Ontario, April 15, 2026 – The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted a targeted draw under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream , issuing 1,334 invitations to apply to candidates with job offers in agriculture-related and other priority occupations.
- 01On This Page
- 02Draw Overview: Two Tiers of Priority Occupations
- 03Agriculture Occupations: 6 NOC Codes, Score 35+
- 04Other Priority Occupations: 33 NOC Codes, Score 36+
- 05Complete List of Eligible NOC Codes
- 06How the In-Demand Skills Stream Works
- 07Application Process and Deadlines
- 08Why Ontario Is Targeting These Occupations
- 09Frequently Asked Questions
- 10Official Sources
- 11Bottom Line
| Draw Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of draw | April 15, 2026 |
| Stream | Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills |
| Total invitations issued | 1,334 |
| Agriculture occupations | Minimum score: 35 |
| Other priority occupations | Minimum score: 36 |
| Profile creation deadline | April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. |
| Application deadline | 17 calendar days from invitation |
| Employer submission deadline | 14 calendar days from invitation |
Key takeaway: This draw focused on lower-skilled but in-demand occupations that are essential to Ontario's economy, including agriculture, food processing, construction, manufacturing, and home support. The minimum score requirements (35-36) are among the lowest in any OINP stream, reflecting the urgent need for workers in these sectors.
On This Page
- Draw Overview: Two Tiers of Priority Occupations
- Agriculture Occupations: 6 NOC Codes, Score 35+
- Other Priority Occupations: 33 NOC Codes, Score 36+
- Complete List of Eligible NOC Codes
- How the In-Demand Skills Stream Works
- Application Process and Deadlines
- Why Ontario Is Targeting These Occupations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Official Sources
Draw Overview: Two Tiers of Priority Occupations
The April 15, 2026 draw separated eligible candidates into two distinct groups with different score requirements:
| Group | Minimum Score | Number of NOCs | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture occupations | 35 | 6 | Farming, livestock, food processing |
| Other priority occupations | 36 | 33 | Manufacturing, construction, logistics, home support |
Score Requirements
| Score | Who Was Invited |
|---|---|
| 35+ | Candidates in agriculture occupations |
| 36+ | Candidates in other priority occupations |
The 1-point difference reflects the slightly higher urgency for agriculture workers, though both thresholds are very low compared to other OINP streams (e.g., Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream often requires 40-50+ points).
Profile Deadline
Eligible profiles must have been created and attested to by April 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. . Profiles created after this date were not considered for this draw.
Agriculture Occupations: 6 NOC Codes, Score 35+
Candidates with a job offer in one of the following 6 NOC codes and a score of 35 or above received an invitation.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 84120 | Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators |
| 85100 | Livestock labourers |
| 85103 | Nursery and greenhouse labourers |
| 94140 | Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing |
| 94141 | Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers |
| 95106 | Labourers in food and beverage processing |
Focus on Agriculture and Food Processing
These occupations cover the full spectrum of Ontario's agricultural supply chain:
- Primary agriculture: Livestock workers, farm machinery operators, nursery and greenhouse labourers
- Food processing: Machine operators, butchers, meat cutters, and general labourers in food processing
The inclusion of food processing roles (NOC 94140, 94141, 95106) recognizes that agriculture extends beyond the farm to processing facilities.
Other Priority Occupations: 33 NOC Codes, Score 36+
Candidates with a job offer in one of the following 33 NOC codes and a score of 36 or above received an invitation.
Logistics and Transportation (NOC 14400, 14402, 75101, 75211)
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 14400 | Shippers and receivers |
| 14402 | Production logistics workers |
| 75101 | Material handlers |
| 75211 | Railway and motor transport labourers |
Home Support and Maintenance (NOC 44101, 74203, 74204, 74205, 75212)
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 44101 | Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations |
| 74203 | Other automotive mechanical installers and servicers |
| 74204 | Waterworks and gas maintenance workers |
| 74205 | Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers |
| 75212 | Public works and maintenance labourers |
Construction and Trades Helpers (NOC 75110, 75119)
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 75110 | Construction trades helpers and labourers |
| 75119 | Other trades helpers and labourers |
Manufacturing and Machine Operators (NOC 94100, 94101, 94103, 94105, 94106, 94107, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94120, 94124, 94132, 94200, 94202, 94203, 94204, 94212, 94213, 94219)
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 94100 | Machine operators, mineral and metal processing |
| 94101 | Foundry workers |
| 94103 | Concrete, clay and stone forming operators |
| 94105 | Metalworking and forging machine operators |
| 94106 | Machining tool operators |
| 94107 | Other metal products machine operators |
| 94110 | Chemical plant machine operators |
| 94111 | Plastics processing machine operators |
| 94112 | Rubber processing machine operators and related workers |
| 94120 | Sawmill machine operators |
| 94124 | Woodworking machine operators |
| 94132 | Industrial sewing machine operators |
| 94200 | Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers |
| 94202 | Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing |
| 94203 | Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers |
| 94204 | Mechanical assemblers and inspectors |
| 94212 | Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors |
| 94213 | Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators |
| 94219 | Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors |
Labourers in Processing (NOC 95100, 95101, 95103)
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 95100 | Labourers in mineral and metal processing |
| 95101 | Labourers in metal fabrication |
| 95103 | Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing |
Complete List of Eligible NOC Codes
For easy reference, here are all 39 eligible NOC codes from this draw (6 agriculture + 33 other priority):
| Category | NOC Codes |
|---|---|
| Agriculture (score 35+) | 84120, 85100, 85103, 94140, 94141, 95106 |
| Other priority (score 36+) | 14400, 14402, 44101, 74203, 74204, 74205, 75101, 75110, 75119, 75211, 75212, 94100, 94101, 94103, 94105, 94106, 94107, 94110, 94111, 94112, 94120, 94124, 94132, 94200, 94202, 94203, 94204, 94212, 94213, 94219, 95100, 95101, 95103 |
How the In-Demand Skills Stream Works
The Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream is designed for foreign nationals with a job offer in a specific list of lower-skilled but essential occupations in Ontario.
