Ontario-OINP Draws 2026: 1,825 PR Invitations Issued
On February 2, 2026, Ontario initiated its immigration selection season by issuing 1,825 invitations under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This draw targeted specific professions within healthcare and education sectors as part of the province’s strategy to alleviate labor shortages.
Key Highlights from the Ontario OINP Draws 2026
The first draw of 2026 consisted of three main categories, aimed at attracting candidates with skills in high-demand fields:
- Healthcare professionals and early childhood educators
- Physicians
- Candidates under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program
Healthcare and Early Childhood Educators Draw
The largest portion, comprising 1,649 invitations, was directed toward healthcare professionals and early childhood educators. This reflects Ontario’s pressing need for support in these crucial sectors. Candidates needed to meet specific minimum scores based on their streams:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Min Score |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream | 634 | 36 |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream | 1,015 | 56 |
Candidates under these streams were expected to reside in Canada and hold a valid job offer within the relevant occupations.
Physicians Draw
129 invitations were issued specifically to physicians under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. The draw targeted medical professionals in various specialties, requiring a minimum score of 33 points:
- NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians
This draw aims to address the acute physician shortage, particularly in rural and northern regions, a pressing concern in Ontario’s healthcare system.
REDI Pilot Program Draw
The REDI pilot program focused on facilitating immigration to smaller communities, issuing 47 invitations across three streams:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Min Score |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream | 14 | 44 |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream | 26 | 69 |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream | 7 | 34 |
This initiative aims to support economic growth in smaller regions such as Lanark, and Leeds and Grenville, incentivizing skilled immigrants to settle outside major urban centers.
Next Steps for Invited Candidates
Successful candidates must act swiftly, as they have 17 days to submit their applications. Here are the steps to follow:
- Review eligibility requirements for the relevant stream.
- Prepare all necessary documentation as outlined in the official checklist.
- Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal and submit the application.
As Ontario continues to prioritize healthcare professions and support for smaller communities, candidates can expect ongoing opportunities to apply throughout 2026. The OINP remains a vital pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada’s largest province.
Frequently Asked Questions About OINP
If you’re considering applying under OINP, here are some common questions:
- How long does processing take? Provincial nominee applications typically take 18-24 months, but can be expedited through Express Entry.
- What if my application is refused? You can resubmit an Expression of Interest if you’re still eligible, but be aware of the reasons for refusal.
- Does OINP nomination guarantee permanent residence? No, candidates must still meet federal requirements to receive permanent residence approval.
For comprehensive information regarding Ontario’s immigration process, please visit Filmogaz.com.
