Quick Summary
April 8, 2026 – Ontario, Canada – The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted its largest single-day draw of April 2026, issuing a staggering 1,828 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence across four targeted categories.
The invitations targeted:
| Target Category | Invitations Issued |
|---|---|
| Healthcare & Early Childhood Education (ECE) | 1,635 |
| Francophone candidates (all Employer Job Offer streams) | 146 |
| REDI Pilot (Regional Economic Development through Immigration) | 32 |
| Physicians (Foreign Worker stream) | 15 |
This draw represents Ontario's continued strategic focus on filling critical labour shortages in healthcare, supporting Francophone communities, and driving economic development in smaller regions outside major urban centers.
On This Page
- Draw Summary: All Four Categories at a Glance
- Healthcare & Early Childhood Education Draw (1,635 ITAs)
- Francophone Draw (146 ITAs)
- REDI Pilot Draw (32 ITAs)
- Physicians Draw (15 ITAs)
- Why Ontario Is Targeting These Occupations
- What Candidates Must Do After Receiving an ITA
- What If You Were Not Invited?
- Official Source & Next Steps
Draw Summary: All Four Categories at a Glance
The following table provides a complete snapshot of every draw conducted on April 8, 2026:
| Draw Category | Stream(s) | Invitations | Minimum Score | Target Occupations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare & ECE | Foreign Worker | 1,635 (combined) | 20 | Nurses, nurse aides, ECEs |
| Healthcare & ECE | International Student | (included above) | 46 | Nurses, nurse aides, ECEs |
| Francophone | Foreign Worker | 146 (combined) | 35 | 46 NOC codes |
| Francophone | International Student | (included above) | 63 | 29 NOC codes |
| Francophone | In-Demand Skills | (included above) | 25 | 11 NOC codes |
| REDI Pilot | Foreign Worker | 32 (combined) | 46 | Lanark, Leeds & Grenville |
| REDI Pilot | International Student | (included above) | 57 | Lanark, Leeds & Grenville |
| REDI Pilot | In-Demand Skills | (included above) | 33 | Lanark, Leeds & Grenville |
| Physicians | Foreign Worker | 15 | 43 | Doctors and specialists |
The combined total of 1,828 invitations makes April 8, 2026 one of the most productive single days in recent OINP history.
Healthcare & Early Childhood Education Draw (1,635 ITAs)
The largest share of invitations — 1,635 — went to healthcare workers and early childhood educators. This draw targeted two specific streams:
Foreign Worker Stream – Eligible NOC Codes
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31300 | Nursing coordinators and supervisors |
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 31302 | Nurse practitioners |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
Note: Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) were eligible only under the Foreign Worker stream for this draw.
International Student Stream – Eligible NOC Codes
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31300 | Nursing coordinators and supervisors |
| 31301 | Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses |
| 32101 | Licensed practical nurses |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 42202 | Early childhood educators and assistants |
Minimum Score Requirements:
The inclusion of nursing coordinators, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides shows that Ontario is recruiting healthcare professionals at every level of the nursing hierarchy. Early childhood educators were grouped into this draw, reflecting Ontario's ongoing efforts to expand childcare capacity under the federal-provincial childcare agreement.
Francophone Draw (146 ITAs)
Ontario continues to actively promote Francophone immigration outside Quebec. In this draw, 146 Francophone candidates were invited across all three Employer Job Offer streams.
Foreign Worker Stream – 46 Eligible NOC Codes
The Foreign Worker stream for the Francophone draw had the largest list of eligible occupations — 46 NOC codes — representing one of the broadest occupation lists seen in any recent OINP targeted draw.
