Ontario Issues Over 1,300 Invitations in Latest OINP Draws for In-Demand Occupations

Ontario has continued its active immigration selection rounds, issuing more than 1,300 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) this week. A total of 1,334 candidates received invitations across two targeted draws focused on agriculture and other high-demand occupations.

All invitations were issued under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream, marking the province’s third round of selections in April 2026.

Key Highlights of the Draw

The draws, conducted on April 15, targeted candidates with job offers in agriculture-related roles and other priority occupations across Ontario. A significant portion approximately 77% of invitations went to candidates in non-agriculture occupations.

The invitations were distributed as follows:

• Agriculture-related occupations: 315 invitations with a minimum score of 35
• Other priority occupations: 1,024 invitations with a minimum score of 36

Note: While the official breakdown totals 1,339 invitations, the program update reports 1,334 ITAs, indicating a minor discrepancy.

To qualify, candidates were required to have submitted their profiles between July 2, 2025, and April 13, 2026, and must have been residing in Canada at the time of selection with a valid work or study permit.

Occupations Targeted

A total of 39 occupations were included across both draws.

Agriculture-related roles (6 occupations) included positions such as:

• Industrial butchers and meat cutters
• Food and beverage processing labourers
• Livestock and greenhouse workers
• Farm machinery operators

Other priority occupations (33 occupations) spanned a wide range of sectors, including:

• Construction and trades labourers
• Manufacturing and machine operators
• Home support workers
• Logistics and maintenance personnel
• Automotive and metal fabrication roles

These targeted occupations reflect Ontario’s ongoing effort to address labour shortages in essential industries.

How to Apply Under Employer Job Offer Streams

Candidates interested in Ontario’s Employer Job Offer streams must follow a structured process:

1. Secure a valid job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.
2. Employer registration: The employer must register the business and submit the job offer through the Employer Portal.
3. Expression of Interest (EOI): After receiving a job offer ID, candidates must register an EOI within 30 days.
4. Wait for selection: EOIs remain valid for up to 12 months with no registration fee.

Candidates who receive an ITA must:

• Submit a complete application within 17 days
• Ensure their employer completes required documentation within 14 days

Successful nominees can then apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration system.

Upcoming Changes to OINP

Ontario is expected to introduce major changes to the OINP on May 30, 2026. The current Employer Job Offer streams may be replaced by a single consolidated stream, and some existing categories could be discontinued.

Details on how current applicants will be transitioned have not yet been announced.

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