Maple News reports that Ontario has set a new benchmark for immigration nominations by conducting its largest-ever Expression of Interest (EOI) draw under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Held on July 13, the province invited a total of 1,685 candidates across three streams, all connected to the Employer Job Offer category.
The biggest share of invitations—1,211—went to applicants under the Foreign Worker stream. This general draw had a minimum EOI score cut-off of 33 and did not specify any targeted occupations or regional location requirements. These are foreign nationals with job offers from Ontario employers and at least two years of skilled work experience.
Additionally, 431 international students currently in Ontario were selected under the International Student stream. These candidates were required to have an EOI score of at least 62. This draw also followed a general selection basis, broadening access to a wider range of qualified applicants.
Rounding out the draw, 43 invitations were issued through the province’s Regional Immigration Pilot, a sub-stream that focuses on attracting talent to Ontario’s smaller communities. These candidates were eligible for the same Employer Job Offer streams.
According to Maple News, these draws are part of Ontario’s evolving strategy under its new EOI system launched earlier this year. The EOI system allows the province to more effectively manage demand and align nominee selection with labor market needs. Candidates submit a profile and receive a score based on factors such as work experience, education, and job offer.
At the time of this record-breaking draw, Ontario also released updated application instructions for potential nominees. Notably, applicants under the Employer Job Offer stream must submit a printed and signed attestation form as part of their application. Failure to do so will result in the application being deemed incomplete and returned, with the application fee refunded.
The Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream targets skilled foreign nationals with full-time, permanent job offers in Ontario. Eligible candidates do not need to be physically present in Canada to apply. However, they must meet experience, job offer, and intent-to-reside requirements before submitting their nomination application.
With this latest development, Ontario reinforces its role as a leading destination for skilled migrants in Canada. The province continues to rely on its PNP to tackle labour shortages and support regional economic growth, especially in communities outside major urban centers.
Interested applicants must first register an EOI profile on Ontario’s immigration portal. Profiles are scored and placed into a selection pool. Only top-ranked candidates receive invitations to apply for a provincial nomination, which can significantly boost their chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.