Ontario invites workers in a new targeted draw, i.e., the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held a new targeted draw on April 1, 2026. In this round, 759 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who have job offers in construction and mining-related jobs across the province.
The draw included candidates under three streams: Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker (FW), International Student (IS), and In-Demand Skills (IDS). To receive an invitation, candidates needed to show that they are currently living in Canada with a valid work or study permit.
This was the fifth set of invitation rounds held by Ontario in 2026. Earlier draws took place on February 2, February 18, March 18, and March 25.
This round is also important because it is the first time the OINP has invited candidates working in mining-related jobs.
Details Of The April 1 Draw
Out of the total 759 invitations issued to candidates in construction and mining jobs, most were given under the Foreign Worker stream, which made up 49% of the invitations.
The minimum scores, number of invitations, and number of eligible occupations were different for each stream:
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Minimum Score | Eligible NOC Codes |
| Foreign Worker | 372 | 56 | 14 |
| International Student | 355 | 85 | 15 |
| In-Demand Skills | 32 | 34 | 1 |
Candidates needed to have created their profiles between July 2, 2025, and March 30, 2026 (11:59 p.m.). They also needed a valid job offer from an approved employer.
Jobs Included In The Draw
The draw focused on jobs related to mining and construction. Some of the main roles included mining engineers, geological engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and industrial mechanics.
Many of the jobs were the same in both the Foreign Worker and International Student streams. However, there were a few differences. The International Student stream also included industrial electricians and heavy equipment operators, which were not part of the Foreign Worker stream.
The In-Demand Skills stream was more limited. It only included electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers.
Foreign Worker Stream (score of 56 and above)
Candidates must have a job offer in one of the following NOC codes:
- NOC 21310 – Electrical and electronics engineers
- NOC 21330 – Mining engineers
- NOC 21331 – Geological engineers
- NOC 22100 – Chemical technologists and technicians
- NOC 22101 – Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- NOC 22232 – Occupational health and safety specialists
- NOC 22302 – Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- NOC 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- NOC 22312 – Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- NOC 70012 – Facility operation and maintenance managers
- NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- NOC 72401 – Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- NOC 90010 – Manufacturing managers
International Student Stream (score of 85 and above)
Candidates must have a job offer in one of the following NOC codes:
- NOC 21310 – Electrical and electronics engineers
- NOC 21330 – Mining engineers
- NOC 21331 – Geological engineers
- NOC 22100 – Chemical technologists and technicians
- NOC 22101 – Geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- NOC 22232 – Occupational health and safety specialists
- NOC 22302 – Industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- NOC 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- NOC 22312 – Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- NOC 70012 – Facility operation and maintenance managers
- NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- NOC 72201 – Industrial electricians
- NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- NOC 73400 – Heavy equipment operators
- NOC 90010 – Manufacturing managers
In-Demand Skills Stream (score of 34 and above)
Candidates must have a job offer in the following NOC code:
- NOC 94201 – Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers
What Happens After Getting An Invitation?
After receiving an invitation, employers must first review the employer guide. They must then submit a complete application to approve the job position within 14 calendar days.
Moreover, candidates who receive an ITA must submit their application within 17 calendar days.
Once approved by Ontario, candidates will receive a provincial nomination. After that, they can apply to the federal government for permanent residence (PR).
Why Were Mining Jobs Included?
Ontario has held draws for construction jobs in the past, but this is the first time mining jobs have been included.
This change comes as the federal government is increasing its focus on the mining sector, especially in Northern Ontario.
In March 2026, the Government of Canada announced funding for mining research and development at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. The goal is to support mineral exploration and growth in the region.
The mining and minerals sector is very important for Canada. It supports more than 700,000 jobs and adds over $150 billion each year to the country’s economy.
Upcoming Changes To OINP
These draws are happening at a time when Ontario is planning major changes to its immigration system.
New legal changes to the Ontario Immigration Act will take effect on May 30, 2026. These changes will remove all current categories used for nominations, including the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams used in this draw.
The OINP has not yet shared details about the new streams or what will happen to current candidates.
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