OINP 2026: What Ontario Is Really Looking For
Ontario issued over 4,000 invitations across multiple draws in 2026 — but not everyone gets invited. The OINP targets specific NOC codes with surgical precision, and if your occupation doesn’t match, you won’t receive an invitation regardless of your overall profile strength.
This guide breaks down exactly what Ontario is targeting in 2026, including the lowest scores seen in recent draws, which NOC codes are being called, and how each stream works.
The Big Picture: 2026 OINP Numbers
Total nominations target: 21,500 — a 31% increase from previous years.
Processing time: 90-120 days for most streams once you submit a complete application.
Primary streams: Employer Job Offer, Human Capital (Express Entry-linked), and Skilled Trades.
The lowest score in any 2026 draw: 33 CRS — for physicians in the February 2 draw. This is not a typo. Ontario is prioritizing healthcare at an unprecedented level.
Employer Job Offer Streams: The Main Economic Pathways
These streams require a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer. They are the backbone of OINP and account for the majority of invitations each year.
Foreign Worker Stream
This stream targets workers already employed in Ontario. Here are the key 2026 draws:
February 2, 2026 — Physicians: Minimum score 33 CRS, 129 invitations. Target NOCs: 31100, 31101, 31102 (physicians and specialists).
February 2, 2026 — Healthcare & ECE: Minimum score 36 CRS, 634 invitations. Target NOCs: 31301 (nurses), 33102 (nurse aides), 42202 (early childhood educators).
February 2, 2026 — REDI (Regional): Minimum score 44 CRS, 14 invitations. Target NOCs: 12200, 21222, 21231, 31301, 42202.
February 18, 2026 — Skilled Trades: Minimum score 50 CRS, 951 invitations. This was the largest single draw in 2026 so far, covering 50+ NOC codes across construction and trades.
April 1, 2026 — Mining & Construction: Minimum score 56 CRS, 372 invitations. Target NOCs: 21310 (mining engineers), 21330 (metallurgists), 72106 (construction supervisors), 72400 (industrial trades).
Top Targeted Skilled Trades (February 18 Draw)
NOC 72010-72025: Contractors and supervisors in construction, electrical, and mechanical trades.
NOC 72200-72205: Electricians and telecommunications trades.
NOC 72300-72320: Plumbers, pipefitters, carpenters, and bricklayers.
NOC 72400-72429: Industrial mechanics, HVAC technicians, heavy-duty mechanics, and automotive technicians.
NOC 73100-73402: Concrete finishers, roofers, painters, and heavy equipment operators.
International Student Stream
For Ontario graduates and current students. Key 2026 draws:
February 2, 2026 — Healthcare & ECE: Minimum score 56 CRS, 1,015 invitations. The largest single category draw in 2026.
February 2, 2026 — REDI (Regional): Minimum score 69 CRS, 26 invitations.
February 18, 2026 — Skilled Trades: Minimum score 80 CRS, 453 invitations.
April 1, 2026 — Mining & Construction: Minimum score 85 CRS, 355 invitations.
REDI Pilot Occupations (International Student Stream)
NOC 12111 — Health information management
NOC 12200 — Accounting technicians
NOC 32101 — Licensed practical nurses
NOC 33102 — Nurse aides
NOC 42202 — Early childhood educators
NOC 52120 — Graphic designers
In-Demand Skills Stream (Low-Skilled Occupations)
This stream targets NOC C and D level occupations with significantly lower score thresholds.
February 2, 2026 — REDI: Minimum score 34 CRS, 7 invitations. NOCs: 44101 (home support workers), 75101 (material handlers), 94100 (machine operators), 94111 (plastics processing operators), 94140 (food and beverage processing operators).
April 1, 2026 — Electronics Assembly: Minimum score 34 CRS, 32 invitations. NOC: 94201 (electronic assembly operators).
REDI Pilot: Ontario’s Regional Strategy
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) Pilot targets employers in smaller, rural, and northern regions of Ontario where labour shortages are most acute.
Eligible REDI Regions
Lanark County — Eastern Ontario
Leeds and Grenville — Eastern Ontario
Sarnia-Lambton — Southwestern Ontario
Thunder Bay — Northwestern Ontario
REDI Advantage
REDI draws consistently have lower scores than general OINP draws. The February 2 REDI draw for foreign workers required only 44 CRS, and the In-Demand Skills REDI draw required just 34 CRS. If you have a job offer in one of these regions, REDI is one of the easiest pathways to OINP nomination.
Human Capital Stream (Express Entry-Linked)
This stream draws directly from the Express Entry pool and targets candidates whose occupations align with Ontario’s labour market needs. Unlike the Employer Job Offer streams, no job offer is required — but you must have an active EE profile.
Key draws in 2026 have targeted:
– Healthcare professionals (various NOCs)
– Technology workers (NOC 21231, 21232)
– Skilled trades (NOC 72-93 range)
– Early childhood educators
Score Trends and What They Mean
The 2026 OINP score data reveals a clear hierarchy of priorities:
33-36 CRS: Physicians and healthcare workers — the absolute highest priority.
34-44 CRS: In-demand skills and REDI regional workers — very low barriers for qualifying occupations.
50-56 CRS: Skilled trades and mining/construction — moderate scores, but massive invitation volumes (951+ in a single trades draw).
56-85 CRS: International students in priority occupations — higher scores but still accessible for Ontario graduates.
Application Strategy: How to Maximize Your Chances
If you’re a healthcare worker in Ontario: You are in the single best position. Scores as low as 33-36 have been sufficient. If you have a job offer, apply through the Foreign Worker Stream immediately.
If you’re in a skilled trade: The February 18 draw showed that trades workers are heavily targeted. With 951 invitations at just 50 CRS, this is one of the most accessible streams for qualified workers.
If you’re an international student: Healthcare and ECE draws (56 CRS, 1,015 invitations) represent the best opportunity. If you studied in a REDI region, your chances are even better with lower score thresholds.
If you have a job offer in a rural Ontario region: REDI is your golden ticket. Scores of 34-44 are among the lowest in any Canadian immigration program.
Key Takeaways
OINP is not a general pool. Your occupation must match exactly to receive an invitation. This is not like Express Entry where your CRS score determines your fate — OINP looks at specific NOC codes.
Healthcare is the #1 priority. With draws at 33-36 CRS, healthcare workers have the easiest path to OINP nomination in 2026.
Skilled trades are the #2 priority. With 951 invitations in a single draw at just 50 CRS, trades workers have massive opportunity.
Regional pathways offer the lowest scores. REDI draws consistently undercut general OINP scores by 20-40 points.
This guide is based on public OINP data and industry reports as of June 2026. Draw patterns may change. For personalized advice, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration consultant.