The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) made a significant announcement in December 2025, issuing 2,049 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) over two consecutive days. This marked a notable return to activity after a pause of over two months without new draws. The recent invitations reflect Ontario’s ongoing strategy to attract skilled workers and international talent to support the province’s labor market and address shortages in key sectors.
Breakdown of the December 10 Draws
On December 10, 2025, Ontario conducted five separate draws, issuing a total of 1,133 invitations through the province’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system. These invitations were distributed across three primary Employer Job Offer streams:
-
Foreign Worker Stream: Designed for skilled foreign workers who have a permanent job offer in Ontario. This stream targets individuals with work experience in high-demand occupations.
-
International Student Stream: Focused on recent graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions who have secured a job offer in Ontario. This stream aims to retain talented international graduates in the province.
-
In-Demand Skills Stream: Targets applicants in occupations that are considered critical to Ontario’s economic development, including healthcare, construction, and other sectors experiencing labor shortages.
The candidates selected in these draws were largely those who had submitted profiles in the OINP EOI system and scored highly based on criteria such as education, work experience, and occupation. Many of these individuals already reside in Canada and hold valid work permits, which allows them to transition smoothly into permanent residency once nominated.
The focus on priority occupations underscores Ontario’s strategic approach to addressing workforce gaps. Critical sectors such as healthcare, early childhood education, and skilled trades have seen increased demand, and these draws were designed to attract candidates who can contribute effectively to these areas.
Results of the December 11 Draws
Following the large set of draws on December 10, Ontario conducted three additional draws on December 11, issuing 916 more invitations. These draws continued to emphasize candidates in specific occupations and regions, reinforcing Ontario’s focus on economic priorities and workforce needs. The back-to-back nature of these draws demonstrates the province’s commitment to proactively selecting candidates who meet current labor market demands.
Importance of These Draws
These recent invitations are significant for several reasons:
-
Resumption of OINP Activity: The two-day series of draws ended a pause of more than two months, signaling that Ontario is resuming its proactive immigration efforts.
-
Addressing Workforce Shortages: By targeting priority occupations, the province ensures that key sectors with staffing gaps, such as healthcare and education, receive the skilled talent they need.
-
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Receiving an OINP invitation is a critical step for candidates seeking permanent residency in Canada. While an invitation itself does not confer permanent status, it allows applicants to submit a provincial nomination application, which significantly increases their chances of obtaining permanent residency.
The recent draws also highlight Ontario’s reliance on the EOI system, which ranks candidates based on various factors, including education, work experience, and language proficiency. Candidates with high scores are prioritized for invitations, ensuring that the province attracts individuals most likely to succeed and integrate into Ontario’s workforce.
Who Benefits from These Draws?
The draws primarily benefit individuals who:
-
Already live and work in Canada.
-
Hold valid job offers in Ontario from eligible employers.
-
Have experience in occupations considered critical to the province’s economic and social development.
These draws also provide reassurance to international graduates who wish to remain in Ontario after completing their studies. By offering a clear pathway to permanent residency, the province encourages highly skilled talent to stay and contribute to local communities.
Conclusion
The OINP’s issuance of over 2,000 ITAs in just two days demonstrates Ontario’s proactive approach to immigration planning. By targeting high-demand occupations and prioritizing skilled workers already residing in Canada, the province continues to strengthen its labor market and address regional workforce shortages. For prospective applicants, these draws emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong EOI profile, securing eligible job offers, and preparing for the provincial nomination process, which remains a key pathway toward permanent residency in Canada.
