published on 16 December 2025 @ 4:23 pm · COMMENT

Ontario Proposes Major Overhaul of Provincial Nominee Program

Ontario has announced a proposed redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), introducing a two-phase approach that would restructure how nominees for permanent residence are selected.

In phase one, the OINP would consolidate its three “Employer: Job Offer” streams into a single stream with two pathways: TEER 0–3 for skilled occupations requiring post-secondary education or regulatory credentials, and TEER 4–5 for roles requiring a high school diploma or on-the-job training, focusing on labour shortage occupations. The TEER 0–3 pathway prioritizes candidates already in Canada, while the TEER 4–5 pathway includes minimum work experience and language requirements, with flexibility for construction trades and region-specific targeting.

Phase two would eliminate all other existing streams and introduce three new pathways:

• Priority healthcare stream: Targets regulated healthcare workers, allowing applicants to apply without a job offer, including recent graduates in the final stages of licensure.
• Entrepreneur stream: Supports newcomers who establish, purchase, or operate businesses in Ontario, aiming to create jobs and stimulate regional economic growth.
• Exceptional talent stream: Focuses on candidates with recognized achievements in fields such as academia, innovation, science, technology, or the arts, evaluated qualitatively rather than through traditional points-based criteria.

The OINP is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes. Details regarding the treatment of in-progress applications under the existing streams have not yet been specified. These proposals reflect Ontario’s effort to better align its nominee program with labour market needs and economic priorities while creating targeted pathways for high-demand occupations and exceptional talent.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE