Breaking: Ontario’s Largest Multi-Stream Immigration Round
On December 10, 2025, Ontario conducted one of its largest multi-stream immigration rounds of the year, issuing 1,133 invitations to apply for provincial nomination under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This marks a significant moment for immigration to Canada’s most populous province, particularly after a two-month pause following the October 9 draws.
The invitations were distributed across five separate targeted draws spanning three distinct OINP streams, with a particular focus on 38 occupations under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program. All invited candidates were required to be residing in Canada at the time of invitation and possess a valid job offer submitted through Ontario’s new Employer Portal system.
Quick Summary: December 10 OINP Draws at a Glance
| Stream | Number of ITAs | Score Range | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker (Healthcare/ECE) | 398 | 49+ | Health occupations + Early childhood educators |
| Foreign Worker (REDI) | 29 | 45+ | Regional economic development |
| International Student (Healthcare/ECE) | 659 | 73+ | Health occupations + Early childhood educators |
| International Student (REDI) | 33 | 63+ | Regional occupations |
| In-Demand Skills (REDI) | 14 | 30+ | Food processing, construction, manufacturing |
| TOTAL | 1,133 | 30-73 | Healthcare, skilled trades, regional development |
Understanding the Three OINP Streams Involved
Foreign Worker Stream
The Foreign Worker Stream targets skilled workers (both inside and outside Canada) who have secured job offers in eligible occupations. To qualify, candidates must have a job offer classified under Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Key Requirements:
- Valid full-time, permanent job offer from Ontario employer
- Job must meet provincial median wage for the occupation
- Position must be essential to employer’s business
- Relevant work experience in the occupation
- Educational credentials (Canadian or foreign equivalent)
- Language proficiency meeting stream requirements
International Student Stream
This stream is designed for international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions and secured job offers in skilled occupations within Ontario.
Key Requirements:
- Graduation from eligible Canadian institution (full-time study)
- Completed at least 50% of studies physically in Canada
- Valid job offer in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
- Graduated within two years of application
- Educational credentials assessed and equivalent to Canadian standards
In-Demand Skills Stream
The In-Demand Skills Stream focuses on occupations facing critical shortages in sectors like agriculture, construction, food processing, and personal support services.
Key Requirements:
- Job offer in eligible TEER 4 or 5 occupation
- Minimum nine months of full-time work experience in Ontario (in past three years)
- Valid work permit (for foreign workers already in Canada)
- Language proficiency demonstrating communication ability
- Secondary school education or equivalent
Detailed Breakdown: All 5 December 10 Draws
Draw 1: Foreign Worker Stream – Healthcare & Early Childhood Education
Ontario issued 398 invitations to candidates with job offers in high-demand healthcare occupations and early childhood education positions.
Draw Details:
- Invitations issued: 398
- Score range: 49 and above
- Profile creation dates: July 2, 2025 – December 10, 2025
- Residency requirement: Must be residing in Canada
Targeted Occupations (7 Healthcare + 1 ECE):
- NOC 31300 – Nursing coordinators and supervisors
- NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners
- NOC 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants
Important Note: Physician occupations under NOC 31100, 31101, and 31102 were specifically excluded from this draw.
Draw 2: Foreign Worker Stream – REDI Regional Occupations
This targeted draw focused on candidates with job offers in the REDI pilot regions: Lambton, Lanark, or Leeds and Grenville.
Draw Details:
- Invitations issued: 29
- Score range: 45 and above
- Profile creation dates: July 2, 2025 – December 10, 2025
- Residency requirement: Must be residing in Canada
- Regional focus: Lambton, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville census divisions
Targeted Occupations (11 Regional Focus):
- NOC 11202 – Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
- NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
- NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants
- NOC 31120 – Pharmacists
- NOC 31301 – Registered nurses
- NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides
- NOC 72310 – Carpenters
- NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- NOC 72422 – Electrical mechanics
- NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
Draw 3: International Student Stream – Healthcare & Early Childhood Education
The largest single draw of the day, issuing 659 invitations to international graduates with Canadian education credentials and job offers in healthcare or ECE positions.