Selected occupations included:
| Sector | Example NOC Codes |
|---|---|
| Management | Senior managers in construction, transportation, production |
| Business & Finance | Financial analysts, business management consultants, marketing professionals |
| Administration | Executive assistants, administrative officers, property administrators |
| Technology | Software engineers, software developers, business system specialists |
| Engineering | Industrial engineers, civil engineering technologists |
| Healthcare | Nurse aides, dental hygienists |
| Education | Elementary school teachers, school principals |
| Skilled Trades | Welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, automotive technicians |
| Trades Helpers | Cabinetmakers, appliance servicers |
International Student Stream – 29 Eligible NOC Codes
The International Student stream included 29 eligible NOC codes with a minimum score of 63 points.
Unique occupations in this stream (not in Foreign Worker stream):
- Data scientists
- Civil engineers
- Construction managers
- Translators and interpreters
- Bus drivers and transit operators
- Financial advisors
- Audio and video recording technicians
In-Demand Skills Stream – 11 Eligible NOC Codes
The In-Demand Skills stream had the lowest score requirement at 25 points and included 11 eligible NOC codes.
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 14400 | Shippers and receivers |
| 44101 | Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations |
| 74205 | Public works maintenance equipment operators |
| 75110 | Construction trades helpers and labourers |
| 75119 | Other trades helpers and labourers |
| 85103 | Nursery and greenhouse labourers |
| 94132 | Industrial sewing machine operators |
| 94141 | Industrial butchers and meat cutters |
| 94143 | Testers and graders, food and beverage processing |
| 95101 | Labourers in metal fabrication |
| 95106 | Labourers in food and beverage processing |
These occupations are primarily in manufacturing, food processing, construction, and agricultural support roles. The low score threshold of 25 indicates that Ontario has an acute need for French-speaking workers in these essential but hard-to-fill positions.
REDI Pilot Draw (32 ITAs)
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot targets specific regions in Ontario facing labour shortages. The April 8 draw focused on the Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville regions.
A total of 32 invitations were issued across all three Employer Job Offer streams.
REDI Pilot – Eligible Occupations by Stream
Foreign Worker Stream:
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 10029 | Other business services managers |
| 11101 | Financial and investment analysts |
| 33102 | Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| 72422 | Electrical mechanics |
| 72423 | Motorcycle, ATV and other related mechanics |
International Student Stream:
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
- Health information management roles
- Pharmacy technical assistants
In-Demand Skills Stream:
- Home support workers and related roles
Minimum Score Requirements:
- Foreign Worker stream: 46 points
- International Student stream: 57 points
- In-Demand Skills stream: 33 points
The inclusion of electrical mechanics and motorcycle/ATV mechanics reflects specific employer needs in the Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville regions.
Physicians Draw (15 ITAs)
A small but significant draw targeting physicians issued 15 invitations under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream with a minimum score of 43 points.
Eligible NOC Codes for Physicians:
| NOC Code | Occupation Title |
|---|---|
| 31100 | Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine |
| 31101 | Specialists in surgery |
| 31102 | General practitioners and family physicians |
Important Update for Self-Employed Physicians
Effective January 1, 2026, Ontario expanded eligibility for self-employed physicians under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
Physicians who are:
- Members in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)
- Hold a provisional certificate of registration
- Have an OHIP billing number
are now eligible to apply as self-employed for nomination.
Note: The postgraduate license has been removed from the list of eligible licenses since postgraduate license-holders cannot meet the OHIP billing number requirement. Recent graduates may be eligible through a job offer with an Ontario employer instead.
