The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has opened April 2026 with a landmark draw, issuing 759 invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination — the first time the program has specifically targeted occupations in the mining sector.
Conducted on April 1, 2026, this targeted draw focused on candidates with valid job offers in mining and related construction occupations. It reflects Ontario’s growing emphasis on strengthening its critical minerals and mining industry, a sector that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide and contributes significantly to Canada’s economy.
Breakdown of the April 1 Draw
The 759 invitations were distributed across three Employer Job Offer streams under the OINP:
- Foreign Worker Stream: 372 invitations – Minimum EOI score of 56
- International Student Stream: 355 invitations – Minimum EOI score of 85
- In-Demand Skills Stream: 32 invitations – Minimum EOI score of 34
This was the fifth set of invitation rounds conducted by Ontario in 2026. Candidates had to meet strict criteria: they must currently reside in Canada with a valid work or study permit, and their Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles had to be created and attested between July 2, 2025, and March 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m.).
Targeted Occupations in Mining and Construction
The draw covered a wide range of skilled roles essential to Ontario’s mining sector, including:
- Mining engineers (NOC 21330)
- Geological engineers (NOC 21331)
- Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310)
- Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (NOC 22101)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400)
- Facility operation and maintenance managers (NOC 70012)
- And several other related technical and managerial roles
Slight variations existed by stream. For example, the International Student stream also included industrial electricians (NOC 72201) and heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400), while the In-Demand Skills stream focused more narrowly on electronics assemblers and testers (NOC 94201).
Why This Draw Matters
Ontario’s mining sector is experiencing strong momentum, supported by recent federal and provincial investments in critical minerals and research (including a major announcement at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay in March 2026). By targeting these occupations, the OINP aims to address labour shortages in a high-growth industry that plays a vital role in Northern Ontario’s economy.
A provincial nomination from Ontario awards 600 CRS points in the federal Express Entry system, making it highly likely for successful candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Important Deadlines for Invited Candidates
- Employers: Must review the OINP employer guide and submit a complete application to have the job position approved within 14 calendar days of the invitation.
- Candidates: Must submit a full OINP application within 17 calendar days of receiving the ITA.
Upcoming Changes to OINP
This draw may be among the last under the current Employer Job Offer categories. Significant legal changes to the Ontario Immigration Act are scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2026. These changes will revoke all existing applicant categories, including the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams.
The OINP has not yet announced details on the replacement streams or how existing candidates and applications will be transitioned.
Advice for Prospective Applicants
If you hold a job offer in one of the targeted mining-related occupations and meet the eligibility criteria, this draw signals strong opportunities in Ontario’s Employer Job Offer streams. Candidates should act quickly on any future targeted draws, keep their EOI profiles updated, and monitor the official OINP website for announcements.
This first-ever mining-focused draw highlights Ontario’s strategic shift toward sector-specific immigration to support key industries and regional economic growth in 2026.
Stay tuned for more OINP updates as the province continues its active nomination schedule this year.