Draw Details:
- Invitations issued: 659
- Score range: 73 and above
- Profile creation dates: July 2, 2025 – December 10, 2025
- Residency requirement: Must be residing in Canada
Targeted Occupations (Same 7 Healthcare + 1 ECE as Draw 1):
- NOC 31300 – Nursing coordinators and supervisors
- NOC 31301 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- NOC 31302 – Nurse practitioners
- NOC 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- NOC 32101 – Licensed practical nurses
- NOC 33102 – Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
- NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants
Exclusion: Physician NOCs 31100, 31101, and 31102 were not invited.
Draw 4: International Student Stream – REDI Regional Occupations
International graduates with job offers in REDI pilot communities received 33 invitations under this specialized regional draw.
Draw Details:
- Invitations issued: 33
- Score range: 63 and above
- Profile creation dates: July 2, 2025 – December 10, 2025
- Residency requirement: Must be residing in Canada
- Regional focus: REDI pilot communities
Targeted Occupations (16 Diverse Sectors):
- NOC 10019 – Other administrative services managers
- NOC 11101 – Financial and investment analysts
- NOC 12200 – Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
- NOC 13110 – Administrative assistants
- NOC 21233 – Web designers
- NOC 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
- NOC 22311 – Electronic service technicians
- NOC 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants
- NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants
- NOC 72100 – Machinists
- NOC 72310 – Carpenters
- NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- NOC 72410 – Automotive service technicians
- NOC 73110 – Roofers and shinglers
- NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- NOC 92012 – Supervisors, food and beverage processing
Draw 5: In-Demand Skills Stream – REDI Regional Only
The final draw specifically targeted workers in essential in-demand occupations within REDI pilot regions.
Draw Details:
- Invitations issued: 14
- Score range: 30 and above (lowest threshold of all draws)
- Profile creation dates: July 2, 2025 – December 10, 2025
- Residency requirement: Must be residing in Canada
- Regional focus: Lambton, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville
Targeted Occupations (7 Essential Workers):
- NOC 44101 – Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations
- NOC 75101 – Material handlers
- NOC 94100 – Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
- NOC 94140 – Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
- NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
- NOC 94202 – Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance manufacturing
- NOC 95106 – Labourers in food and beverage processing
What Is the REDI Pilot Program?
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot is a one-year initiative launched on January 2, 2025, designed to address critical labour shortages in four specific Ontario communities.
REDI Pilot Communities
- Lanark County (Eastern Ontario)
- Leeds and Grenville (Eastern Ontario)
- Lambton County (Sarnia-Lambton) (Southwestern Ontario)
- Thunder Bay District (Northern Ontario)
Key Features of REDI
Nomination Allocation:
- Each community receives 200 dedicated nomination spaces
- Total of 800 additional OINP nominations province-wide
- Reserved specifically for candidates with job offers in pilot regions
Targeted Sectors:
- Healthcare professions
- Technology and IT
- Skilled trades and construction
- Food and beverage processing
- Agricultural services
No Separate Application: There is no additional criteria or separate application process for the pilot. Candidates apply through the standard OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system and become eligible for targeted REDI draws if they have job offers in pilot communities.
Strategic Purpose: The REDI pilot aims to distribute economic immigration benefits beyond Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA), supporting smaller communities facing acute labour shortages while promoting sustainable regional economic development.
Critical Application Deadlines for Invited Candidates
If you received an invitation on December 10, 2025, you must meet these strict deadlines:
Employer Action Required
Deadline: January 5, 2026 (midnight)
- Employers must submit the application for approval of employment position
- Submission through the OINP Employer Portal (mandatory as of July 2, 2025)
- Employer verification and job offer validation completed
Candidate Action Required
Deadline: January 8, 2026 (midnight)
- Log in to OINP e-Filing Portal
- Locate newly created file number with prefix “JOXX”
- Submit complete application with all required documents
- Pay application processing fee
Important Application Notes
New File Number System:
- Your invitation creates a new application file number: JOXX-XXXXXX
- Your old Expression of Interest file number (EOI-JOXX-XXXXXX) will appear greyed out
- This is normal – do not be concerned
- Use only the new JOXX file number for your application
No Contact Necessary: If you received an invitation, you do not need to contact OINP directly. All instructions are provided through the e-Filing Portal and your invitation email.
Understanding OINP Scoring: How Invitations Are Determined
OINP uses a comprehensive point-based system within its Expression of Interest (EOI) pool to rank candidates. Understanding this system helps you improve your competitiveness.
