Ontario closed out April with another targeted round of invitations under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), issuing 997 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on April 30, 2026 through two Employer Job Offer streams. The latest draws focused on candidates already living in Canada with valid temporary status and job offers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), reinforcing Ontario’s continued preference for employer-backed candidates already integrated into the provincial labour market.
For foreign nationals working or studying in Ontario, these draws are another clear sign that employer-driven immigration pathways remain one of the strongest routes to permanent residence in the province.
What Happened in the April 30 OINP Draws?
On April 30, 2026, Ontario issued invitations under two streams within the Employer Job Offer category:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Both draws were targeted to candidates with job offers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and applicants were required to be currently residing in Canada with a valid work or study permit at the time of invitation.
April 30, 2026 OINP Draw Results
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Ontario issued 720 invitations under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream on April 30, 2026. Candidates required a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 57 and must have created their profile between July 2, 2025 and April 28, 2026.
This stream is designed for foreign workers with skilled job offers in Ontario and remains one of the most reliable options for candidates already working in the province.
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Ontario also issued 277 invitations under the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream. Candidates required a minimum EOI score of 81 and must have created their profile between July 2, 2025 and April 28, 2026.
This stream continues to be a strong pathway for international graduates who have secured eligible employment in Ontario after completing their studies.
Total Invitations Issued on April 30
Combined, Ontario issued 997 invitations on April 30, 2026:
- 720 under the Foreign Worker stream
- 277 under the International Student stream
These draws were limited to the GTA, indicating that Ontario remains actively selecting candidates tied to the province’s largest labour market and economic hub.
What This Means for Applicants
The April 30 draws reinforce several trends in Ontario’s 2026 immigration strategy.
First, Ontario continues to prioritize candidates who are already in Canada with valid status. This requirement has appeared consistently across multiple OINP draws this year and reflects the province’s preference for candidates who are already contributing to the labour market.
Second, employer-backed immigration remains central to Ontario’s nomination strategy. Candidates with valid job offers continue to receive preference across both the Foreign Worker and International Student streams, especially in targeted and regional draws.
Third, score thresholds remain competitive, particularly for international students. While the Foreign Worker stream invited candidates with scores of 57 and above, the International Student stream required a significantly higher score of 81, reflecting stronger competition in that category.
Who Should Pay Attention?
These draws are particularly important for:
- Foreign workers in Ontario with employer-backed job offers
- International graduates working in the GTA
- Employers seeking long-term retention options for foreign talent
- Temporary residents looking to transition to permanent residence through a provincial nomination pathway
Candidates in Ontario who are working with valid status and have not yet entered the OINP Expression of Interest system may benefit from reviewing their eligibility as soon as possible.
Ontario’s 2026 OINP Pattern Is Becoming Clear
Ontario has now conducted multiple targeted draws throughout April, including occupation-based, regional and employer-driven invitation rounds. The April 30 draw closes the month with another focused selection round aimed at candidates already living and working in Ontario with strong employer support.
The pattern is clear: Ontario is continuing to favour candidates with valid status, active employment and strong ties to the provincial economy.
For many foreign nationals in Ontario, especially those already working in the GTA, the Employer Job Offer streams remain among the most practical and strategic routes to permanent residence in 2026.
Reach out to our team at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer today.
