Summary :
OINP Draw – At a Glance
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) selects skilled workers for permanent residency.
- ITAs (Invitations to Apply) are issued periodically through draws.
- Eligibility depends on EOI score, language skills, work experience, and job offer (if required).
- Key streams: Employer Job Offer, Graduate, Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, French-Speaking Skilled Workers.
- Ontario targets priority occupations (healthcare, Early Childhood Educators) and regions; some physician roles don’t need a job offer.
- 2025 updates: Employer Portal mandatory, targeted draws, fewer nomination spots, stricter application standards.
The OINP draw, which stands for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program draw, releases notifications every year. The OINP allows Ontario to select eligible individuals and their family members for permanent residency in Canada. This selection is based on different criteria and streams.
Ontario has continued issuing invitations across multiple streams, including healthcare and tech occupations. As per the OINP latest draw on October 9, 2025, a total of 1,590 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued. These draws reflect Ontario’s ongoing effort to attract skilled professionals in high-demand sectors.
But what are ITAs? How are they issued? And how does OINP draw work? Let’s uncover these in this blog ahead.
What Are ITAs and How Are They Issued?
ITAs are periodic “Invitations to Apply” that the OINP issues throughout the year. These ITAs are issued according to various streams covered under Ontario’s Expression of Interest system.
These include multiple categories like Employer job offers and master’s or PhD graduates. The streams include Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, and French-speaking skilled Workers. Each stream has a different application process.
What Factors Influence OINP Draw Invitations?
There are various factors on which it depends whether a candidate will receive an ITA in the OINP draw. These factors include the EOI, language proficiency, relevant work experience, and specific skills. Let’s discuss them one by one:
1. Language Proficiency in English/French
The candidates must demonstrate a language proficiency in English or French in all four components. These components include speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Proving strong language skills can significantly improve your profile and boost your chances of selection in the OINP draw.
2. A Valid Job Offer from an Ontario Employer
To receive the ITA, you must hold a valid job offer from an Ontario employer under the Employer job offer category. Certain occupations in Ontario may require candidates to have certain specific skills or professions.
Only if your occupation or job offer matches the labour market needs will you be eligible for the OINP draw.
3. Relevant Work Experience
You must have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time employment experience to be eligible for the ITA. This experience should be recent and directly related to the job role being applied for.
Relevant work experience helps demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to Ontario’s economy.
5. Expression of Interest (EOI) System
OINP now uses a Expression of Interest (EOI) system for most of its streams. Candidates earn points for factors such as education, work experience, job offer, and language skills. The higher the EOI score, the greater the chance of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).
Each factor carries a specific score, and higher-ranking candidates have better chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The EOI profile stays active for 12 months, allowing candidates to be considered for multiple draws during that time.
6. Having Necessary Documents Ready
To avoid any delays and issues in your selection, prepare all necessary documents. The essential documents for permanent residency include- a valid passport, birth certificate, language test results, work experience documents, medical examination receipt, and passport-sized photographs.
Having these documents in order will make your submission smoother and more efficient.
7. National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes
Ontario regularly targets specific NOC codes when issuing invitations. These occupations reflect current labour shortages or provincial priorities. Candidates with experience in these in-demand occupations often have better chances of selection during draws.
Recently, the province has focused on occupations such as healthcare roles and Early Childhood Educators (NOC 42202). For specific physician roles (NOC 31100, 31101, and 31102), Ontario has lifted the job-offer requirement. The province now accepts self-employment experience for these occupations, allowing more doctors to qualify for nomination.
If you want to find your occupation’s NOC code, visit the official Government of Canada website.
How Do OINP Draw Work?
The OINP is critical in helping skilled workers, international students, and other professionals obtain permanent residency in the country. It happens periodically, and candidates are invited for provincial nominations through ITAs. These draws work through a selection mechanism that chooses candidates from the pool of registered applicants.
Generally, there are specific criteria that the candidates must meet to get nominated. But before that, you should know the steps to start the complete application process.
1. Choose the Right Stream
Before anything else, you must identify the stream that best fits your background and goals. There are two main pathways:
- The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is used for streams such as Employer Job Offer and Graduate categories (Master’s and PhD).
- Express Entry-linked streams, like Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Workers, or Skilled Trades.
Register using the Expression of Interest or Express Entry system. Each stream has its own criteria and application process, so choosing the right one is an important first step.
For Employer Job Offer streams, the EOI intake was paused starting June 20, 2025, and existing EOIs were automatically withdrawn on June 21–22. Applicants can now submit new EOIs only through Ontario’s new Employer Portal, which allows online submission, secure document uploads, and employer-applicant communication.
2. Create Your Profile
Once you’ve chosen your stream, you’ll need to create your profile by going to the official portal called the OINP.
- For EOI-based streams, register a profile through Ontario’s OINP e-filing portal.
- For Express Entry-linked streams, create a profile on the federal IRCC Express Entry system and make sure to indicate your interest in moving to Ontario.
3. Receive a Notification of Interest (NOI)
If your profile meets the needs of the stream and your score is competitive, Ontario may issue you a Notification of Interest (NOI) or a direct Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a draw. This means you’ve been identified as a strong candidate.
