Ontario has officially resumed its Employer Job Offer draws under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Maple News reports. The province issued 468 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in targeted rounds held on August 28, 2025, focusing specifically on job offers in Northern Ontario and select Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) communities. This marks the first Employer Job Offer draw since June 3, signaling renewed efforts to address labour shortages in underserviced regions across the province.
The latest draws span three OINP streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills. Each stream targeted candidates with active job offers in designated occupations and geographic locations. These efforts support long-term workforce development in remote and economically strategic areas, aligning with broader provincial objectives for regional growth.
Under the Foreign Worker and International Student streams, Ontario issued 94 and 236 ITAs, respectively. Candidates in Northern Ontario needed a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 53 (Foreign Worker) and 66 (International Student), while those in REDI-designated communities like Lambton, Lanark, and Leeds & Grenville faced slightly higher thresholds—45 and 68, respectively. An additional 25 ITAs were issued under the In-Demand Skills stream, with a minimum score of 34 for applicants in REDI areas.
The targeted occupations in Northern Ontario reflect diverse economic needs across sectors. Roles ranged from healthcare professionals such as registered nurses and physiotherapists, to engineers, IT specialists, and human resources professionals. Additional draws also included skilled trades positions like electricians, carpenters, and heavy equipment mechanics. The REDI-specific draws highlighted similar needs across healthcare, technical trades, and administration.
The REDI pilot is part of Ontario’s broader regional immigration strategy. It channels skilled immigrants into smaller communities outside major urban centres, where employers face persistent recruitment challenges. By linking immigration to long-term economic planning, REDI aims to support job retention, local business growth, and community sustainability.
Eligible candidates invited through these draws must act promptly. Once an invitation is received, employers have 14 days to submit a position approval form, while candidates have 17 days to apply through the OINP e-Filing Portal. Applications are only considered complete when both employer and candidate submit requisite documents on time.
According to Maple News, the draw signifies Ontario’s commitment to using targeted immigration as a tool to stimulate economic revitalization beyond its urban core. As these regional programs expand, prospective immigrants with job offers outside Toronto and Ottawa may find new pathways to permanent residency through OINP’s evolving streams.