Ontario Invites 2,643 Candidates in Its Largest 2025 Immigration Draw, Targeting Healthcare and Education Sectors
In a major move to tackle labour shortages, Ontario, Canada, has invited 2,643 foreign nationals, including many Indian candidates, to apply for permanent residency through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The draw, held on September 2, 2025, is the largest immigration invitation round of the year and is focused on filling roles in healthcare, education, and support services.
Key Highlights of the Immigration Draw
Total Invitations Issued:
2,643 candidates under the Employer Job Offer category
Streams Breakdown:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- Invitations: 1,305
- Minimum Score: 41
- Targeted Occupations: Healthcare professionals, early childhood educators
- International Student Stream
- Invitations: 1,105
- Minimum Score: 58
- Focus: Healthcare, childcare, early education roles
- In-Demand Skills Stream
- Invitations: 233
- Minimum Score: 33
- Targeted Roles: Home support workers, housekeepers, related occupations.
Priority Occupations Targeted
Ontario focused on 10 key job roles listed under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes. These include:
- General practitioners and family physicians
- Specialist physicians
- Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Nurse aides and orderlies
- Early childhood educators and assistants
- Home support workers and housekeepers
- Midwives
- Physician assistants
Why These Jobs Were Chosen
With Canada’s aging population and growing demand for healthcare and educational services, Ontario urgently needs:
- Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives)
- Support staff (home aides, personal support workers)
- Early childhood educators, to meet rising childcare and school demands
The draw reflects Ontario’s long-term strategy to fill critical workforce gaps using skilled international talent already living in Canada.
What Happens After Receiving an Invitation?
Steps for Candidates and Employers:
- Notification: Candidates and their employers are informed via email if selected
- Employer Action: Must apply through Ontario’s Employer Portal within 14 days (by September 16)
- Candidate Submission: Applicants must complete and submit their application by September 19 through the OINP e-Filing Portal
- Documents Required: All supporting documents must be submitted along with the application
- Failure to Apply: Missing deadlines may lead to loss of the invitation.
Important Program Changes in 2025
Starting July 2025, OINP made key changes to streamline and digitally manage job offer approvals via the Employer Portal.
The new system prioritizes applicants based on:
- Job offer details
- Relevant work experience
- Alignment with Ontario’s labour market needs
This has enabled more targeted and efficient immigration draws, like the one on September 2.
What This Means for Indian Candidates
- No Nationality Restriction: OINP is open to all nationalities, including Indians
- Strong Indian Presence: Indians are among the top applicants in OINP and similar streams
- Permanent Residency Pathway: Selected candidates gain a direct route to PR status, job stability, and long-term settlement opportunities
Given the large number of invitations and the high representation of Indians in the Canadian skilled worker pool, it’s very likely that hundreds of these invitations were extended to Indian professionals.
Final Takeaway
Ontario’s latest draw under the OINP Employer Job Offer category is a strong indication of Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled foreign workers, including Indian nationals, to support its growing economy and service sectors.
If you’re a skilled worker in healthcare, education, or support roles already in Canada, this could be your golden opportunity for permanent residency.
Also Read : 8 European Countries With the Easiest Schengen Visa Process for Indians
