Ontario will have more room to nominate economic immigrants in 2026 after the federal government confirmed a higher allocation under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The province has been assigned 14,119 nomination certificates for the year, allowing it to select skilled workers, graduates, and entrepreneurs through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

The announcement, published on February 6, 2026, signals renewed momentum for provincial immigration programs across Canada. While Ontario’s share has grown compared to last year, the figure also reflects the federal government’s broader expansion of PNP admissions targets for 2026.

At this stage, Ontario has not released a detailed breakdown showing how the nomination spots will be distributed among its various streams, nor has it identified specific sectors that will receive targeted attention.

Also Read Ontario Receives 14,119 Immigration Nominations for 2026

Growth Linked to Expanded Federal Immigration Targets

The increase in Ontario’s allocation is directly tied to Ottawa’s decision to significantly raise permanent residence admissions through Provincial Nominee Programs.

Canada plans to admit 91,500 permanent residents through PNP pathways in 2026 — a substantial jump from 55,000 the year before. With more admission spaces available nationally, provinces have received larger nomination quotas to help meet labor market demands and economic priorities.

Ontario’s 14,119 nominations represent a strong rebound from 2025, when the province operated with 10,750 nomination spaces throughout the year. Unlike some other jurisdictions, Ontario did not receive any mid-year top-ups in 2025.

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Recovery, But Not a Full Return to Previous Levels

Despite this year’s increase, Ontario has not yet returned to its earlier nomination capacity.

In 2024, the province had access to 21,500 nomination slots — considerably higher than the current allocation. The 2026 figure restores a portion of that reduction but still falls short of the levels seen two years ago.

This partial recovery suggests that while immigration levels are trending upward, allocations remain calibrated to broader national planning objectives rather than returning immediately to previous peaks.

Policy Shifts That Reshaped the OINP in 2025–2026

Beyond the numbers, Ontario’s immigration system has experienced a series of operational and regulatory changes over the past year. These reforms have influenced eligibility criteria, intake procedures, and compliance oversight.

New Pathways for International Medical Professionals

One of the most notable adjustments has been the expansion of eligibility for internationally trained physicians.

As of January 2026, certain self-employed doctors with provisional registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario — and authorized to bill through OHIP — may qualify under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. This update simplifies the pathway to permanent residence for physicians who may not have traditional employment contracts.

Earlier reforms in 2025 had already permitted self-employed physicians to count independent work experience toward eligibility under multiple immigration streams, even without a job offer.

These measures reflect Ontario’s continued effort to address healthcare workforce shortages.

Skilled Trades Stream Placed on Hold

In late 2025, Ontario suspended its Express Entry-aligned Skilled Trades stream. Authorities cited compliance and enforcement issues as the reason for pausing the program and returning applications that were under review at the time.

The province has not yet announced whether or when the stream may reopen.

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Stronger Oversight and Application Controls

Ontario also expanded its authority to intervene in the nomination process before approvals are finalized.

Regulatory updates introduced in mid-2025 allow officials to return applications before nomination issuance, with fees refunded to applicants. Later in the year, additional criteria were added that could justify returning or suspending applications. These considerations now include factors such as:

• Ontario’s capacity to deliver housing and healthcare services
  
• Applicants’ language ability and educational qualifications
  
• Current employment circumstances
  
• Evolving provincial labor market requirements
  

The expanded oversight framework indicates a stronger emphasis on aligning immigration intake with economic and infrastructure planning.

Transition to Employer-Initiated Applications

A major operational shift occurred in July 2025 with the launch of a digital Employer Portal. Under this system, Employer Job Offer streams moved from candidate-driven submissions to employer-led applications.

Prospective immigrants can no longer independently apply under these streams; employers must now initiate and support the application process. The change is intended to improve transparency, ensure employer accountability, and reduce misuse of the system.

Eased Academic Requirements for Early Childhood Occupations

Ontario also revised qualification standards for early childhood educators and assistants. Previously, applicants under certain streams were required to hold a Canadian bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

That academic requirement was removed for candidates applying through:

• The Human Capital Priorities Stream
  
• The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
  

The adjustment was designed to widen access to permanent residence for professionals in high-demand childcare roles.

Interviews May Be Required

To strengthen program integrity, Ontario has introduced the possibility of mandatory in-person interviews for both applicants and employers. This measure aims to verify the authenticity of applications and ensure compliance with program standards.

A Broader Redesign on the Horizon

Ontario is not only adjusting eligibility rules — it is also preparing for a structural transformation of its provincial nominee program.

The government has proposed a phased restructuring plan that would significantly streamline the OINP.

Initial Phase

The three existing Employer Job Offer streams would be consolidated into one unified stream featuring multiple categories or tracks.

Subsequent Phase

Most current streams would be replaced by three overarching pathways focused on:

• Healthcare professionals
  
• Entrepreneurs and business innovators
  
• Individuals with exceptional talent or specialized expertise
  

These proposed changes are awaiting final regulatory approval and are expected to be implemented gradually beginning in 2026.

What Applicants Should Expect in 2026

Ontario’s increased nomination allocation provides more opportunities for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. However, the province is simultaneously tightening program controls and modernizing its intake systems.

With higher federal immigration targets supporting provincial programs, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of expansion — but also one defined by strategic selection and administrative reform.

Further announcements detailing stream allocations and targeted occupations are expected in the coming months, offering clearer guidance for candidates planning their next steps under the OINP.