This change aims to broaden eligibility for internationally educated physicians and addresses Ontario's critical shortage of doctors, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Why Ontario Is Targeting These Occupations
Ontario's strategic focus on these four categories reflects pressing labour market realities:
1. Healthcare Crisis
- Ontario faces severe shortages of nurses, nurse aides, and physicians
- The province is recruiting at every level of the nursing hierarchy
- Long-term care facilities urgently need frontline care workers
2. Francophone Community Support
- The federal government aims for 12% Francophone immigration outside Quebec by 2029
- Ontario actively selects French-speaking candidates across all sectors
- Bilingual candidates receive additional CRS points under Express Entry
3. Regional Economic Development
- Smaller communities like Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville struggle to attract workers
- The REDI pilot directs immigration to areas with specific labour needs
- Candidates willing to live outside the GTA face less competition
4. Early Childhood Education
- Ontario is expanding childcare capacity under federal-provincial agreements
- Early childhood educators are in high demand across the province
What Candidates Must Do After Receiving an ITA
If you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in this draw, follow these steps carefully:
1. Submit Your OINP Application
- Deadline: 60 days from the date of invitation
- Method: OINP e-Filing Portal
2. Ensure Your Employer Completes Their Requirements
Your employer must:
- Complete the Employer Form
- Provide supporting business documents
- Maintain a valid, full-time job offer meeting wage and occupation criteria
3. Prepare and Upload Your Documents
You will need:
- Proof of work experience
- Job offer letter
- Employer Form
- Education credentials
- Passport and status documents
- Language test results (if required)
- Proof of settlement funds (if applicable)
4. After Receiving the Nomination
Once approved:
- You receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate
- You apply for Permanent Residence through IRCC
- If you are in Express Entry, a nomination adds 600 CRS points — almost guaranteeing an ITA at the federal level
What If You Were Not Invited?
Many qualified candidates are not selected in targeted draws. Here is how to strengthen your chances for future rounds:
Why You May Not Have Received an ITA
- Your occupation was not targeted in this draw
- Your EOI score was below the cutoff
- Your job offer is not in a REDI region
- Your employer did not meet eligibility requirements
How to Improve Your Chances
| Strategy | Action |
|---|---|
| Increase EOI score | Gain more Canadian work experience, improve language test results, obtain new certifications |
| Align with in-demand occupations | Healthcare, early childhood education, skilled trades, and regional occupations under REDI are frequently targeted |
| Consider employment in a REDI region | Lanark County, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, Thunder Bay |
| Ensure employer compliance | Employer must meet revenue, staffing, and business history requirements |
| Keep your EOI profile updated | Update whenever you gain new experience, education, certifications, or a revised job offer |
Should You Create a New EOI Profile?
Yes, if:
- Your circumstances have changed
- Your score could increase
- Your job offer has been updated
What's Next for OINP in 2026?
Ontario typically conducts multiple draws throughout the year across all Employer Job Offer streams, Masters/PhD Graduate streams, and the Entrepreneur stream.
Anticipated Developments
1. Possible Program Redesign
Ontario has confirmed it is preparing to redesign the OINP, which could create new streams or modify existing ones. Applicants should act early to avoid potential disruptions.
2. Continued Focus on Priority Sectors
Healthcare, skilled trades, construction, technology, and early childhood education are expected to remain priority sectors throughout 2026.
3. Expanded Francophone Targets
With the federal government increasing Francophone immigration targets, bilingual candidates will continue to have strong advantages.
4. More REDI Draws
Regional draws are expected to continue as Ontario works to distribute immigration benefits beyond the Greater Toronto Area.
Official Source
All information in this article is based on official OINP draw data and verified by multiple authoritative sources.
For the most current information, always refer to:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) official website
- IRCC official processing times tool
Bottom Line
The April 8, 2026 OINP draw was historic in scale — 1,828 ITAs issued in a single day.
Key takeaways:
- Healthcare workers received the most invitations (1,635), with minimum scores as low as 20 points
- Francophone candidates were invited across 86 different NOC codes with scores as low as 25 points
- REDI pilot candidates in Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville received targeted invitations
- Physicians remain a critical priority, with new eligibility rules for self-employed doctors
If you received an ITA: Act quickly — you have 60 days to submit your complete application.
If you were not invited: Do not be discouraged. Update your EOI profile, ensure your employer meets all requirements, and watch for upcoming draws. Ontario is expected to continue inviting candidates throughout 2026.
This article is based on official OINP draw data and verified news sources as of April 8, 2026. Immigration policies and draw schedules are subject to change. Always refer to official Government of Ontario and IRCC channels for the most current information.