Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Southwestern, Central, Eastern, and Northern Ontario.
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Invited candidates may qualify under the Foreign Worker, International Student, or In-Demand Skills streams, depending on their occupation and region. This is a positive update for foreign workers and international graduates looking to secure permanent residency through Ontario’s provincial nominee pathway.
OINP Draw Highlights – March 25, 2026
A total of 1,112 invitations were distributed across five regions:
- GTA: 431 invitations (highest)
- Southwestern Ontario: 251 invitations
- Central Ontario (excluding GTA): 199 invitations
- Eastern Ontario: 174 invitations
- Northern Ontario: 57 invitations
The GTA led the draws, reflecting strong demand for skilled talent in Canada’s largest economic hub.
To be eligible, candidates needed to have submitted and attested their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles by March 23, 2026.
Score Trends Across Regions
Score requirements varied by stream and region:
- Lowest cutoff: 32 points (In-Demand Skills, Central Ontario)
- Highest cutoff: 90 points (International Student stream, GTA)
The In-Demand Skills stream remained the most accessible, while the GTA continued to show higher competition, especially for international graduates.
Regional Insights
Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
The GTA conducted the largest draw with 431 invitations under the Foreign Worker and International Student streams.
This region continues to prioritize technology and healthcare professionals, with strong demand for roles such as:
- Software engineers and developers
- IT specialists
- Healthcare managers and nurses
- Construction managers
The higher score requirement, especially for international students (90+), highlights the competitive job market in this region.
Southwestern Ontario
Southwestern Ontario issued 251 invitations, making it the second-largest draw.
Key sectors included:
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Administration and management
Cities like Hamilton, London, and Windsor remain attractive due to lower living costs and steady job opportunities.
Central Ontario (Excluding GTA)
Central Ontario invited 199 candidates across all three streams.
Key highlights:
- Lowest score threshold: 32 (In-Demand Skills)
- Strong demand in healthcare, construction, and administration
The Waterloo Region continues to grow as a major technology and innovation hub, attracting both startups and established employers.
Eastern Ontario
Eastern Ontario issued 174 invitations across all streams.
The region includes Ottawa, which offers:
- Government job opportunities
- Growing tech sector
- Bilingual employment advantages
Healthcare, administration, and tech roles were widely targeted in this draw.
Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario received 57 invitations under the Foreign Worker and International Student streams.
This region offers opportunities in:
- Mining
- Forestry
- Healthcare
- Skilled trades
Lower score thresholds and regional programs make it an attractive option for candidates open to settling outside major urban centers.
What to Do After Receiving an Invitation
If you received an invitation, follow these steps carefully:
- Employer submission: Must be completed within 14 days
- Candidate application: Must be submitted within 17 days via the OINP e-Filing Portal
Missing these deadlines will result in losing the invitation.
After OINP Nomination
Once nominated:
- Candidates receive 600 additional CRS points under Express Entry
- This almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence
Alternatively, candidates can apply through the paper-based PNP stream, though processing times are longer.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
If you were not selected, consider these strategies:
- Apply for jobs outside the GTA to benefit from lower cutoffs
- Target the In-Demand Skills stream if eligible
- Improve language test scores
- Gain additional Canadian work experience
- Ensure your EOI profile is complete and submitted before draw deadlines
Key Takeaways
- Ontario continues frequent and targeted draws in 2026
- Healthcare, tech, and skilled trades remain top priority sectors
- Regional draws are helping distribute immigrants beyond major cities
- Increased nomination allocation means more opportunities ahead
The OINP remains one of Canada’s most active immigration pathways, offering strong opportunities for skilled workers and graduates aiming to settle in Ontario.
FAQs
What if my employer misses the 14-day deadline?
Your application will be cancelled, and you will need to wait for a new invitation in a future draw.
Can I change jobs after receiving a nomination?
Changing employers may affect your eligibility. You must inform OINP, and your nomination could be revoked.
How long does the PR process take?
- Express Entry: Around 6 months after ITA
- Paper-based PNP: 18 months or longer
Do I need to live in the same region as my job?
Yes, you must intend to live and work in the region tied to your job offer.
