Ontario Holds First Major OINP Draw of 2025 After over 6-Months

06 June 2025 | Canada

Ontario Kicks Off 2025 with First OINP Draw, Issuing 3,723 Invitations

Ontario has officially launched its first Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) draw of 2025, issuing 3,723 invitations to candidates. While this is a promising start to the year, the draw appears to have been highly selective, targeting specific profiles aligned with the province’s current priorities.

This initial round comes shortly after Ontario introduced several strategic changes to the OINP. These updates are designed to help the province navigate what could be a challenging immigration landscape in 2025.

Key updates include:

New authority to conduct in-person interviews
Greater flexibility to adjust OINP streams with less administrative burden
The ability to return applications that do not align with labour market needs

These changes signal a more focused and responsive approach to immigration in Ontario moving forward.

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Breakdown of Ontario PNP Invitations – June 3, 2025

On June 3, 2025, Ontario issued 3,723 invitations to apply (ITAs) under the Employer Job Offer category of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The invitations were distributed as follows:

Foreign Worker Stream – 811 ITAs
International Student Stream – 2,540 ITAs
In-Demand Skills Stream – 372 ITAs

While the numbers suggest a broad issuance, a closer look reveals that these draws were highly targeted, focusing on specific occupations and candidate profiles.

👉 Here’s a deeper breakdown of the targeted draws and eligibility criteria:

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

Ontario issued targeted invitations under the Foreign Worker Stream of the Employer Job Offer category, focusing on specific regions and occupations. Here’s a breakdown of who was invited:

391 candidates with a score of 56 or higher, located in Northern Ontario.
411 candidates with a score of 32 or higher, invited through a targeted draw under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) This pilot supports skilled foreign workers with job offers in participating communities such as Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay.
5 candidates with a score of 45+, invited in a niche draw targeting career development practitioners and career counsellors (excluding educational settings).
Additionally, 4 candidates were selected through a targeted draw for Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP) candidates, carried out on January 15, 2025, and included in this report.

These draws reflect Ontario’s growing focus on regional development and labour market alignment through strategic immigration pathways.

Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

Ontario conducted a series of targeted draws under the International Student Stream of the Employer Job Offer category, focusing specifically on candidates in Eastern Ontario. Here’s the breakdown of invitations issued:

334 international graduates with a score of 85 or higher
493 international graduates with a score of 54 or higher
363 international graduates with a score of 60 or higher
1,350 international graduates with a score of 68 or higher

All invitations were part of region-specific draws aimed at attracting talent to support Eastern Ontario’s labour market needs.

We’ll continue monitoring for additional details on these targeted draws and what they could mean for future applicants.

Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream

Ontario issued a total of 372 invitations under the In-Demand Skills Stream through a series of targeted draws focused on specific regions and occupations. Here’s the breakdown:

89 invitations to candidates with a score of 32 or higher, targeted for those living or working in Northern Ontario
69 invitations to candidates with a score of 32+ under the REDI (Regional Economic Development through Immigration) pilot, which supports skilled workers with job offers in communities like Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay
214 invitations to candidates with a score of 32+, in a targeted draw specifically for health-related occupations

These draws highlight Ontario’s strategic focus on attracting talent to meet regional and sector-specific labour market needs.

What About Other OINP Streams?

As of Ontario’s update on June 3, 2025, no invitations were issued under the Masters Graduate Stream, PhD Graduate Stream, or the Entrepreneur Stream.

Ontario Faces a Reduced Nomination Allocation for 2025

Ontario is entering the 2025 OINP cycle with significantly tighter federal limits compared to previous years. In a late May update, the province confirmed that its nomination allocation has been cut by 50% compared to 2024. This means Ontario has far fewer spaces available for permanent residence nominations, despite strong and growing demand from skilled workers.

As a result, applicants should anticipate longer processing times. However, Ontario has reaffirmed its commitment to processing applications within the new limits and will prioritize candidates who can help fill the province’s most urgent labour market needs.

“Ontario will continue to review applications and respond within the new program constraints, while selecting skilled economic immigrants who can help address the province’s most critical labour shortages,” the province stated.

What This Means for OINP Applicants

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues to be one of the most sought-after and competitive provincial immigration pathways in Canada. With a reduced nomination quota and a significant application backlog, the slower start to 2025 may signal Ontario’s strategy to prioritize high-impact candidates who align with the province’s economic and labour market priorities.

If you’re currently waiting for an invitation or planning to apply, it’s essential to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and well-prepared. For those who have already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI), stay vigilant and monitor your email and OINP portal regularly for any updates or communications from the program.

Why You Should Choose Simard & Associates as Your Immigration Lawyer?

At Simard & Associates, we bring expertise, dedication, and a personalized approach to every immigration case. With a proven track record of success, we guide you through the complexities of immigration law with confidence and care. Our team is committed to providing tailored solutions, ensuring your application process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Whether you’re pursuing residency, citizenship, or visas, Simard & Associates is your trusted partner for achieving your immigration goals.

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