Ontario conducted a major OINP Draw on February 18, 2026, issuing a total of 1,404 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under two Employer Job Offer streams.
This round targeted candidates under:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues to prioritize employer-driven immigration pathways to address labour shortages across the province.
OINP Draw on February 18, 2026 – Key Figures
| Stream | Invitations Issued | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 951 | Targeted job offer holders |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 453 | Ontario graduates with job offers |
| Total Invitations Issued | 1,404 | Across two streams |
This marks one of the larger Ontario draws in early 2026.
Comparison With Earlier Ontario Draw in 2026
Earlier in 2026, Ontario also conducted Employer Job Offer draws with smaller invitation volumes.
The February 18 round, with 1,404 invitations, signals:
✔ Increased provincial intake
✔ Higher employer participation
✔ Growing demand in Ontario’s labour market
Ontario appears to be accelerating employer-supported immigration in 2026.
What Happens After Receiving an OINP Invitation?
Receiving an ITA under the OINP Draw on February 18, 2026 does NOT automatically mean nomination.
Applicants must now:
1️⃣ Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal
2️⃣ Submit complete application within deadline
3️⃣ Upload all required documents
4️⃣ Pay applicable provincial fees
Deadlines:
- Applicants typically have 14 to 17 calendar days to submit a complete application.
- Employers may need to submit supporting documents within 14 days.
Missing deadlines can result in automatic withdrawal.
Role of the Employer in OINP Employer Job Offer Streams
Under the Employer Job Offer category, employers play a critical role.
Employers must:
Provide a genuine, full-time, permanent job offer
Ensure position meets wage requirements
Complete Employer Form
Provide business registration documents
Demonstrate business has been operating for required period
Show compliance with employment standards
Without employer cooperation, the application cannot proceed.
Role of the Applicant
Applicants must:
Ensure job offer meets NOC TEER requirements
Meet minimum work experience criteria (Foreign Worker stream)
Have completed eligible Ontario credential (International Student stream)
Maintain legal status (if in Canada)
Submit accurate EOI profile
Applicants are also responsible for:
- Proof of identity
- Work experience documentation
- Educational credential evidence
- Language results (if applicable)
- Resume
- Pay stubs and employment contracts
Misrepresentation can result in refusal and possible ban.
Document Checklist for OINP Application
Below is a general checklist applicants should prepare:
Personal Documents
- Passport copy
- Status documents (if inside Canada)
- Resume
Employment Documents
- Job offer letter
- Employment contract
- Pay stubs
- T4s (if applicable)
- Reference letters
Employer Documents
- Employer Form
- Business license
- CRA documents
- Workplace Safety & Insurance Board clearance
Education Documents
- Degree or diploma
- Transcripts
- ECA (if foreign education)
Processing Timeline After Nomination
Step 1: OINP application assessment
Step 2: Nomination issued (if approved)
Step 3: Apply for Permanent Residence to IRCC
Step 4: Federal medical and background checks
Processing timelines vary depending on stream and federal backlog.
Future Prospects for Ontario Immigration in 2026
The OINP Draw on February 18, 2026 suggests Ontario will continue:
Employer-focused selection
Healthcare and in-demand occupation targeting
Regional labour market support
Larger draw sizes compared to early January
Ontario remains one of Canada’s most active provinces in immigration selection.
More Employer Job Offer draws are expected throughout 2026.
What This Means for Candidates
If you:
- Have a valid Ontario job offer
- Meet stream eligibility
- Maintain competitive EOI score
Your chances remain strong in 2026.
Ontario continues to rely heavily on employer-driven immigration pathways. Do visit the official website of Ontario to know more about OINP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many invitations were issued in the OINP Draw February 18 2026?
Ontario issued 1,404 invitations across two Employer Job Offer streams.
What streams were included in this draw?
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and Employer Job Offer: International Student streams.
What happens after receiving an OINP invitation?
Applicants must submit a complete application within the deadline and provide all required documents.
Does OINP nomination guarantee permanent residence?
No. Nomination increases CRS score but federal approval is still required
