First Ontario-OINP Draws Of 2026 Sent 1,825 PR Invitations

Last Updated On 2 February 2026, 4:45 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Ontario has officially launched its 2026 immigration selection season with a significant first round of invitations under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

On February 2, 2026, the province issued a combined total of 1,825 targeted invitations to apply across multiple streams, marking it beginning of the new year.

The draws specifically targeted healthcare professionals, early childhood educators, physicians, and candidates under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program.

This strategic approach reflects Ontario’s continued commitment to addressing critical labor shortages in essential sectors while supporting economic growth in smaller communities across the province.

This announcement represents a major opportunity for candidates waiting in the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool to advance their permanent residence journey in Canada’s most populous province.

Key Highlights From the February 2, 2026 OINP Draws

The February 2, 2026 OINP draws were divided into three distinct categories, each targeting specific candidate profiles and occupational needs.

Understanding the breakdown of these invitations is essential for candidates planning their immigration strategy.

Draw CategoryInvitationsStream(s)Min ScoreHealthcare & Early Childhood Educators1,649Foreign Worker/International Student36 / 56Physicians129Foreign Worker33REDI Pilot (Lanark, Leeds & Grenville)47Foreign Worker, International Student/In-Demand Skills34/69

Healthcare Occupations and Early Childhood Educators Draw: 1,649 Invitations

The largest portion of the February 2 draws focused on healthcare workers and early childhood educators, reflecting Ontario’s urgent need for professionals in these sectors.

StreamNumber of invitations issuedDate profiles createdScore rangeEmployer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream634July 2, 2025 – January 28, 202636 and aboveEmployer Job Offer: International Student stream1,015July 2, 2025 – January 28, 202656 and above

The province issued 1,649 targeted invitations to candidates in the Expression of Interest system pool who may qualify for either the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream or the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream.

To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates needed to meet specific score thresholds based on their stream.

Those applying under the Foreign Worker stream required a minimum score of 36 points, while International Student stream candidates needed at least 56 points.

Additionally, all invited candidates must currently be residing in Canada and hold a valid job offer in one of the targeted occupations.

Targeted NOC Codes for Healthcare and Early Childhood Educators Draw

The following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes were included in this draw:

NOC 31300 – Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors

NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners

NOC 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals

NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses

NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

The inclusion of early childhood educators alongside healthcare professionals highlights Ontario’s recognition of the childcare sector as essential infrastructure.

With the province’s $10-a-day childcare program continuing to expand, the demand for qualified early childhood educators has reached unprecedented levels.

Physicians Draw: 129 Invitations Under Foreign Worker Stream

In a separate targeted draw, Ontario issued 129 invitations specifically to physicians under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.

StreamNumber of invitations issuedDate profiles createdScore rangeEmployer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream129July 2, 2025 – January 28, 202633 and above

This draw targeted medical professionals working in specialized clinical roles, surgical specialties, and family medicine.

The minimum score requirement for physicians was notably lower at 33 points, reflecting the province’s acute need for medical doctors across all specializations.

Ontario continues to face significant physician shortages, particularly in rural and northern communities, making this draw a critical component of the province’s healthcare human resources strategy.

Targeted NOC Codes for Physicians Draw

The physician draw included the following NOC codes:

NOC 31100 – Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

NOC 31101 – Specialists in surgery

NOC 31102 – General practitioners and family physicians

Candidates invited in this draw should refer to the January 5 program update for complete details on application requirements and documentation.

The relatively low score cutoff of 33 points suggests that the pool of physician candidates in Ontario’s EOI system may be smaller compared to other occupational categories.

REDI Pilot Draw: 47 Invitations for Lanark and Leeds-Grenville Regions

The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program received 47 targeted invitations in the February 2 draws.

StreamNumber of invitations issuedDate profiles createdScore rangeEmployer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream14July 2, 2025 – January 28, 202644 and aboveEmployer Job Offer: International Student stream26July 2, 2025 – January 28, 202669 and aboveEmployer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream7July 2, 2025 – January 28, 202634 and above

This initiative specifically supports economic growth in smaller Ontario communities by directing skilled immigrants to regions outside major urban centers.

The February 2 REDI draw focused on two Census Divisions: Lanark, and Leeds and Grenville.

These eastern Ontario communities have been actively participating in the REDI pilot to address local labor market needs and support community development through immigration.

Unlike the healthcare-focused draws, the REDI pilot invited candidates across three different streams: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, Employer Job Offer: International Student, and Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills.

Each stream had different score requirements and targeted different occupational categories.