Key Scoring Factors
1. Wage Offered (Major Factor)
- Higher wages significantly boost scores
- Must meet or exceed provincial median wage for the occupation
- Permanent, full-time positions score higher than temporary or part-time
2. Job Offer Location
- Positions outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) receive bonus points
- Regional offers under REDI pilot may have lower score thresholds
- Addresses Ontario’s goal of distributing immigration across the province
3. NOC Skill Level
- TEER 0 and 1 occupations (management, professional) score highest
- TEER 2 and 3 (technical, skilled trades) score competitively
- TEER 4 and 5 (In-Demand Skills stream) have separate scoring
4. Canadian Work Experience
- Work experience in Ontario receives highest consideration
- Canadian work experience elsewhere also valuable
- Duration and relevance of experience matter
5. Education Level
- Higher education credentials score more points
- Canadian credentials may have advantage
- Educational assessments must show equivalency
6. Language Proficiency
- Strong English or French skills boost scores
- Higher test results (CLB/NCLC levels) score better
- Recent test results preferred
Stream-Specific Score Thresholds
Foreign Worker – Healthcare/ECE: 49 points (December 10) Foreign Worker – REDI: 45 points (December 10) International Student – Healthcare/ECE: 73 points (December 10) International Student – REDI: 63 points (December 10) In-Demand Skills – REDI: 30 points (December 10)
Important: Score thresholds fluctuate based on:
- Number of candidates in EOI pool
- Provincial nomination allocation
- Labour market demands
- Specific draw targets
The New Employer Portal System
Since July 2, 2025, all applications for the approval of an employment position under the Employer Job Offer streams must be submitted via the Employer Portal. This represents a fundamental shift in how OINP processes applications.
How the Employer Portal Works
Employer-Led Process:
- Employers create accounts in the OINP Employer Portal
- Employers submit job offer information and business details
- OINP verifies employer legitimacy and job offer validity
- System reduces incomplete submissions and processing delays
Benefits:
- Centralized verification of job offers
- Faster authentication of employer legitimacy
- Improved program integrity and reduced fraud
- Reduced backlogs through streamlined processing
- Better coordination between employer and candidate applications
Access: The Employer Portal is accessed through the OINP e-Filing Portal system. Employers and candidates work in coordinated timelines to ensure complete applications.
Complete Document Checklist for Invited Candidates
To ensure your application is processed without delays, prepare these documents:
Identity and Status Documents
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Current immigration status documents (work permit, study permit, visitor record)
- Proof of Canadian residency
- Birth certificate or equivalent
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Education Documents
- Diplomas and degrees (originals or certified copies)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials
- Academic transcripts
- Professional certifications or licenses (for regulated occupations)
Work Experience Documents
- Reference letters from all relevant employers
- Employment contracts
- Pay stubs covering claimed experience period
- T4 tax documents (for Canadian work experience)
- Job descriptions and duties
Job Offer Documents
- Detailed job offer letter on company letterhead
- Employment contract outlining terms and conditions
- Employer’s business registration documents
- Proof employer is in good standing in Ontario
- Employer Portal submission confirmation
Financial Documents
- Bank statements (recent 6 months)
- Proof of settlement funds (if required)
- Tax documents
- Investment statements
Language Proficiency
- Valid language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
- Test must be taken within last two years
- Results must meet minimum requirements for stream
Additional Requirements
- Provincial license or registration (regulated occupations)
- Professional membership certificates
- Proof of Ontario ties (if applicable)
- Settlement plan or intent to reside documentation
2025 OINP Activity: Year in Review
The OINP has issued a total of 11,612 invitations in 2025 to date, representing a strategic and measured approach to provincial immigration following federal allocation adjustments.
2025 Key Statistics
Total Invitations: 11,612 ITAs (as of December 10) Federal Allocation: Significantly reduced from 2024 levels Active Streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills Primary Focus: Healthcare, skilled trades, regional development
Notable 2025 Trends
1. Healthcare Dominance Healthcare workers continue receiving the highest number of invitations, addressing Ontario’s critical shortage of nurses, personal support workers, and allied health professionals.
2. Regional Emphasis With the Employer Portal requirement fully in place and regional selection deepening under REDI, the province is expected to maintain a structured, employer-driven model throughout 2026.