Important Update: Draws may now be targeted to specific occupations or regions, such as healthcare, technology, and Early Childhood Educators, rather than being purely broad-based.
4. Submit an Application to ONIP
Once you receive a NOI (Notification of Interest), you must submit your OINP application within 45 calendar days. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and submit complete and accurate information.
Important Update: The OINP now has the authority to return applications if they no longer meet Ontario’s labour-market priorities or integrity standards.
5. Meet All the Requirements
Each stream will have specific requirements. You need to make sure to meet these, too. This may include:
- A valid full-time job offer from an Ontario employer (for Employer Job Offer streams)
- Canadian education credentials (for graduate streams)
- Relevant work experience
- Strong language test scores in English or French
- Proof of settlement funds and intention to live in Ontario
6. Gather and Upload Required Documents
Next, you need to have your documents ready to validate the information in your application.
You’ll need to prepare several documents like a valid passport and identification documents, language test results, proof of job, and work experience. It’s best to have these documents ready in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
7. Receive a Provincial Nomination (If Approved)
Submit your application, and you will be issued a provincial nomination certificate if approved. This gives you a strong chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada from the federal government.
Generally, if you have a high-ranking profile, you can expect to receive an ITA within a few days or weeks after a draw.
Important Update: Ontario’s federal nomination allocation has been reduced in 2025, which may result in fewer ITAs and increased competition.
8. Apply For Permanent Residency via IRCC
With the provincial nomination, you can apply for permanent residency through IRCC. They will review your application to make sure that you meet all federal requirements, and then they will make their decision.
9. Wait for the Final Decision
Lastly, if you have the required CRS score and fulfill all the requirements, your chances of receiving an ITA for permanent residency become easier. If everything is in order, IRCC will approve your application.
Then, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and you’ll be ready to officially move to Ontario and begin your new life in Canada.
Latest OINP Draw News and Updates
Ontario has introduced several important changes in 2025 to make the OINP process more targeted, transparent and responsive to labour‑market needs. Here’s what you should know:
1. New Employer Portal
From 2 July 2025, all applications for the Employer Job Offer streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, In‑Demand Skills) require the employer to submit the job offer through Ontario’s new Employer Portal, before the candidate can register an Expression of Interest (EOI).
This means now employers will initiate the position approval, and then candidates follow. If you’re applying under one of these streams, ensure your employer has used the portal and you register a fresh EOI under the new system.
2. Targeted Draws for Priority Occupations & Regions
In 2025, Ontario held draws that focused on specific occupations and regions rather than solely broad‑based invitations. For example, on 9 October 2025, approximately 1,590 candidates in health occupations and early childhood educators/assistants residing in Canada were invited. There’s also the new pilot stream, the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot, targeting job‑offers in designated communities.
So, if your job offer is in a “priority occupation” or a designated region, you may have better chances to get it but ensure you meet the specific draw criteria.
3. Application Return Authority & Integrity Measures
As of July 1, 2025, OINP can return applications with a full fee refund if they no longer meet labour-market priorities or program standards. Ontario may also require interviews for employers or applicants to verify job offers, qualifications, and intent.
Additionally, the names of employers or representatives with penalties under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 may be publicly listed. This makes it more important than ever to ensure that all job offers and supporting documents are accurate.
4. Reduced Nomination Allocation for 2025
The total number of provincial nominations available to Ontario in 2025 has been significantly reduced. Fewer spots mean higher competition, so candidates should ensure their EOI points, job offers, and supporting documents are strong and complete.
5. Updated EOI System
Alongside the portal launch and regulatory changes, Ontario has upgraded its Expression of Interest system for better performance. Applicants and employers should be aware of transition‑period details: old EOIs (for Employer Job Offer streams) were automatically withdrawn in late June 2025.
Any EOI submitted under the old system for those streams will not count – you’ll need to register anew under the employer‑led process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve put together a list of the most asked questions to help you better understand the process and what to expect. Whether you’re just starting your application or already in the middle of it, these FAQs will guide you through the essentials.
1. How often does OINP issue ITAs in a year?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) periodically throughout the year, but the frequency, size, and timing of draws can vary based on the program’s application inventory and specific needs.
2. What is the OINP draw score for 2025?
Based on the 2025 status, the CRS score for the OINP draw for general streams falls under 414–528 and 290–445 for French-Speaking Skilled Workers stream.
3. What is the processing time for OINP?
For graduate students their application process takes about 30 to 60 days and for the Employer-based and Express Entry applications may take 60 to 90 days.
4. How do I check my OINP status?
To know the status of your application form, just log in to your OINP account using the e-filing portal. That’s where you can see the status of your application.
Conclusion
Ontario immigration seems like a not-so-close dream when you are unaware of the proper steps for how OINP draws work. Getting an ITA for the OINP draws is the critical pathway to getting your permanent residency in the country. However, you should be well informed about the basic requirements you must meet to be eligible.
Work on getting a high CRS score, acquiring good language proficiency, and adequate work experience. These aspects will increase your chances of getting permanent residency.
For more information on Ontario immigration, contact our Visa Consultants in Mohali.
