Ontario has released proposed regulatory amendments that would significantly redesign the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015. The changes aim to simplify the current structure, improve alignment with provincial labour needs, and create more targeted pathways to permanent residence.
Full posting: https://www.regulatoryregistry.gov.on.ca/proposal/52773

The OINP currently includes eight program streams. The Ministry is proposing to consolidate and update these into four redesigned streams, introduced through a two-phase approach.

Phase 1: Redesign of Employer Job Offer Streams

Ontario proposes a single Employer Job Offer Stream with two tracks based on the TEER system (0–3 and 4–5).

Employer Job Offer Stream – TEER 0–3 Track

This track would replace multiple existing job offer streams and focus on skilled workers already in Canada. Applicants would need to meet minimum criteria:

Wage Requirement
The job offer must meet the median wage for the occupation. Applicants who graduated from an eligible Ontario institution within the last two years may qualify with a low-wage job offer.

Work Experience
Applicants must meet one of the following:
a) 6 months of Ontario work experience in the job offer NOC with the employer
b) 2 years of experience in the job offer NOC within the last 5 years
c) Valid professional license in good standing

Education
No education requirement applies if the applicant has 6 months of Ontario work experience with the employer. Otherwise, a post-secondary credential with an ECA is required.

Employer Job Offer Stream – TEER 4–5 Track

This track would support employers hiring for labour-shortage occupations. All TEER 4 and 5 NOCs would be eligible.

Applicants would need to meet a minimum language requirement and have 9 months of work experience in the job offer NOC with the same employer.

Additional considerations include:

• A potential construction trades pathway where union support could validate work experience instead of a permanent full-time job offer
• The ability for Ontario to issue targeted invitations by region, occupation, or other criteria to address employer needs

Phase 2: Creation of Three New OINP Streams

In the second phase, Ontario proposes three new economic immigration streams and the retirement of streams that no longer align with provincial priorities.

Priority Healthcare Stream

This stream would offer a pathway for high-skilled healthcare professionals with valid professional registration.
Key features:

• Application without a job offer
• Possible eligibility for recent graduates completing registration
• Intended to meet demand in regulated healthcare professions

Entrepreneur Stream

This pathway would target entrepreneurial newcomers who:

• Have established and are actively operating a business in Ontario, or
• Have purchased and are operating an existing business in Ontario

Exceptional Talent Stream

This stream would attract individuals with unique achievements in fields such as academia, science, innovation, technology, or creative industries.

Candidates would need to demonstrate accomplishments such as:

• Publications, research contributions, or innovations
• Prestigious awards
• International recognition
• Notable creative or cultural work
  Ontario would conduct a qualitative assessment of contributions to the province’s economic, social, or cultural vitality.

Public Feedback Requested

The Ministry is seeking input on:

• Strengths of the proposed approach
• Potential risks or limitations
• Recommendations for the application process
• Additional factors to consider as new streams are developed

Ontario is also requesting feedback on its new Employer Portal, launched in July, particularly relating to:

• Overall user experience
• Clarity of instructions
• Accessibility and usability
• Technical performance issues such as slow pages or errors

Posting date: December 2, 2025
Comment deadline: January 1, 2026

Regulatory Impact Summary

According to the posting, the proposed redesign would:

• Simplify navigation for employers and applicants
• Improve access for applicants with job offers
• Facilitate access for priority healthcare professionals
• Establish a pathway for entrepreneurs
• Support targeted selection aligned with labour needs

Stay Informed: LPEN’s 2026 PNP Series

LPEN will be offering a full series on Provincial Nominee Programs in 2026, including developments in the redesigned OINP, to ensure immigration practitioners remain fully up to date.