Key Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Job offer | Full-time, permanent position in an eligible NOC code |
| Work experience | 9 months of cumulative paid work experience in the same NOC in the past 3 years |
| Education | Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (ECA required for foreign education) |
| Language | CLB 4 or higher in English or French (IELTS 4.5-5.0 for listening/reading, 4.0 for writing/speaking) |
| Residence | Must reside in Canada with valid work or study permit at time of application |
| Settlement funds | Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support self and family |
Employer Requirements
The employer must:
- Be in active business in Ontario for at least 3 years
- Demonstrate the need for the position
- Comply with Ontario's employment standards
- Submit their application within 14 calendar days of the candidate's invitation
Application Process and Deadlines
If you received an invitation in this draw, follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Review Eligibility
Review the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream page to confirm you meet all requirements and have the mandatory documents.
Step 2: Employer Submits Application
Your employer must submit their part of the application within 14 calendar days from the date of invitation (April 15, 2026).
Step 3: Candidate Submits Application
Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal . Click the newly created file number with the prefix JOXX . Submit your application and payment within 17 calendar days from the date of invitation.
Step 4: Wait for Nomination
If approved, you will receive a provincial nomination. You can then apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
Deadlines Summary
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Profile creation | April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (already passed) |
| Employer submission | Within 14 calendar days of invitation |
| Candidate application | Within 17 calendar days of invitation |
Important: Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the invitation being voided.
Why Ontario Is Targeting These Occupations
Ontario's focus on In-Demand Skills stream occupations reflects several pressing labour market realities:
1. Agriculture Labour Shortage
Ontario's agricultural sector faces chronic shortages of farm workers, livestock labourers, and greenhouse workers. The COVID-19 pandemic and changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program have exacerbated these shortages.
2. Food Processing Demand
Food and beverage processing is a critical industry that cannot be offshored. Ontario needs butchers, meat cutters, and machine operators to maintain domestic food supply.
3. Construction and Trades Helpers
With Ontario's housing affordability crisis, the province needs more workers in construction trades helpers and labourers to build homes faster.
4. Home Support Workers
An aging population requires more home support workers and housekeepers. This occupation has been in high demand across all regions of Ontario.
5. Manufacturing Revival
Ontario's manufacturing sector (auto parts, machinery, plastics, wood products) requires assemblers, inspectors, and machine operators. The In-Demand Skills stream helps fill these roles.
6. Logistics and Supply Chain
Shippers, receivers, production logistics workers, and material handlers are essential to Ontario's supply chain. The pandemic highlighted the critical nature of these roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream?
It is an OINP stream for foreign nationals with a job offer in a specific list of lower-skilled but essential occupations (NOC TEER 4 or 5, plus some TEER 2-3 in agriculture and food processing).
What is the minimum score required for this draw?
- Agriculture occupations: 35 points
- Other priority occupations: 36 points
How many invitations were issued?
1,334 invitations were issued in total.
What is the deadline to apply?
- Employer: 14 calendar days from April 15, 2026
- Candidate: 17 calendar days from April 15, 2026
Do I need a job offer?
Yes. A valid, full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in an eligible NOC code is mandatory.
Do I need to be in Canada to apply?
Yes. Candidates must currently reside in Canada with a valid work permit or study permit at the time of application.
What is the language requirement?
CLB 4 in English or French. This is a lower requirement than most other OINP streams.
Can I apply if my profile was created after April 13, 2026?
No. Only profiles created and attested to by April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. were eligible for this draw.
What happens after I receive a nomination?
After receiving a provincial nomination, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence. The nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score (if you have an Express Entry profile) or allows you to apply through a non-Express Entry PNP stream.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the official OINP website: ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp
Official Sources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| OINP Updates page | ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream | ontario.ca/page/oinp-employer-job-offer-demand-skills-stream |
| OINP e-Filing Portal | ontario.ca/page/oinp-e-filing-portal |
Bottom Line
Ontario issued 1,334 invitations on April 15, 2026, under the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream.
Key takeaways for candidates:
| If You Received an Invitation | If You Did Not Receive an Invitation |
|---|---|
| ✅ Ensure your employer submits within 14 days | ✅ Check if your NOC is on the eligible list |
| ✅ Submit your application within 17 days | ✅ Create/update your EOI profile |
| ✅ Review document requirements | ✅ Consider improving your score (language, work experience, wage) |
| ✅ Act quickly – deadlines are strict | ✅ Watch for future draws (likely monthly) |
For employers: The In-Demand Skills stream is a valuable tool to hire foreign workers for hard-to-fill positions in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, logistics, and home support. Ensure you understand your obligations and submit your part of the application on time.
The low score thresholds (35-36) indicate that Ontario is eager to fill these positions. If you have a job offer in any of the 39 eligible NOCs, you have a strong chance of receiving an invitation in a future draw.
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