Ontario Issues Hundreds of Invitations for Provincial Nomination | Canada PR Pathways 2025

Ontario has once again opened doors for skilled workers, international students, and professionals through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). On August 28, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 468 invitations to apply (ITAs) across multiple streams, targeting candidates with job offers in specific regions of the province.

This update is a major opportunity for those looking to secure Canadian permanent residence (PR) through Ontario’s provincial nomination streams, especially candidates residing in Northern Ontario or qualifying under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot.

Key Highlights of the Ontario PNP Draw

• Total Invitations Issued: 468

• Draw Streams Covered:

  • Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

  • Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

  • Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream (REDI Pilot)

• Eligibility Period: Profiles created between July 2, 2025, and August 28, 2025 were considered.

Invitations in Northern Ontario

Candidates with job offers in Northern Ontario received the majority of invitations.

• Foreign Worker Stream: Minimum score 53 → 94 invitations

• International Student Stream: Minimum score 66 → 236 invitations

Northern Ontario communities included: Muskoka, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Kenora, Nipissing, Cochrane, Algoma, Rainy River, Timiskaming, Manitoulin, Parry Sound, and Haliburton.

Eligible Occupations

The province targeted a wide range of occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC), including:

• Healthcare: Registered nurses, physicians, physiotherapists, dental assistants, and medical lab assistants.

• Engineering & IT: Software engineers, web developers, civil engineers, and IT specialists.

• Business & Finance: Accountants, HR professionals, financial analysts, and administrative officers.

• Skilled Trades: Carpenters, electricians, heavy-duty mechanics, machinists, and aircraft mechanics.

• Education & Social Work: Secondary school teachers, early childhood educators, and social service workers.

Example: A registered nurse currently working in Sudbury on a temporary work permit could now secure a nomination, giving them a direct pathway to permanent residence.

REDI Pilot: Expanding Immigration to Smaller Communities

Ontario also issued 138 invitations under the REDI pilot, which supports regional economic development by attracting skilled workers to smaller communities like Lambton, Lanark, Leeds, and Grenville.

Breakdown of REDI Invitations:

• Foreign Worker Stream: 94 invitations (minimum score 45)

• International Student Stream: 56 invitations (minimum score 68)

• In-Demand Skills Stream: 25 invitations (minimum score 34)

Eligible occupations for the In-Demand Skills stream included home support workers, construction laborers, machine operators, farm workers, and food processing laborers.

Example: An international student graduate from Ottawa with a job offer in Lambton County as a software engineer could now apply under the REDI pilot, fast-tracking their path to PR.

Ontario’s New Employer-Led EOI System

As of July 2, 2025, Ontario shifted to an employer-led Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the Employer Job Offer streams.

This means:

• Employers must first register job offers in the Employer Portal.

• Only candidates with valid job offers submitted by employers are considered for invitations.

• Candidates who submitted EOIs before July 2 must coordinate with their employers to re-initiate applications.

This change ensures that immigration aligns directly with Ontario’s labor market needs.

Real-Time Impact: Who Benefits?

• International Students: Those graduating from Ontario institutions with valid job offers now have a clear route to PR.

• Healthcare Professionals: With high demand across Northern Ontario, nurses, physicians, and support staff have excellent chances.

• Skilled Trades Workers: Carpenters, electricians, and mechanics are in demand in both Northern Ontario and REDI communities.

• IT & Engineering Specialists: Tech professionals with job offers in smaller Ontario towns now have pathways beyond Toronto and Ottawa.

Why This Matters for Canada PR Aspirants

Ontario remains one of the most attractive provinces for newcomers due to its diverse economy, strong job market, and community-driven immigration programs. These targeted PNP draws highlight Ontario’s commitment to addressing labor shortages in healthcare, skilled trades, and regional communities while providing newcomers with stable pathways to permanent residence.

Final Thoughts: A Golden Opportunity for Skilled Newcomers

The August 28 OINP draws reaffirm Ontario’s focus on regional development and workforce needs. Whether you are a nurse in Sudbury, a construction worker in Thunder Bay, or an international student with a job offer in Lambton, these invitations represent a life-changing chance to build a future in Canada.

✨ If you’ve been waiting for your opportunity to apply for Canadian PR, now is the time to explore Ontario’s provincial nominee programs, align your profile with employer needs, and secure your pathway to permanent residence.