Ontario Issues 1,680 Invitations Across Six OINP Draws in October 2025

On October 9, 2025, Ontario conducted six targeted draws under its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), extending 1,680 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. This round focused on the Employer Job Offer streams — namely Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills — and aligned closely with priority sectors like healthcare, early childhood education, and regional economic development.

Breakdown by Stream & Targets

Ontario’s draws were organized around two priority categories:

• Healthcare & Early Childhood Educators

• Regional Economic Development (REDI Initiative)

Below is a summary of how the 1,680 invitations were distributed across streams and score thresholds:

*EOI = Expression of Interest score threshold used in the selection rounds.

These draws reflect Ontario’s dual strategy: filling in-demand healthcare and early education roles, while simultaneously supporting growth in less populous regions through the REDI program.

🎯 Key Observations & Strategic Focus

• Healthcare & Education Remain CriticalThe bulk of invitations targeted roles in nursing, early childhood education, and allied health professions, demonstrating the province’s urgent need for talent in these sectors.

• Regional Development Push (REDI)The REDI-focused invitations aim to encourage skilled newcomers to settle and work in smaller Ontario communities, helping distribute population growth and economic activity more evenly beyond major cities.

• Lower Score Thresholds in Many StreamsBy setting entry thresholds as low as 31–33 in the In-Demand Skills streams and 38 in Foreign Worker health roles, Ontario shows flexibility toward semi-skilled or support roles, not just high-skilled professionals.

• Broad Outreach Across Candidate TypesInvites were extended not only to experienced foreign workers but also to international students and candidates in semi-skilled roles — widening access to permanent residency pathways.

✅ What To Do If You Received an Invitation

If you’ve been invited under one of these OINP draws, here are your next steps:

1. Confirm EligibilityEnsure you meet the specific requirements of your chosen stream (e.g. job offer, occupation, work experience, language ability).

2. Employer Action RequiredYour employer must obtain position approval (through Ontario’s Employer Portal) within a set time frame.

3. Submit Your Application PromptlyUse the OINP portal to complete and submit your application within the allowed period (typically 17 days).

4. Document PreparationKeep your credentials, language tests, work references, and proof of funds ready. Missing documents may delay processing or void your application.

5. Await Nomination & PR ApplicationIf approved, Ontario will nominate you. You’ll then move to the federal stage (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to apply for permanent residence.

📈 What This Means Going Forward

• Ontario is demonstrating a clear shift toward targeted immigration — prioritizing sectors and regions that need population and workforce growth.

• The REDI initiative is poised to become a recurring feature of Ontario’s selection strategy, especially for communities outside major metros.

• Prospective applicants should monitor which occupations and score thresholds are prioritized in future draws. Preparing a strong profile in healthcare, education, or regional roles may improve chances.

• Given the frequency and scale of these draws, Ontario remains one of the most active provinces for skilled immigrants seeking PR through PNP pathways.