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

Last Updated On 3 February 2026, 8:22 AM 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 Category	Invitations	Stream(s)	Min Score
Healthcare & Early Childhood Educators	1,649	Foreign Worker/International Student	36 / 56
Physicians	129	Foreign Worker	33
REDI Pilot (Lanark, Leeds & Grenville)	47	Foreign Worker, International Student/In-Demand Skills	34/69

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.

Stream	Number of invitations issued	Date profiles created	Score range
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream	634	July 2, 2025 – January 28, 2026	36 and above
Employer Job Offer: International Student stream	1,015	July 2, 2025 – January 28, 2026	56 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.

Stream	Number of invitations issued	Date profiles created	Score range
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream	129	July 2, 2025 – January 28, 2026	33 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.

Stream	Number of invitations issued	Date profiles created	Score range
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream	14	July 2, 2025 – January 28, 2026	44 and above
Employer Job Offer: International Student stream	26	July 2, 2025 – January 28, 2026	69 and above
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream	7	July 2, 2025 – January 28, 2026	34 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.
Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal: Access your account and click the newly created file number with the prefix JOXX.
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.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

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.