Canada continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled migrants, and its provinces play a major role in shaping immigration opportunities. In early September 2025, Ontario made headlines by conducting its largest immigration draw of the year, issuing 2,643 invitations to candidates through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
This development is especially important for Indians, who make up one of the largest groups of applicants for Canadian permanent residency. With a focus on healthcare, childcare, and in-demand support roles, Ontario’s latest draw shows how Canada is addressing its labour shortages while creating a pathway for skilled workers already in the country to transition to permanent residency.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this massive draw, who was invited, why these jobs were prioritized, what the process looks like, and what it means for Indians hoping to settle in Canada.
Ontario’s Largest Immigration Draw of 2025
On September 2, 2025, Ontario extended invitations to 2,643 candidates through three specific streams under the Employer Job Offer category. The targeted draw reflects the province’s urgent need for skilled professionals across healthcare, education, and support services.
The draw was divided as follows:
1. Foreign Worker Stream
- Invitations issued: 1,305
- Profiles considered: Created between July 2 and September 2, 2025
- Minimum score required: 41 points
- Targeted occupations: Nine healthcare roles, early childhood educators, and assistants
This stream targeted skilled professionals who already had a valid job offer in Ontario. Healthcare roles such as general practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants were prioritized, along with early education staff to address shortages in childcare.
2. International Student Stream
- Invitations issued: 1,105
- Profiles considered: Same period (July 2 to September 2, 2025)
- Minimum score required: 58 points
- Focus areas: Healthcare and early childhood education
This stream focused on recent graduates from Canadian institutions who had job offers in Ontario. International students play a crucial role in filling workforce gaps, and the higher cutoff score reflected the competitiveness of this pool.
3. In-Demand Skills Stream
- Invitations issued: 233
- Minimum score required: 33 points
- Targeted roles: Home support workers, housekeepers, and related jobs
This category was aimed at essential support roles, especially in home care services — an area seeing rising demand due to Ontario’s ageing population.
Occupations Covered in the Draw
Together, these three streams targeted 10 specific job codes under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). These included:
- General practitioners and family physicians
- Specialist surgeons
- Nurses and midwives
- Physician assistants
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Home support workers
- Housekeepers
These roles reflect not just temporary needs but long-term labour gaps in Ontario’s healthcare and education systems.
Why Ontario Chose These Jobs
Ontario’s decision to prioritize healthcare and education occupations is directly tied to demographic and social trends:
- Ageing Population: With seniors making up a growing share of the population, Ontario faces an increasing demand for doctors, nurses, and caregivers.
- Healthcare Pressure: The pandemic highlighted the fragility of healthcare systems. Recruiting international talent ensures that hospitals and clinics can handle ongoing pressures.
- Education and Childcare: As Ontario’s population continues to grow, early childhood educators are needed to support schools and childcare centers. This also helps more parents, particularly women, re-enter the workforce.
By focusing on these sectors, Ontario is not only addressing current shortages but also investing in the long-term resilience of its social infrastructure.
How the OINP Works
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is one of the many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) in Canada. Each province has its own system for nominating immigrants based on labour market needs.
Expression of Interest (EOI) System
Applicants create a profile in Ontario’s system, which is then scored based on factors such as:
- Job offer details
- Prior work experience
- Education level
- Language proficiency
- Alignment with Ontario’s priority occupations
Ontario conducts draws periodically, selecting candidates with the highest scores or those in specific occupations.
Next Steps for Selected Candidates
Receiving an invitation is a major milestone, but it’s just the beginning of the process. Selected candidates — and their employers — must follow a strict timeline:
- Notification: Candidates and employers are notified via email if their Expression of Interest (EOI) was selected.
- Employer Approval: Employers must apply for job offer approval through Ontario’s Employer Portal within 14 calendar days (by September 16, in this draw).
- Candidate Application: Candidates must submit their application through the OINP e-Filing Portal within 17 calendar days (by September 19), including all required documents and fees.
- Supporting Documents: Applications must include proof of the job offer, identity documents, education certificates, and other mandatory paperwork.
Failure to meet these deadlines results in losing the invitation — so timing is critical.
Recent Changes to the OINP
Ontario introduced some key procedural changes in July 2025:
- Employers are now required to use the Employer Portal to get job offers approved.
- Candidate rankings are more targeted, taking into account not just scores but also how closely applicants align with Ontario’s labour priorities.
This new system allows Ontario to conduct focused draws, like the September one, that directly address its most urgent workforce shortages.
What This Means for Indian Applicants
For Indians aspiring to settle in Canada, this draw is very encouraging. Here’s why:
- No Nationality Restriction: The OINP does not limit invitations by country. As long as candidates meet the eligibility criteria and score requirements, they can be selected.
- High Representation: Indians are one of the largest groups applying through OINP and other Canadian immigration streams. It’s very likely that a significant number of the 2,643 invitations went to Indian applicants.
- Healthcare Focus: Many Indian professionals work in medicine, nursing, and caregiving — exactly the roles Ontario is prioritizing.
- Pathway to PR: The OINP nomination significantly boosts a candidate’s chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency (PR).
For international students from India already studying in Canada, the International Student Stream is especially promising. With a valid job offer in healthcare or education, they can transition smoothly from student visas to permanent residency.
Canada’s Broader Immigration Strategy
Ontario’s massive draw is part of Canada’s larger immigration strategy. With a growing economy and an ageing workforce, Canada is relying on skilled immigrants to sustain its labour market.
- National Immigration Targets: Canada plans to welcome over 1.5 million new permanent residents by 2027.
- Provincial Autonomy: Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are tailoring their immigration draws to local needs, ensuring that immigrants are aligned with economic priorities.
- Support for Global Talent: By targeting healthcare, childcare, and support roles, Canada is positioning itself as one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world.
Why Indians Choose Canada
For Indians, Canada remains one of the top migration destinations for several reasons:
- Welcoming Immigration Policies
- Pathways to Permanent Residency and Citizenship
- World-Class Education and Healthcare Systems
- Job Opportunities in Growing Sectors
- Cultural Diversity and Large Indian Diaspora
Ontario’s recent draw reinforces the fact that Canada actively values and seeks foreign talent — not just as temporary workers, but as long-term residents contributing to society.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s decision to issue 2,643 invitations in its largest immigration draw of 2025 underscores the vital role skilled immigrants play in building Canada’s future. By targeting healthcare professionals, early childhood educators, and support workers, the province is ensuring its most essential sectors remain strong.
For Indian professionals and students, this represents a golden opportunity. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, caregiver, or international student in Ontario, the pathway to Canadian permanent residency is clearer than ever.
As Canada continues to welcome foreign nationals, including thousands of Indians, the message is clear: skilled talent is not only needed but actively encouraged to stay, grow, and thrive in the country.
✨ Key Takeaway: Ontario’s latest OINP draw proves that Canada’s doors remain wide open for skilled workers — especially in healthcare and education. For Indians, this is one of the best times to explore the Canadian permanent residency pathway and build a secure future abroad.