3. Targeted vs. General Draws Ontario has shifted almost entirely to occupation-specific and region-specific draws, moving away from broad invitation rounds. This allows precise targeting of labour market needs.
4. Employer-Driven Model The mandatory Employer Portal ensures job offers are verified before candidate applications, improving program integrity and reducing fraudulent applications.
5. In-Canada Preference Most 2025 draws have required candidates to be residing in Canada, reflecting Ontario’s priority to retain workers already contributing to the provincial economy.
Comparing Ontario to Other Provincial Programs
Understanding how OINP compares to other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) helps candidates make informed decisions.
Ontario vs. Other Major PNPs
| Province | 2025 Allocation | Key Features | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Reduced significantly | Employer-led, REDI regional focus, healthcare priority | 90-150 days |
| British Columbia | Moderate | Tech Draw, healthcare streams, regional pilot | 2-4 months |
| Alberta | Growing | Accelerated Tech Pathway, no job offer streams | 2-6 months |
| Manitoba | Stable | Strong employer connections, Skilled Worker Overseas | 4-6 months |
| Saskatchewan | Moderate | In-Demand Occupation, no job offer option | 4-8 months |
Ontario’s Unique Advantages
1. Largest Provincial Economy Ontario represents approximately 38% of Canada’s GDP, offering diverse employment opportunities across all sectors.
2. Major Urban Centers Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and other cities provide vibrant multicultural communities and established settlement services.
3. Healthcare Investment To address critical gaps in the healthcare sector, the OINP nominated more than 3,200 health care workers in 2024 — more than any previous year.
4. Technology Hub Toronto-Waterloo corridor represents one of North America’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems. Approximately 30% of 2024 OINP nominations went to technology-related occupations.
5. Regional Opportunities REDI pilot provides pathways to smaller communities with lower competition and potentially faster processing.
Immigration Pathway: From OINP to Permanent Residency
Understanding the complete journey from provincial nomination to permanent residency helps set realistic expectations.
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
- Create profile in OINP EOI system
- Provide detailed personal, education, work experience information
- Include job offer details (submitted by employer through portal)
- Receive ranking score based on EOI factors
Step 2: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- OINP conducts targeted draws from EOI pool
- Candidates meeting criteria receive ITA
- Invitation specifies stream and deadline
Step 3: Provincial Nomination Application
- Employer submits employment position approval (Employer Portal)
- Candidate submits complete application (e-Filing Portal)
- Both must meet coordinated deadlines
- Processing time: 90-150 days typically
Step 4: Provincial Nomination Certificate
- If approved, receive Ontario Provincial Nomination Certificate
- Certificate worth 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points (if in Express Entry)
- Or use to apply directly to IRCC for permanent residency
Step 5: Federal Permanent Residency Application
- Submit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Undergo medical examinations
- Provide biometrics
- Pass background and security checks
- Processing time: 6-18 months (varies by application type)
Step 6: Permanent Residency Granted
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- Complete landing process or activate PR status
- Receive Permanent Resident card
- Maintain residency obligations (730 days in Canada per 5-year period)
Important Clarification: Nomination ≠Permanent Residency
An OINP invitation allows you to apply for provincial nomination, but permanent residency is not guaranteed. After receiving provincial nomination, you must still:
- Submit complete application to IRCC
- Pass all admissibility checks
- Meet federal health requirements
- Clear security and background screening
- Satisfy all other federal immigration requirements
Common Mistakes That Lead to Application Refusals
Learn from others’ experiences to avoid these critical errors:
1. Missing Deadlines
- Failing to submit employer application by employer deadline
- Missing candidate application deadline
- Not responding to OINP requests for additional information within timeframes
2. Incomplete Documentation
- Submitting partial work experience reference letters
- Missing pages from passports or documents
- Providing expired language test results
- Incomplete educational assessments
3. Job Offer Issues
- Job offer doesn’t meet provincial median wage requirement
- Position classified in wrong NOC code
- Employment isn’t full-time permanent
- Employer hasn’t properly registered in Employer Portal
4. Work Experience Gaps
- Unable to prove claimed work experience
- Reference letters missing key information (duties, hours, dates)
- Insufficient experience duration for stream requirements
5. Misrepresentation
- Providing false information or documents
- Exaggerating qualifications or experience
- Using fraudulent job offers
