5 New Ontario-OINP Draws Sent 468 PR Invitations On August 28
On August 28, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) resumed its invitation rounds after a three-month pause, issuing 468 invitations to apply for permanent residency. These invitations were distributed across five targeted draws under the Employer Job Offer streams, focusing on key regions and addressing labor shortages in Northern Ontario and communities identified for Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI).
The draws targeted candidates under the Foreign Worker stream, International Student stream, and In-Demand Skills stream. A total of 94 invitations were issued to Foreign Workers in Northern Ontario with a score threshold of 53 and above, while 57 invitations went to candidates in REDI communities with a threshold of 45 and above.
The International Student stream saw 236 invitations for candidates in Northern Ontario with scores of 66 and above, and 56 invitations for those in REDI communities with a higher threshold of 68 and above. Additionally, 25 invitations were issued under the In-Demand Skills stream for REDI communities, with a score threshold of 34 and above.
These draws specifically targeted Northern Ontario and REDI communities to support regional economic growth and address labor market needs in areas experiencing shortages. The invitation rounds present significant opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, and in-demand laborers to secure a provincial nomination, which can expedite the pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
Ontario’s recent program updates reflect ongoing efforts to increase transparency, respond quickly to labor demands, and enhance program integrity through regulatory changes and new platform requirements. The OINP’s strategic approach demonstrates its commitment to strategically welcoming newcomers and supporting growth in underserved regions.
Breakdown of the August 2025 Ontario OINP Draws
The August 28, 2025, OINP draws targeted specific streams and regions, with the following breakdown:
Streams and Targeted Focus:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- 94 invitations: Candidates with job offers in Northern Ontario; score threshold: 53 and above.
- 57 invitations: Candidates in REDI communities; score threshold: 45 and above.
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- 236 invitations: Candidates in Northern Ontario; score threshold: 66 and above.
- 56 invitations: Candidates in REDI communities; score threshold: 68 and above.
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
- 25 invitations: Candidates in REDI communities; score threshold: 34 and above.
Only candidates who had created their profiles in the Expression of Interest (EOI) system pool between July 2, 2025, and August 28, 2025, were eligible for selection in these draws.
Application Process and New Requirements
The application process for the OINP has undergone significant changes, effective July 2025:
- 14-Day Deadline: Successful candidates receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) must submit a complete application within 14 calendar days for the approval of their employment position, in accordance with the new OINP intake system introduced in July 2025.
- Employer-Led Portal: Since July 2025, the application process has shifted to an employer-led system using the new online Employer Portal. Employers register their business and enter job details, enabling applicants to register their EOI in collaboration with their employer.
- In-Person Interviews: The program now may require in-person interviews for employers and foreign national applicants to ensure credibility and authenticity of applications; accommodations are provided when appropriate.
- Withdrawn EOIs: Individuals with EOIs previously withdrawn are advised to work with their employer to submit new EOIs through the new Employer Portal.
Strategic Purpose and Implications
These draws specifically target Northern Ontario and designated REDI communities to support regional economic growth and address labour market needs in areas experiencing shortages.
- The invitation rounds present significant opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, and in-demand labourers to secure a provincial nomination, which can expedite the pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
- Ontario’s recent program updates reflect ongoing efforts to increase transparency, respond quickly to labour demands, and enhance program integrity through regulatory changes and new platform requirements.
Summary Table of Invitations (August 28, 2025)
| Stream / Target | Invitations | Score Threshold | Region/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker | 94 | 53+ | Northern Ontario |
| Foreign Worker | 57 | 45+ | REDI communities |
| Intl. Student | 236 | 66+ | Northern Ontario |
| Intl. Student | 56 | 68+ | REDI communities |
| In-Demand Skill | 25 | 34+ | REDI communities |
Key Takeaways for Applicants
- Applicants must act quickly after receiving an ITA due to the short submission window.
- Profiles eligible for these draws were created within the designated two-month period in 2025.
- Engaging with employers through the new Employer Portal is now required for submitting EOIs and completing applications.
These new targeted draws demonstrate Ontario’s commitment to strategically welcoming newcomers and supporting growth in underserved regions through the OINP.
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Conclusion
The August 28, 2025, Ontario-OINP draws marked a significant step in addressing labor shortages and promoting regional economic growth. By issuing 468 invitations across five targeted streams, the OINP demonstrated its commitment to supporting underserved regions like Northern Ontario and REDI communities. These draws highlight the program’s strategic focus on attracting skilled workers, international graduates, and in-demand skills to meet specific labor market needs.
The introduction of new requirements, such as the 14-day application deadline and the employer-led portal, underscores Ontario’s efforts to streamline the process and enhance program integrity. These changes, combined with the targeted approach of the draws, signal a proactive strategy to welcome newcomers and foster economic development in key regions.
Prospective applicants should remain vigilant about eligibility criteria, timelines, and the new submission processes to maximize their chances of securing a provincial nomination through the OINP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What streams were targeted in the August 28, 2025, OINP draws?
The draws targeted the Employer Job Offer streams, including the Foreign Worker stream, International Student stream, and In-Demand Skills stream, focusing on Northern Ontario and REDI communities.
What is the significance of targeting Northern Ontario and REDI communities?
Northern Ontario and REDI communities were targeted to address labor shortages and support regional economic growth in underserved areas.
How many invitations were issued in total?
A total of 468 invitations were issued across the five targeted draws under the Employer Job Offer streams.
What is the new deadline for submitting applications after receiving an ITA?
Successful candidates must submit a complete application within 14 calendar days of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
What changes were introduced to the OINP application process in July 2025?
The process now includes a 14-day deadline, an employer-led portal, and potential in-person interviews to enhance program integrity and transparency.
How can applicants create an Expression of Interest (EOI) for future draws?
Applicants must work with their employers to submit EOIs through the new Employer Portal, as the process is now employer-led.
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