Maple News reports that on September 3, Ontario conducted a major Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, issuing 1,893 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination to skilled candidates currently residing in Canada. The invitations were extended to individuals with job offers in one of 77 in-demand occupations across healthcare, tech, finance, trades, and other key sectors.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held two separate draws under its Employer Job Offer streams: Foreign Worker and International Student. Of the total invitations, 1,134 went to candidates under the Foreign Worker Stream with a minimum score threshold of 42, while 759 were issued under the International Student Stream, which required a minimum score of 63.
Eligible candidates were selected based on Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles submitted between July 2 and September 3, 2025. To qualify, applicants also needed to have job offers from Ontario employers in one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes targeted in these draws.
The long list of eligible occupations included healthcare professionals (such as pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and dental hygienists), IT specialists (computer engineers, systems managers), skilled trades (painters, tilesetters, and contractors), business managers, and other high-demand roles like editors, human resources professionals, and technical support staff.
Candidates who receive a provincial nomination through the OINP gain a significant advantage when applying for permanent residency through the federal system, as nomination virtually guarantees an invitation to apply under the Canadian immigration points-based system.
This September 3 draw followed another major selection round held just a day earlier, on September 2, in which Ontario issued 2,643 invitations to candidates with job offers in health-related occupations, demonstrating the province’s ongoing commitment to addressing labor shortages in critical areas.
Together, these back-to-back draws underline Ontario’s proactive approach to attracting skilled talent and supporting economic development by welcoming workers who can fill key gaps in the provincial labor market.
Applicants who received an invitation through the OINP now have a limited window to submit a complete application for provincial nomination. Once nominated, they can move forward with their permanent residency process through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
As one of Canada’s most populous provinces with a diversified economy, Ontario remains a top destination for immigrants seeking long-term settlement opportunities through provincial immigration pathways.