Maple News reports that Ontario has issued its first round of immigration invitations under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream since launching a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. On May 11, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) invited 81 candidates who had registered EOI profiles and received job offers in specific high-demand occupations.
This draw focused on skilled professionals in healthcare and trades—two sectors experiencing ongoing labour shortages in Ontario. Candidates were required to have an EOI score of at least 31 and job offers in one of 23 targeted occupations spanning healthcare and skilled trades.
Fifteen healthcare roles were eligible, including registered nurses, general practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians, and massage therapists. Skilled trades occupations ranged from electricians and elevator mechanics to carpenters and heavy-duty equipment mechanics.
The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream allows foreign nationals to apply for provincial nomination if they have a valid job offer in an eligible occupation from an Ontario employer. Applicants do not need to be in Canada at the time of applying, making it accessible to international talent.
To qualify, candidates must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled occupation, a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario, and a demonstrated intent to settle in the province. Other eligibility criteria include factors such as wage level, education, language proficiency, and regional ties to Ontario.
Interested individuals begin the process by registering an EOI profile through Ontario’s provincial immigration portal. The new EOI system scores candidates based on multiple factors, including the skill level of their job offer, educational background, language abilities, and more. Higher-ranking candidates are periodically invited to apply for nomination.
This draw signals Ontario’s focused effort to attract skilled workers in critical sectors amid Canada’s broader labour market recovery. With the new EOI system now in place, the province expects to hold more targeted draws that better respond to the evolving needs of its economy.
Maple News will continue monitoring Ontario’s immigration draws and provide the latest updates to help candidates navigate the evolving immigration landscape.