Targeted Occupations For REDI Foreign Worker Stream (Minimum Score: 44)

Targeted NOC codes under the Foreign Worker stream:

NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers

NOC 21222 – Information systems specialists

NOC 21231 – Software engineers and designers

NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

Targeted Occupations For REDI International Student Stream (Minimum Score: 69)

Targeted NOC codes under the International Student stream:

NOC 12111 – Health information management occupations

NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers

NOC 13111 – Legal administrative assistants

NOC 22232 – Occupational health and safety specialists

NOC 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses

NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

NOC 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants

NOC 42201 – Social and community service workers

NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants

NOC 52120 – Graphic designers and illustrators

Targeted Occupations For REDI In-Demand Skills Stream (Minimum Score: 34)

Targeted NOC codes under the In-Demand Skills stream:

NOC 44101 – Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations

NOC 75101 – Material handlers

NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing

NOC 94111 – Plastics processing machine operators

NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide for Invited Candidates

Candidates who received an invitation to apply on February 2, 2026 must act quickly, as the application window is limited.

The following steps outline the application process:

Review stream requirements: Visit the Employer Job Offer stream page corresponding to the stream for which you were invited to confirm you meet all eligibility requirements.

Prepare documents: Review the official document checklist to ensure you have all mandatory documents ready for submission.

Submit within 17 days: You must submit your complete application and payment within 17 calendar days from the date the invitation was issued.

Important note: Your new application file number (JOXX) is different from your EOI file number (EOI-JOXX-XXXXXX).

The EOI file number will appear greyed out in the portal; this is not an error but indicates that your profile has been selected and a new application file has been created.

Based on the February 2 draws and OINP trends, candidates can expect continued focus on healthcare occupations throughout 2026.

The province’s healthcare system continues to face staffing challenges, making nursing, physician, and allied health professions likely targets for future draws.

The REDI pilot is expected to expand to additional communities as Ontario seeks to address labor shortages in smaller cities and towns.

Candidates with job offers in participating REDI regions may find favourable selection opportunities with lower score requirements compared to province-wide draws.

Ontario’s allocation under the Provincial Nominee Program continues to be one of the largest in Canada, suggesting that significant numbers of invitations will be issued throughout the year.

However, candidates should be prepared for continued targeted draws rather than general all-program rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions About OINP

How long does OINP processing take after nomination?

After receiving an Ontario provincial nomination, candidates must apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The current processing time for provincial nominee applications through the non-Express Entry paper-based stream is approximately 18-24 months. However, candidates nominated through OINP’s Human Capital Priorities stream can apply through Express Entry and typically receive processing within 6 months. Processing times vary based on application completeness and IRCC workload.

Can I work for a different employer after receiving OINP nomination?

For Employer Job Offer streams, candidates are expected to work for the employer specified in their nomination application. Changing employers before receiving permanent residence can jeopardize your nomination status. If circumstances require a job change, you must notify OINP immediately and may need to submit a new expression of interest with the new employer. The new employer must also register through the Employer Portal and meet all program requirements. Unauthorized job changes can result in nomination withdrawal.

What happens if my OINP application is refused?

If OINP refuses your application, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Unlike federal immigration programs, there is no formal appeal process for OINP decisions. However, you may submit a new expression of interest if you continue to meet program requirements. Before reapplying, carefully review the refusal reasons and ensure you address any deficiencies. Common refusal reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to meet stream requirements, or concerns about the genuineness of the job offer.

Does OINP nomination guarantee permanent residence approval?

No, OINP nomination does not guarantee permanent residence approval. The provincial nomination is only one step in the immigration process. After nomination, candidates must still apply to IRCC for permanent residence and meet all federal requirements, including medical examinations, security clearances, and admissibility criteria. IRCC can refuse permanent residence applications even for nominated candidates if they fail to meet federal requirements or if fraud or misrepresentation is discovered.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For official information, please visit the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program website or consult with a licensed immigration professional.

How can I live and work in Canada?

To live and work in Canada, you need to determine your eligibility for various immigration pathways based on your nationality, work experience, and education. Different visa options exist, such as temporary work permits or permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. It’s essential to assess your skills and the type of employment you seek, as this will influence your application process. For more information, visit the official Canada immigration website to explore your options.

Are Mississauga candidates included in OINP draws?

The February 2, 2026 OINP draws focused on candidates under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program, targeting regions like Lanark and Leeds-Grenville. While Mississauga is not specifically listed as a targeted area, candidates from Mississauga may still qualify under broader categories such as healthcare professionals and early childhood educators, which are in high demand across Ontario. For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit the Ontario immigration website.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.