- Result: Permanent ban from Canadian immigration programs
6. Regulated Occupation Requirements
- Not obtaining necessary professional license before applying
- Missing registration with regulatory body
- Incomplete credential recognition process
7. Language Proficiency
- Test scores below minimum requirements
- Expired language test results
- Wrong test type for stream requirements
Expert Tips to Strengthen Your OINP Application
For Candidates
1. Build Strong Ontario Connections
- Obtain Ontario work experience before applying
- Establish professional networks in your field
- Demonstrate genuine intent to settle in Ontario
2. Target High-Demand Occupations
- Focus on healthcare, skilled trades, or technology
- Monitor OINP draw patterns and targeted occupations
- Consider upskilling in shortage areas
3. Improve Your EOI Score
- Pursue higher education credentials
- Gain additional Canadian work experience
- Improve language test scores
- Seek higher-paying job offers
4. Consider Regional Opportunities
- REDI pilot communities have lower score thresholds
- Less competition than GTA positions
- Faster pathway to invitation
5. Maintain Documentation
- Keep all employment records organized
- Obtain reference letters upon leaving employers
- Regularly update credentials and certificates
- Store digital copies of all important documents
For Employers
1. Register Early in Employer Portal
- Complete registration well before hiring foreign workers
- Ensure business documentation is current and complete
- Understand employer obligations under OINP
2. Provide Competitive Offers
- Meet or exceed provincial median wages
- Offer permanent, full-time positions
- Include comprehensive benefits packages
3. Document Business Legitimacy
- Maintain current business licenses and registrations
- Show financial stability and ability to support positions
- Demonstrate genuine labour shortage need
4. Support Settlement
- Offer workplace orientation and training
- Provide information on settlement services
- Consider mentorship programs for newcomers
Future Outlook: What to Expect in 2026
Proposed OINP Overhaul
Ontario’s provincial government has proposed a two-phased approach for introducing major changes to how it selects nominees for permanent residence.
Phase One: Stream Consolidation
- Merge three Employer Job Offer streams into single stream
- Two pathways: TEER 0-3 and TEER 4-5 occupations
- Enhanced regional and sectoral targeting
Phase Two: New Stream Introduction Ontario proposes eliminating existing streams and introducing three new streams:
- Priority Healthcare Stream
- Dedicated pathway for healthcare workers
- Regulated healthcare professionals may apply without job offers
- Recent graduates in licensing process eligible
- Recognition of critical healthcare shortages
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Redesigned pathway for business investment
- Focus on job creation and regional economic development
- Support for innovative business ventures
- Exceptional Talent Stream
- Pathway for individuals with outstanding achievements
- Qualitative assessment of contributions and potential
- Recognition beyond traditional points-based criteria
- Examples: significant research, artistic recognition, innovation
Timeline: Not yet confirmed. Ontario is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes.
Expected Trends for 2026
1. Continued Healthcare Focus Given aging population and healthcare workforce gaps, healthcare occupations will likely remain top priority.
2. REDI Expansion If the 2025 pilot proves successful, REDI may expand to additional communities or receive increased allocation.
3. Technology Emphasis Ontario’s tech sector continues growing, with likely continued targeted draws for IT professionals and tech occupations.
4. Employer-Driven Model The Employer Portal system will mature, potentially with enhanced features and more streamlined processing.
5. Federal Allocation Uncertainty Immigration levels across Canada remain under review, potentially impacting provincial allocations.
Resources and Next Steps
Official OINP Resources
Ontario Immigration Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp OINP e-Filing Portal: Access through official Ontario government website Employer Portal: Accessible through OINP e-Filing Portal 2025 Program Updates: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2025-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates
Additional Support
Settlement Services:
- Contact Ontario settlement agencies for free newcomer support
- Access pre-arrival services even before immigration
- Connect with community organizations in target communities
Professional Licensing:
- Research regulatory body for your occupation
- Start credential recognition process early
- Understand licensing requirements and timelines
Immigration Consultants:
- Consider working with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
- Ensure consultant is licensed by College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
- Verify credentials at official CICC registry
Stay Informed
Monitor OINP Draw Updates: Ontario typically announces draws on the same day they occur. Check the official OINP updates page regularly.
Subscribe to Notifications: Create alerts for OINP news and updates through Canadian immigration news platforms.
