Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), issued **1,404 new invitations to apply for. nomination on February 18, 2026**, focusing on skilled trades and international graduate workers under Employer Job Offer streams. The province continues active targeted draws to fill key labour shortages and support economic growth.

• Ontario issued **1,404 invitations** in recent OINP Employer Job Offer draws.

• Draws targeted **skilled trades workers and international students** with job offers.

• These nominations support permanent residence pathways for in-demand workers.

Ontario PNP Continues Active Draws for Skilled Workers (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has once again demonstrated strong activity in its 2026 immigration intake. On **February 18, 2026**, the province issued **1,404 Invitations to Apply (ITAs)** under its Employer Job Offer. streams — signaling a continued commitment to inviting candidates whose skills align with Ontario’s labour market needs.

Ontario’s government uses the Expression of Interest (EOI) system within the OINP to assess eligible candidates. Through this system, candidates submit profiles and are selected for invitations based on provincial priorities, score brackets, occupation targets, and labour market demand.

Key Results from the February 18 Draw

Stream	Invitations Issued	Focus Areas
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream	951	Skilled trades occupations
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream	453	Skilled trades occupations

These results show Ontario targeting skilled trades workers and international graduates with job offers. tied to occupations crucial to the province’s industries, including construction, electrical, manufacturing, and technical roles.

Who Is Affected by the Latest OINP Draw?

The recent invitations are significant for several groups of immigration candidates:

• Skilled Trades Workers: Candidates with job offers in in-demand trades occupations received most of the invitations, reflecting Ontario’s efforts to address labour shortages.

• International Graduates: Graduates from Ontario post-secondary institutions with relevant job offers also featured prominently, emphasizing pathways for students already integrated into the province’s economy.

• Employers: Firms in Ontario benefit from being able to recruit and nominate workers whose skills meet specific workforce gaps.

Why This Matters

The OINP is one of Canada’s most active provincial nominee programs, and Ontario remains. a leading destination for immigrants because of its size, economic diversity, and job opportunities.

These periodic invitations help the province fill critical labour shortages in sectors experiencing growth or worker scarcity.

Receiving an OINP nomination significantly improves a candidate’s chances of obtaining permanent residence,. particularly when the nomination is aligned with the federal Express Entry. system — which can add 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and virtually guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at the federal level.

How the Employer Job Offer Streams Work

In the Employer Job Offer streams, candidates are invited based on an expression. of interest and must hold a qualifying job offer that reflects in-demand occupations.

Once invited, applicants must submit complete documentation demonstrating eligibility within specified deadlines.

Ontario’s focus on skilled trades and international graduates underscores the province’s intent to combine labour market needs. with targeted immigration outcomes — helping address workforce gaps and ensuring candidates contribute meaningfully to the provincial economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The OINP is Ontario’s provincial immigration program, allowing the province to nominate candidates for permanent residence. who have skills, job offers, or other attributes that support its labour market and economic goals.

Do invitations guarantee permanent residence?

No. Receiving an invitation to apply from the OINP means candidates can submit a provincial application. If successful, they will receive a nomination.

After nomination, candidates may apply to the federal government for permanent residence, which is a separate process.

Can international students benefit from OINP draws?

Yes. In the recent draws, international graduates who hold qualifying job offers under the International. Student stream received invitations, creating a pathway from study to work to permanent residence.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.