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OINP 2026: Ontario Secures 14,119 Nominations with Targeted Healthcare and Early Childhood Education Draws

  • Writer: XAVIO
    XAVIO
  • Feb 12
  • 2 min read

Toronto, Ontario – February 13, 2026

By Xavio

A diverse group of professionals, including a physician, an early childhood educator, and a skilled tradesperson, stand on a map of Ontario looking toward the Toronto skyline, symbolizing the increased opportunities and new beginnings offered by the OINP 2026 program.
Ontario opens doors wider in 2026: 14,119 nominations now available for skilled workers and graduates through OINP 2026.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has received a significant boost for OINP 2026, with the federal government allocating 14,119 nominations – a 31% increase from the 10,750 spots in 2025. This expanded allocation opens new pathways for skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals in high-demand sectors to achieve Canadian permanent residency through Ontario.

Announced on the official OINP updates page on February 6, 2026, the OINP 2026 program has already begun issuing invitations, focusing on critical labor shortages in healthcare, early childhood education, and skilled trades.

Key Highlights of OINP 2026 Allocation

  • Total nominations: 14,119

  • Increase of approximately 3,369 spots compared to 2025

  • Early 2026 draws targeted healthcare professionals, early childhood educators, and select skilled roles

  • Continued emphasis on Employer Job Offer streams and Express Entry-aligned options

Recent OINP 2026 Draws (As of February 2026)

On February 2, 2026, the OINP issued 1,825 invitations to apply across three Employer Job Offer streams:

  • Foreign Worker Stream – Employer Job Offer: 777 candidates invited

    • 129 targeted at physicians (minimum score 33)

    • 634 for healthcare and early childhood educators (NOC 42202, minimum score 36)

    • 14 under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot

  • International Student Stream (Employer Job Offer): 1,041 invitations issued

    1,015 for healthcare and early childhood educators (minimum score 56)

    • 26 under REDI pilot

  • Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream – 7 invitations under REDI pilot (minimum score 34)

Profiles considered were those submitted to the Expression of Interest (EOI) system between July 2, 2025, and January 28, 2026.

Recent enhancements include mandatory use of the OINP Employer Portal and expanded eligibility for self-employed physicians (effective January 1, 2026). Invited candidates have tight deadlines: 14 days for employer approval and 17 days for full application submission.

The increased OINP 2026 allocation supports Canada’s broader Provincial Nominee Program growth while addressing Ontario-specific economic needs in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.

For the latest invitations and eligibility details, visit the official OINP 2026 Updates page on the Ontario government website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about OINP 2026

1. What is the total nomination allocation for OINP 2026?

The federal government has allocated 14,119 nominations to Ontario for 2026.

2. How does the OINP 2026 allocation compare to previous years?

It represents a 31% increase from 10,750 in 2025 and partially recovers from earlier restrictions, though still below the 2024 peak of around 21,500.

3. Which sectors are being prioritized in early 2026 draws?

Healthcare professions (nurses, physicians, aides), early childhood educators (NOC 42202), and select skilled trades are current priorities.

4. How can I apply to OINP 2026 streams?

Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the OINP portal where required. Invitations are issued based on scores, job offers, and targeted occupations.

5. Where can I find official updates?

For more Canada immigration guides, explore related articles on our blog:

  • Canada Express Entry Latest Draws

  • Provincial Nominee Programs Overview

  • Top In-Demand Jobs in Ontario

Stay updated with the latest immigration news at visasupdate.com/blog.


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