Redesigned nominee program streamlines pathways, expands access for rural employers and targets in-demand skills
TORONTO — The Ontario government has unveiled a major overhaul of its immigration nomination system, introducing a redesigned Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) aimed at better matching skilled newcomers with labour market needs while strengthening program integrity and support for domestic workers.
The changes, announced Thursday by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, will reduce the program’s existing eight immigration streams to four, creating what the province says will be a more efficient and responsive system capable of addressing workforce shortages across key sectors.
The modernization comes as Ontario continues to face persistent labour shortages in industries including health care, construction, skilled trades and rural economic development, while demand for provincial immigration nominations remains significantly higher than available allocations.
New Workforce Priority Stream Launches First
At the centre of the redesign is the new Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream, the first of the four new pathways to be launched. The remaining streams are expected to be introduced later this year.
The OWP stream is designed to connect eligible workers who have job offers from Ontario employers with pathways to permanent residence. The province says the stream will place greater emphasis on applicants with relevant work experience, language proficiency and educational qualifications.
The new framework also introduces measures intended to make the program more accessible to smaller employers, particularly in Northern and rural communities.
Among the key features are lower business revenue thresholds that will allow more small businesses to participate in the program, along with increased flexibility for applicants seeking to transition into related occupations.
For example, individuals currently employed as nurses may be eligible to pursue positions as Personal Support Workers while working toward credential recognition requirements.
“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.”
Focus on Labour Market Needs and Program Integrity
The provincial government says the redesigned OINP reflects a broader strategy to ensure immigration pathways are closely aligned with employer demand and economic priorities.
Officials argue that the streamlined structure will reduce duplication across streams, simplify application processes and provide greater flexibility to target workers with skills that are in short supply.
At the same time, the province is emphasizing stronger oversight measures to safeguard the integrity of the immigration system.
Ontario has introduced a series of enforcement measures through legislative changes contained in the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024. These measures include increased penalties, expanded oversight powers and stricter enforcement mechanisms designed to combat fraud and misrepresentation.
According to the province, enforcement actions have increased substantially since 2018, with more than 200 administrative orders and program bans issued against individuals or organizations found to be violating program rules.
In 2025 alone, the OINP integrity team conducted inspections and site visits related to 485 applications, issuing 56 bans and 76 administrative penalties.
Business and Immigration Leaders Welcome Changes
Industry and immigration stakeholders largely welcomed the reforms, describing them as a practical response to labour market realities.
“Ontario’s modernization of the OINP is a thoughtful and strategic step toward aligning immigration with real labour market needs. By simplifying pathways, strengthening program integrity, and creating more flexible opportunities for skilled newcomers, this redesign will better support both employers and candidates. I welcome these changes as a positive move toward a more responsive, transparent, and effective immigration system that helps build a stronger workforce and economy across the province.”
said Stephen Green, Managing Partner at Green & Spiegel Immigration Law Firm and Past Chair Canadian Bar Association, National Section, Citizenship, and Immigration.
The business community also expressed support for the increased emphasis on employer engagement and regional workforce development.
“Targeted, skilled immigration is essential for Ontario businesses to find the talent they need to grow. The Ontario Chamber welcomes stronger employer engagement, better support for remote communities, and clearer pathways for skilled newcomers to help build our businesses. We commend the government and urge them to work closely with employers on implementation.”
said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
Construction sector representatives highlighted the role immigration plays in addressing workforce shortages tied to major infrastructure and housing projects.
“With ongoing economic and policy challenges in the Ontario marketplace, it is important immigration reforms be made to strengthen Ontario’s long-term prosperity and ensure we have the workforce needed to construct Ontario’s future. RCCAO is encouraged by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reforms seeking to streamline process operations and reduce onerous compliance obligations. OINP plays an important role in attracting newcomers to our industry, and we look forward to the ongoing advancement of the program.”
said Nadia Todorova, Executive Director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario.
Transition Underway
As part of the transition, Ontario temporarily closed its Expression of Interest (EOI) system on June 25. The system is expected to reopen later this summer for new registrations.
The province emphasized that applications already submitted under the previous OINP structure will continue to be processed without disruption.
In 2025, Ontario nominated 10,750 candidates for permanent residence through the OINP, reflecting the ongoing importance of immigration in addressing labour shortages and supporting economic growth. While the federal government retains final authority over permanent residence decisions, Ontario’s redesigned program aims to ensure provincial nominations are increasingly aligned with the skills and occupations most needed by employers and communities across the province.