Ontario is gearing up for a significant shift in its immigration landscape, with officials preparing to introduce fresh permanent residence options for international talent. Recent legislative changes, combined with a reset in federal immigration targets, are creating space for a new generation of OINP streams designed to attract specialized professionals.
Also Read Ontario to Introduce New PR Pathways Under OINP
Province Confirms Upcoming OINP Pathways
Ontario’s Immigration Minister, David Piccini, revealed during the legislative proceedings of Bill 30 that the government is preparing to launch new nomination routes under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). He described the upcoming additions as channels intended to highlight “outstanding skill and contribution,” with specific interest in sectors such as:
- Advanced research
- Culinary innovation
- Entrepreneurship and business leadership
Bill 30 officially passed on November 27, giving the province expanded authority to shape and recalibrate its nomination streams with greater speed. While specifics remain confidential for now, Piccini stated that a series of announcements is expected soon.
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Why Ontario Is Reworking Its Immigration Framework
Ontario’s move toward new PR pathways is closely tied to both operational shifts inside the OINP and recent changes at the national level.
Sudden Halt of the Skilled Trades Stream
A key turning point was Ontario’s decision, announced on November 14, 2025, to stop accepting applications under the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. The province also began returning all applications and fees.
This decision followed a comprehensive review that uncovered:
- Large-scale misrepresentation issues
- Gaps in eligibility compliance
- Broader concerns about the program’s integrity
Shutting down this stream has opened nomination capacity and increased pressure to redesign how the province selects skilled trades professionals.
Paused Invitations in Graduate and Entrepreneur Categories
In addition to closing a major stream, Ontario has not held draws this year for:
- The Master’s Graduate stream
- The PhD Graduate stream
- The Entrepreneur stream
This pause suggests the province may be reserving quotas for redesigned or newly created pathways.
Federal PNP Targets Provide New Opportunities
Ontario’s ability to reinvent its nominee program is also shaped by changes in federal immigration planning.
- In 2025, Ontario’s annual nomination allotment was reduced to 10,750, following a nationwide cut to provincial nominee admissions.
- The latest federal Immigration Levels Plan, however, dramatically boosts the Provincial Nominee Program target to 91,500 in 2026 – a sharp increase of 66% compared to 2025.
Ontario’s allocation has yet to be released, but the expanded national envelope provides provinces with far more flexibility to diversify or expand their immigration programs.
What Prospective Immigrants Should Expect
Ontario is now positioned to reshape its immigration approach with more specialized, integrity-focused, and labour-aligned pathways. Potential beneficiaries may include:
- High-impact researchers
- Culinary professionals with advanced skills
- Entrepreneurs ready to build or scale ventures
- Trades professionals entering through redesigned pathways
The province’s direction points to a more strategic and targeted selection process, aiming to strengthen Ontario’s workforce while ensuring program integrity.
