Ontario has just held another immigration draw, and this time, it focused on people working in skilled trades.

On February 18, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,404 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under its Employer Job Offer streams.

Let’s break this down clearly and simply.

Who Was Invited?

This draw targeted candidates working in skilled trades-related occupations.

To receive an invitation, candidates had to:

  1. Be currently living in Canada
  2. Have a valid work permit or study permit
  3. Have a valid job offer from an eligible Ontario employer

This was Ontario’s second draw of 2026.

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Which Streams Were Included?

Invitations were issued under two streams:

1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream

  1. Minimum score required: 50
  2. Invitations issued: 951
  3. Targeted skilled trades occupations

2. Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream

  1. Minimum score required: 80
  2. Invitations issued: 453
  3. Also targeted skilled trades occupations

So in total, 1,404 invitations were issued across both streams.

What Profiles Were Considered?

Ontario looked at profiles that were:

  1. Created between July 2, 2025, and February 16, 2026
  2. Properly submitted and supported by a valid job offer
  3. Completed and attested to by February 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

If a profile did not meet these timeline requirements, it was not considered.

What Happens Next?

Now that invitations have been issued, both employers and candidates must act quickly.

For Employers:

  1. Review the official employer guide
  2. Submit a complete application to approve the employment position
  3. Deadline: Within 14 calendar days of the invitation

For Candidates:

  1. Submit the full OINP application
  2. Deadline: Within 17 calendar days of receiving the ITA

After Ontario approves the nomination, successful candidates can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence (PR).

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Why Is Ontario Focusing on Skilled Trades?

This targeted draw is especially important because Ontario recently closed one of its skilled trades pathways.

In November 2025, Ontario suspended its Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream.

The reason given was systematic misrepresentation.

At the same time:

  1. Ontario stopped accepting new applications
  2. All pending applications were returned
  3. Application fees were refunded
  4. No timeline was given for reopening the stream

Because of that closure, Ontario is now prioritizing skilled trades through other available streams.

What Can Affected Candidates Do?

If you were impacted by the closure of the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream, you still have options:

  1. Apply under other OINP streams (enhanced or base)
  2. Consider applying under Express Entry’s federal Trade category

Even though one pathway has closed, alternatives are still available.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s latest draw shows that:

  1. Skilled trades workers remain a priority
  2. Over 1,400 candidates were invited
  3. The province is still actively selecting foreign workers and international graduates
  4. Candidates must already be living in Canada with a valid status

If you work in a skilled trade and have a valid job offer in Ontario, this could be a strong pathway to permanent residence.

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