Updated July 2026. On February 18, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued a targeted draw sending 1,404 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in skilled trades-related occupations.
Draw Details
The invitations were issued across two of OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams: the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream and the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream. Ontario considered profiles created between July 2, 2025, and February 16, 2026.
Who Was Eligible
To be invited in this round, candidates needed to have declared that they were currently residing in Canada with a valid work or study permit at the time their profile was submitted.
Application Deadline
Invited candidates must submit their OINP application within 17 calendar days of receiving the ITA. Missing this window means the invitation expires and the candidate would need to be invited again in a future draw.
Why Skilled Trades Were Prioritized
This draw’s focus on skilled trades occupations follows the closure of OINP’s Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream, which was suspended in November 2025. Ontario has since shifted more of its trades-related nominations through the Employer Job Offer streams instead.
What This Means If You’re Applying to OINP
If you’re in the OINP Employer Job Offer pool with a skilled trades background, this draw is a reminder that Ontario continues to prioritize these occupations even without the dedicated Express Entry stream. Keep your profile and NOC code current, and respond quickly if you receive an ITA — the 17-day deadline is strict.
For current OINP streams, requirements, and how to apply, see the Government of Ontario’s OINP invitations page.
Related Reading
- First Ontario-OINP Draws Of 2026 Sent 1,825 PR Invitations
- Doug Ford Blames Return Of OINP Applications On Federal Government
- New ODSP Payments For Ontario Residents Coming This Week
If you'd rather have this mapped out for your exact situation instead of piecing it together yourself, our personalized report covers eligibility, CRS score, and next steps.
