Last Updated On 1 April 2026, 6:55 PM EDT (Toronto Time)
Ontario just made its first major move of April 2026 and hundreds of immigration candidates across the province are now one step closer to becoming permanent residents of Canada.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program dropped a targeted set of draws under 3 categories on April 1, 2026 that sent good news prospective candidates.
A total of 759 invitations to apply were issued across three separate Employer Job Offer streams in what marks the first OINP draws of the month.
These invitations were not random and they were not general purpose.
This is a clear signal that the province is doubling down on filling critical labour shortages in one of its most important industries.
Candidates who had their profiles created and attested to by March 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM were eligible for consideration in this round.
The three streams included in this draw were the Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream, the Employer Job Offer International Student stream, and the Employer Job Offer In Demand Skills stream.
Each stream had different minimum score requirements and different numbers of invitations issued.
Here is everything you need to know about these new April 2026 OINP draws.
Table of Contents
Summary of the April 1, 2026 Ontario-OINP Draws
The following table provides a complete overview of the three streams, the number of invitations issued, the minimum score thresholds, and the profile creation date ranges.
| Stream | Invitations | Score Range | Profile Dates |
| Foreign Worker | 372 | 56 and above | Jul 2, 2025 – Mar 30, 2026 |
| International Student | 355 | 85 and above | Jul 2, 2025 – Mar 30, 2026 |
| In-Demand Skills | 32 | 34 and above | Jul 2, 2025 – Mar 23, 2026 |
The Foreign Worker stream accounted for the largest share of invitations with 372 sent to eligible candidates.
The International Student stream followed closely behind with 355 invitations.
The In-Demand Skills stream was much more selective, with only 32 invitations issued for a single eligible occupation.
All three streams targeted candidates working in mining-related occupations as identified by the Ontario government.
This combined total of 759 invitations represents a significant investment by Ontario in its mining sector workforce.
Details on the Foreign Worker Stream Draw
The Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream was the largest component of this April 2026 OINP draw.
A total of 372 invitations to apply were issued to candidates with a score of 56 and above.
Eligible profiles had to be created between July 2, 2025 and March 30, 2026.
This was a targeted draw exclusively for candidates with job offers in priority occupations within the mining sector.
Candidates must currently reside in Canada with a valid work permit to be eligible for this stream.
The following table lists all 14 eligible NOC codes under the Foreign Worker stream.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
| 21330 | Mining engineers |
| 21331 | Geological engineers |
| 22100 | Chemical technologists and technicians |
| 22101 | Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
| 22232 | Occupational health and safety specialists |
| 22302 | Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22312 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
| 70012 | Facility operation and maintenance managers |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 72401 | Heavy duty equipment mechanics |
| 90010 | Manufacturing managers |
These occupations span a wide range of technical and skilled trades positions that are essential to Ontario’s mining operations.
From mining engineers and geological engineers to welders and heavy duty equipment mechanics, the province is clearly casting a wide net to fill critical roles.
The inclusion of occupational health and safety specialists also signals that Ontario is prioritizing workplace safety in its mining sector recruitment efforts.
Manufacturing managers and facility operation and maintenance managers were also included, reflecting the need for experienced leadership in mining facilities.
Details on the International Student Stream Draw
The Employer Job Offer International Student stream issued 355 invitations to apply on April 1, 2026.
The minimum score requirement was set at 85 and above, which is notably higher than the Foreign Worker stream threshold of 56.
This higher score requirement reflects the competitive nature of the International Student stream and the additional qualifications expected of candidates.
Eligible profiles had to be created between July 2, 2025 and March 30, 2026.
Candidates must currently reside in Canada with a valid study permit to qualify under this stream.
The International Student stream included 15 eligible NOC codes, which is one more than the Foreign Worker stream.
The following table lists all eligible occupations under the International Student stream.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
| 21310 | Electrical and electronics engineers |
| 21330 | Mining engineers |
| 21331 | Geological engineers |
| 22100 | Chemical technologists and technicians |
| 22101 | Geological and mineral technologists and technicians |
| 22232 | Occupational health and safety specialists |
| 22302 | Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians |
| 22310 | Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians |
| 22312 | Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics |
| 70012 | Facility operation and maintenance managers |
| 72106 | Welders and related machine operators |
| 72201 | Industrial electricians |
| 72400 | Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics |
| 73400 | Heavy equipment operators |
| 90010 | Manufacturing managers |
The International Student stream included two unique NOC codes that were not part of the Foreign Worker stream.
- NOC 72201 for industrial electricians was exclusive to the International Student stream.
- NOC 73400 for heavy equipment operators was also only available under the International Student stream.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Worker stream included NOC 72401 for heavy duty equipment mechanics, which was not listed under the International Student stream.
These differences highlight the fact that Ontario tailors each stream to specific workforce needs and candidate profiles.
Details on the In-Demand Skills Stream Draw
The Employer Job Offer In-Demand Skills stream issued the fewest invitations of the three streams.
Only 32 invitations to apply were sent to eligible candidates on April 1, 2026.
The minimum score requirement was the lowest of all three streams at just 34 and above.
However, the eligibility was extremely narrow, with only one NOC code qualifying for this stream.
Eligible profiles had to be created between July 2, 2025 and March 23, 2026, which is a slightly earlier cutoff than the other two streams.
The single eligible occupation was NOC 94201 for electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
| 94201 | Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers |
Despite the small number of invitations, this stream plays an important role in addressing niche skill shortages within Ontario’s mining and manufacturing sectors.
Electronics assemblers and fabricators are essential to the production and maintenance of the advanced electronic equipment used in modern mining operations.
