The Ontario government says it is redesigning its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program in an effort to better align immigration with labour market demands and address ongoing workforce shortages.
In a news release, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said the updated program will streamline existing streams into four, strengthen eligibility requirements, reduce duplication and create clearer pathways for applicants and employers.
Labour Minister David Piccini said targeted immigration is key to building the province’s workforce and securing its economic future.
“Targeted skilled immigration is key to building our workforce and securing Ontario’s economic future,” Piccini said. “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 first new stream, the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, is now open and will connect eligible workers with job offers to permanent residency pathways. The remaining three streams are expected to launch later this year.
The province also says it is strengthening enforcement against fraud and misrepresentation, noting administrative orders and bans have increased significantly since 2018.
As part of the transition, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Expression of Interest system was temporarily closed on June 25, 2026, and is expected to reopen later this summer.
Officials say applications already in progress will continue under the previous rules.
