New Ontario OINP Draws on April 8 Send 1,828 PR Invitations

On April 8, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued a significant number of 1,828 invitations to apply for permanent residency across four targeted draws. This event marks the largest draw day for the OINP in April 2026, reflecting Ontario’s ongoing efforts to address its workforce needs, particularly in healthcare and Francophone communities.

The recent draws focused on several key areas: healthcare workers, Francophone candidates, physicians, and participants in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program. Notably, the healthcare and early childhood education sectors received the majority of invitations, totaling 1,635, highlighting the critical demand for skilled workers in these fields.

Complete Summary of All Four OINP Draws on April 8, 2026

On April 8, the OINP conducted four draws which are summarized as follows:

• • Healthcare & ECE (Foreign Worker Stream): 1,635 invitations with a minimum score of 20, targeting nurses, nurse aides, and early childhood educators.

• • Francophone (Foreign Worker Stream): 146 invitations with a minimum score of 35, covering 46 specific NOC codes.

• • REDI Pilot (Foreign Worker Stream): 32 invitations with a minimum score of 46, focused on designated areas like Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville.

• • Physician’s Draw: 15 invitations issued to doctors and specialists with a minimum score of 43.

 

The total of 1,828 invitations makes April 8, 2026, one of the most productive single days in recent OINP history, indicating an acceleration in Ontario’s nomination activities this month.

Healthcare and Early Childhood Education Draw Details

Within the healthcare sector, the OINP draws aimed to recruit professionals across various levels. The Foreign Worker stream included six NOC codes, specifically targeting:

• • Nursing coordinators and supervisors

• • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

• • Nurse practitioners

• • Licensed practical nurses

• • Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates

• • Early childhood educators and assistants

 

The inclusion of these roles indicates a comprehensive approach to meet the urgent staffing needs in Ontario’s healthcare facilities.

Francophone Draws and Their Impact

The Francophone draws were particularly notable, featuring the largest list of eligible occupations at 46 NOC codes. This reflects Ontario’s commitment to supporting French-speaking communities and enhancing bilingualism within the province. Eligible occupations spanned various sectors, including:

• • Senior managers in construction, transportation, and utilities

• • Financial and investment analysts

• • Healthcare professionals like dental hygienists and nurses

• • Skilled trades like welders and automotive service technicians

 

This broad eligibility shows the government’s strategy to attract a diverse range of talent to meet its economic and social goals.

Application Process and Deadlines for April 8, 2026 Invitations

Candidates who received an invitation must adhere to the following application process:

• • Review the requirements on the Employer Job Offer stream page and gather necessary documents.

• • Your employer must submit their part of the application within 14 calendar days from the invitation date.

• • Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal and submit your application and payment within 17 calendar days from the invitation date.

 

It is crucial to meet these deadlines; failing to do so will result in the expiration of the invitation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why was the minimum score for the healthcare Foreign Worker stream set at just 20 points on April 8, 2026?

 

The low score threshold of 20 points reflects the severe staffing crisis in Ontario’s healthcare sector. This measure aims to attract as many eligible foreign healthcare workers as possible to address ongoing shortages.

Can a Francophone candidate who received an invitation under the In Demand Skills stream also apply under the Foreign Worker stream?

 

No, each invitation is specific to one stream. Candidates can only apply under the stream for which they received an invitation.

Are candidates from outside Lanark and Leeds and Grenville eligible for the REDI pilot draw if they are willing to relocate?

 

Candidates must have a confirmed job offer from an employer located in Lanark or Leeds and Grenville to qualify for the REDI pilot; simply being willing to move is not sufficient.

How does a provincial nomination through the OINP affect a candidate’s Express Entry score?

 

A provincial nomination from the OINP adds 600 points to a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System score, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Will Ontario issue more targeted healthcare draws in April 2026?

 

While no fixed schedule exists for future draws, recent patterns suggest that Ontario will continue to issue targeted healthcare draws regularly to address persistent workforce shortages.

Reality Check

While the April 8 draws indicate a robust approach to immigration, candidates should remain cautious. The rapid issuance of invitations reflects urgent labor market needs, particularly in healthcare. However, it is important to verify eligibility and stay updated on potential changes in immigration policies. Always refer to the official OINP website for the most accurate information and guidance.

Each candidate’s situation is unique, and outcomes can vary based on personal circumstances and evolving immigration regulations.