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Ontario Immigration Draw Reaches 21,500 in 2024 with Big Wins for Healthcare and Tech
Ontario just closed the books on a powerful immigration year. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued all 21,500 nominations for 2024, with special focus on sectors that are shaping Canada’s future, healthcare and tech. This draw isn’t just about numbers. It highlights Ontario’s growing need for skilled immigrants who can fill real jobs and make a real difference.
If you’re a healthcare professional or tech expert thinking about Canadian immigration to Ontario, now is the time to pay attention.
Strong Immigration Demand and Sector-Specific Growth
Ontario saw one of its most focused nomination years to date. The province reached its federal quota by December 2024, and the sectors getting the biggest boost were exactly where skilled workers are most needed.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the numbers:
| OINP Stream | Nominations |
| Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker | 2,731 |
| In-Demand Skills | 408 |
| International Student Stream | 3,283 |
| Masters Graduate Stream | 3,810 |
| PhD Graduate Stream | 446 |
| Express Entry – Skilled Trades | 4,101 |
| Express Entry – Human Capital Priorities | 6,330 |
| Express Entry – French-Speaking Skilled Workers | 300 |
| Entrepreneur Stream | 91 |
| Total | 21,500 |
The biggest growth came from healthcare and technology, two fields where the province continues to experience rapid expansion and talent shortages.
Healthcare Leads with Record Nominations
In 2024, Canadian immigration to Ontario made a major push toward healthcare. The province nominated over 3,200 healthcare workers, the highest in its history. That’s 15% of all nominations, showing just how important this field has become.
Professionals selected included:
- Registered nurses
- Family doctors and general practitioners
- Pharmacists
- Nurse aides and patient care assistants
Whether you’re experienced or newly trained, if you’re in healthcare, Ontario is actively looking for your skills.
Ontario’s Tech Sector Is Thriving
Tech remains one of Ontario’s strongest hiring areas. Over 6,300 tech workers received nominations in 2024, nearly 30% of the province’s total.
Key roles included:
- Software developers and designers
- Information systems analysts
- Business systems experts
- Technical support specialists
Ontario’s tech ecosystem, especially in Toronto, Ottawa, and Waterloo, is expanding fast. These nominations reflect the sector’s urgent need for talent, both domestic and international.
What This Means for Immigration Applicants
If you’re considering Canadian immigration to Ontario, these numbers show clear direction:
- Sector-based targeting helps increase your chances if you’re in healthcare or tech
- Ontario uses both Express Entry-linked streams and Employer Job Offer categories to bring in skilled talent
- International graduates, particularly those with master’s or PhDs, are being prioritized
With faster processing times and clear labour market needs, Ontario is one of the most active provinces for newcomers aiming to build a future in Canada.
The 2024 OINP results prove that Canadian immigration to Ontario is thriving with strong, focused draws that benefit both the province and skilled workers worldwide. Whether you’re a nurse, physician, developer, or analyst, Ontario’s doors are open for those ready to fill vital roles. With demand at an all-time high and 21,500 successful nominations, the province continues to be a top destination for global talent.