Join Communities: Connect with other OINP applicants through legitimate immigration forums and support groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: How often does Ontario conduct OINP draws? Draw frequency varies based on labour market needs, federal allocation, and provincial priorities. In 2025, Ontario held draws less frequently than previous years due to reduced federal allocation.
Q: Can I apply to OINP if I’m outside Canada? Some streams accept applications from outside Canada (Foreign Worker stream), but recent draws have prioritized candidates residing in Canada. The International Student stream requires Canadian education credentials.
Q: Do I need a job offer for all OINP streams? Current active streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills) all require job offers. However, previously some streams like Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate did not require job offers but have not had recent draws.
Q: What happens if I don’t meet the application deadline? Missing deadlines results in forfeiture of your invitation. You must submit a new EOI and wait for another invitation in a future draw.
REDI Pilot Questions
Q: Which communities participate in REDI? Four pilot communities: Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay.
Q: Do I apply separately for REDI? No. If you have a job offer in a REDI community and meet stream requirements, you’re automatically eligible for REDI draws through the standard EOI system.
Q: Are REDI score thresholds always lower? Generally yes, but this varies by draw and competition levels. December 10 REDI draws had thresholds 4-10 points lower than non-REDI draws.
Q: Can I work in a REDI community but live elsewhere? Your job offer must be located in the REDI community, and you’re expected to work and reside there. Ontario may verify your settlement intentions.
Application Process Questions
Q: How long does OINP processing take? Processing times for REDI align with standard OINP Employer Job Offer streams, approximately 90-150 days.
Q: Can I update my application after submission? Minor updates may be possible through the e-Filing Portal. Major changes typically require withdrawal and resubmission, potentially requiring a new invitation.
Q: What if my passport expires during processing? Notify OINP immediately. You may need to provide an updated passport before your nomination certificate is issued.
Q: Can my family accompany me? Yes. Your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your permanent residency application after receiving provincial nomination.
Employer Questions
Q: What are employer obligations after hiring through OINP? Employers must provide the employment as outlined in the approved job offer, pay agreed wages, and support the newcomer’s integration. They may also participate in compliance audits.
Q: Can employers hire multiple foreign workers through OINP? Yes, employers can sponsor multiple positions if they have legitimate labour needs and meet all program requirements for each position.
Q: What if business circumstances change after nomination? Significant changes must be reported to OINP. Job offer changes after provincial nomination but before permanent residency may affect the immigration application.
Conclusion: Seizing Your Ontario Immigration Opportunity
The December 10, 2025 OINP draws demonstrate Ontario’s continued commitment to strategic, employer-driven immigration despite reduced federal allocations. With 1,133 invitations issued across healthcare, skilled trades, and regional development sectors, opportunities remain for qualified candidates.
Key Takeaways
1. Healthcare Remains Priority: Sustained demand for healthcare workers, early childhood educators, skilled trades professionals, and food processing workers across Ontario’s largest urban centres and rural communities alike.
2. Regional Pathways Expanding: REDI pilot offers alternative routes with lower score thresholds and dedicated support for communities beyond the GTA.
3. Employer Partnership Critical: The Employer Portal system centralizes verification, making employer legitimacy and job offer authenticity more important than ever.
4. Plan Ahead: Meeting strict application deadlines requires advance preparation. Start gathering documents and working with employers well before receiving an invitation.
5. Stay Informed: OINP’s proposed overhaul may introduce significant changes in 2026, including new dedicated healthcare and exceptional talent streams.
Your Next Steps
If you received an invitation on December 10, 2025:
- ✅ Review your specific stream requirements immediately
- ✅ Coordinate with your employer on Employer Portal submission (by January 5)
- ✅ Gather all required documents
- ✅ Submit your complete application (by January 8)
If you’re planning to apply to OINP:
- ✅ Research eligible occupations and in-demand sectors
- ✅ Consider REDI communities for faster pathways
- ✅ Secure job offers from legitimate Ontario employers
- ✅ Improve your EOI score through work experience and education
- ✅ Monitor official OINP updates for future draw announcements
- ✅ Connect with settlement services and professional licensing bodies
Ontario’s immigration landscape continues evolving to meet labour market needs while distributing economic benefits across the province. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, skilled tradesperson, or working in regional development sectors, understanding OINP’s targeted approach positions you for success in Canada’s most populous and economically diverse province.
