Upcoming Changes to the New OINP

“Targeted skilled immigration is key to building our workforce and securing Ontario’s economic future,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By modernizing the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, our government is focusing on people with jobs and experience who can contribute to our ongoing work to protect Ontario’s economy quickly.”

The new OINP’s Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream is the first stream to be launched under the redesigned OINP, with the remaining three streams expected to be launched later this year. The OWP stream will connect eligible workers with job offers from Ontario employers to permanent residence pathways. Core stream components include:

• Minimum language and education requirements for applicants
• Work experience criteria that prioritize Ontario-based experience and direct linkages with employers
• New lower revenue thresholds so more smaller Northern and rural businesses can access the OINP for the first time
• Greater flexibility for applicants to qualify for related roles (e.g., someone who is currently a nurse could qualify to become a Personal Support Worker while they work on achieving credential equivalency)

The redesigned program builds on our government’s sustained effort to protect the integrity of Ontario’s immigration system and ensure it delivers for workers, families and employers. Misrepresentation and abuse of the immigration system have threatened confidence in the system and its ability to address critical workforce needs. Through legislative changes in the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, Ontario has strengthened oversight, increased penalties and introduced stronger enforcement measures to crack down on bad actors and protect the integrity of the program.

• The OINP allows Ontario to nominate individuals for permanent residence who have the skills and experience needed to support the province’s economy. The federal government makes the final decision on all permanent residence applications.
• On June 25, 2026, the OINP Expression of Interest (EOI) system closed temporarily as part of the transition to the redesigned program. The system is expected to reopen to new EOI registrations later this summer.
• OINP applications already in progress under the previous program structure will continue to be processed according to the stream they applied under and will not be impacted by the redesign.