On April 1, 2026, Ontario conducted targeted immigration draws under three streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW), the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream (EJO IS), and the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (EJO IDS). Every invitation issued in this round was directed at candidates with job offers in mining-related occupations, signalling Ontario’s continued commitment to addressing critical labour shortages in one of the province’s most strategically important industries.

Draw Results at a Glance

Ontario issued a total of 759 invitations to apply (ITAs) across the three streams:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream — 372 ITAs issued, with a minimum score of 56
• Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream — 355 ITAs issued, with a minimum score of 85
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream — 32 ITAs issued, with a minimum score of 34

These draws bring the total number of OINP invitations issued in 2026 to 6,343.

Why Mining?

Ontario’s mining sector has faced persistent workforce shortages for years, particularly in Northern Ontario communities where the industry forms the backbone of local economies. The province is home to significant deposits of critical minerals — including nickel, copper, gold, and lithium — that are in growing global demand as countries accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and clean energy technologies. By directing these draws specifically at mining occupations, Ontario is working to ensure it has the skilled workforce necessary to extract and process these resources competitively.

What Invited Candidates Need to Know

To have been eligible for consideration in these draws, candidates must have had an eligible profile created and attested to in the OINP Expression of Interest system before the applicable deadline. Invited candidates and their employers must now act quickly:

• Employers have 14 calendar days from the date of the invitation to submit their application for approval of an employment position
• Candidates have 17 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit their application and payment through the OINP e-Filing Portal

Receiving an invitation to apply does not guarantee nomination. Candidates must confirm they meet all stream requirements before submitting.

Looking Ahead

These draws are taking place against the backdrop of significant change for the OINP. Amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act are expected to take effect in May 2026, which will revoke the existing categories underpinning the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams. Practitioners and candidates alike should monitor official OINP announcements closely as the program transitions to a redesigned structure.

For immigration professionals advising clients in employer-driven pathways, understanding how Ontario’s EJO streams operate today and how they are evolving is essential to providing accurate and timely guidance.

LPEN’s upcoming course, The Complete Guide to OINP 2026, taking place on August 12, 2026, offers a comprehensive look at Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program streams and practical application strategies. Whether you are advising employer-sponsored candidates or navigating the program’s upcoming changes, this course will equip you with the knowledge you need. Learn more and register here.

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