Ontario says it will soon launch new immigration streams under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Immigration Minister David Piccini announced that a new talent stream is in development, aimed at recognizing excellence in fields like research, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. Bill 30, which gives the province more flexibility to create or close OINP streams, received royal assent on November 27. No details on the new pathways have been released yet.
Why this is happening now
Ontario is reshaping its nominee program after shutting down the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream on November 14 due to widespread eligibility and compliance issues. All applications are being returned with refunds. The pause also follows a year in which Ontario held no draws in its Master's Graduate, PhD Graduate, and Entrepreneur streams, which suggests a shift in how nomination spots are being used.
A larger federal PNP target for 2026, now set at 91,500 admissions, may give Ontario more room to launch new streams and reallocate nominations across its programs.
