Ontario Invites 1,404 Skilled Trades Candidates in Targeted Nominee Draw

Ontario has issued 1,404 invitations to candidates working in skilled trades. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held the targeted draw on February 18, 2026.

The invitations went to applicants under two Employer Job Offer streams: the Foreign Worker stream and the International Student stream. All invited candidates had to confirm they currently live in Canada and hold a valid work or study permit.

This marks Ontario’s second round of nomination invitations this year. The province conducted its first draws earlier in February.

Breakdown of Invitations

Ontario distributed 951 invitations under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. Candidates in this stream needed a minimum score of 50 to qualify.

Another 453 invitations went to applicants under the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream. This group required a higher minimum score of 80.

The province reviewed profiles created between July 2, 2025, and February 16, 2026. Applicants had to submit and confirm their profiles, along with a valid job offer from an eligible employer, before the February 16 deadline at 11:59 p.m.

The draw specifically targeted candidates working in skilled trades-related occupations.

What Happens Next?

Employers whose workers received invitations must now act quickly. They have 14 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a full application for approval of the employment position.

At the same time, invited candidates must submit their provincial nomination application within 17 calendar days of receiving their invitation.

If Ontario approves the nomination, candidates can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Closure of Skilled Trades Express Entry Stream

This targeted draw comes after Ontario closed one of its immigration pathways last year.

In November 2025, the province suspended the Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream. Ontario cited systematic misrepresentation as the main reason behind the decision.

The province stopped accepting new applications under that stream. Officials also announced they would return all pending applications and refund processing fees. However, they did not confirm if or when the stream would reopen.

Alternatives for Affected Candidates

Candidates who planned to apply through the suspended stream still have options. Ontario has stated that they may pursue nomination through other OINP streams, whether enhanced or base streams.

Some applicants may also explore the federal Express Entry trade category as another route to permanent residence.

Focus on Skilled Trades

Ontario’s latest draw highlights the province’s ongoing need for workers in skilled trades. By targeting these occupations, the province aims to address labour shortages in key sectors while offering foreign workers and international graduates a pathway to settle permanently.

The move also signals Ontario’s effort to strengthen oversight while continuing to select candidates who already contribute to the province’s workforce.