The lower score threshold of 34 reflects the critical demand for these skills and Ontario’s willingness to lower barriers to attract qualified candidates.
Comparison Between the Three OINP Streams
Understanding the differences between these three streams is essential for candidates who may qualify for more than one pathway.
The following table highlights the key differences side by side.
| Feature | Foreign Worker Stream | International Student Stream |
| Minimum Score | 56 | 85 |
| Invitations Issued | 372 | 355 |
| Eligible NOC Codes | 14 occupations | 15 occupations |
| Unique NOC Codes | NOC 72401 (Heavy-duty equipment mechanics) | NOC 72201 (Industrial electricians), NOC 73400 (Heavy equipment operators) |
| Residency Requirement | Must reside in Canada with valid work permit | Must reside in Canada with valid study permit |
| Profile Deadline | March 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM | March 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM |
The Foreign Worker stream offered the most invitations and had a moderate score requirement of 56.
The International Student stream had a higher bar at 85 points but also included more eligible occupations with 15 NOC codes.
The In Demand Skills stream was the most selective in terms of eligible occupations but had the lowest score threshold.
Candidates should carefully review which stream aligns with their qualifications and job offer details before proceeding.
Reasons Ontario Is Targeting the Mining Sector in April 2026
Ontario’s decision to dedicate the first OINP draws of April 2026 entirely to the mining sector is not a coincidence.
The province has been facing persistent labour shortages in its mining industry for several years.
Northern Ontario communities that depend heavily on mining have struggled to attract and retain qualified workers.
The mining sector is a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy and contributes billions of dollars annually to the provincial GDP.
Critical minerals, including nickel, copper, gold, and lithium, are in high demand globally as countries race to secure supply chains for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
Ontario is home to some of the largest mineral deposits in Canada and the province needs a skilled workforce to extract and process these resources.
By targeting mining occupations in its OINP draws, Ontario is strategically aligning its immigration policy with its economic priorities.
This approach ensures that permanent residency invitations go to candidates who can directly contribute to filling the most urgent gaps in the provincial labour market.
The inclusion of technical roles like geological engineers, chemical technologists, and industrial instrument technicians shows the breadth of expertise the province is seeking.
Ontario is not just looking for miners but for the full spectrum of professionals needed to run a modern and safe mining operation.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Invited Candidates
Candidates who received an invitation to apply in this April 2026 OINP draw must follow a strict timeline to complete their applications.
Missing any of the deadlines could result in the invitation expiring and the application being closed.
The following table outlines the key steps every invited candidate and their employer must complete.
| Step | Action Required |
| Step 1 | Review the Employer Job Offer stream page to confirm you meet all requirements and gather your mandatory documents. |
| Step 2 | Your employer must review the employer guide and submit their portion of the application within 14 calendar days. |
| Step 3 | Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal and click the newly created file number with the prefix JOXX. Submit your application and payment within 17 calendar days from the invitation date. |
The most important thing to remember is that deadlines are firm and cannot be extended.
Employers have 14 calendar days from the date of the invitation to submit their portion of the application.
Candidates then have 17 calendar days from the invitation date to submit their application and payment through the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Candidates should begin gathering their mandatory documents immediately upon receiving the invitation.
Coordinating with employers as early as possible is critical to ensuring both parties meet their respective deadlines.
The application file number will have the prefix JOXX and candidates can find it by logging into the e-Filing Portal.
Key Takeaways From the First OINP Draws of April 2026
There are several important takeaways from this historic OINP draw that all immigration candidates should be aware of.
Ontario issued a combined total of 759 invitations across three Employer Job Offer streams on April 1, 2026.
Every invitation was targeted at candidates working in mining-related occupations.
The Foreign Worker stream sent the most invitations, at 372 with a minimum score of 56.
The International Student stream issued 355 invitations with a higher minimum score of 85.
The In-Demand Skills stream was the most selective, with only 32 invitations for a single NOC code and a minimum score of 34.
All eligible profiles had to be created and attested to by March 30, 2026 for the Foreign Worker and International Student streams.
The In Demand Skills stream had an earlier profile deadline of March 23, 2026.
Employers must submit their applications within 14 calendar days of the invitation.
Candidates must submit their applications and payment within 17 calendar days of the invitation.
This draw signals Ontario’s strategic focus on filling mining sector labour shortages through immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can candidates who received an OINP mining draw invitation in April 2026 apply under more than one Employer Job Offer stream at the same time?
No, each candidate can only apply under the specific stream for which they received their invitation to apply. If you received an invitation under the Foreign Worker stream, you cannot simultaneously apply under the International Student stream for the same draw. However, you may receive separate invitations for different streams in future draws if you meet the eligibility criteria for each one.
What happens if an employer fails to submit their part of the OINP application within the 14 calendar day deadline?
If the employer does not submit their application within 14 calendar days of the invitation date, the candidate’s file may be closed and the invitation could expire. It is critical that candidates coordinate with their employers immediately after receiving the invitation to ensure all deadlines are met. Missing the employer deadline is one of the most common reasons applications are abandoned.
Will Ontario continue to hold targeted mining sector draws throughout the rest of 2026?
While the Ontario government has not officially confirmed a fixed schedule for future mining sector draws, the April 2026 targeted draw signals a strong provincial commitment to addressing labour shortages in the mining industry. Candidates working in eligible occupations should keep their OINP profiles updated and monitor the OINP Program Updates page regularly for new draw announcements.
Fact Checked: All information in this article has been verified against the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program website as of April 1, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Candidates should consult with a licensed immigration professional or visit the official OINP website for personalized guidance on their specific situation.
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