Ontario immigration programs

Overview

Ontario immigration programs

Ontario is redesigning the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program in 2026, moving from eight streams toward four. Existing applications are assessed under the rules in force when filed, while new candidates must follow the transition and new expression-of-interest instructions.

Check the redesign before creating a profile

Ontario temporarily closed its former EOI system on June 25, 2026 as the first redesign phase began. The new Ontario Workforce Priority stream was published in July, with a new EOI launch announced for later in the summer.

Old stream names on third-party sites may no longer describe a filing option.

Employer pathways require both sides

Employer-supported selection assesses the Ontario job, wage, business and candidate. In 2026, Ontario has targeted physicians, health care, early childhood education, mining, agriculture, Francophones and different regions through specific invitations.

An eligible job offer does not guarantee an invitation.

Express Entry and graduate routes are selective

Ontario can issue notifications through federal Express Entry for candidates fitting provincial priorities. Ontario master’s and doctoral graduate selection uses provincial criteria and invitation processes rather than automatic nomination after graduation.

Maintain the federal profile and provincial evidence throughout processing.

Ontario nomination is not federal approval

Ontario’s 2026 allocation is 14,119 nominations. Nominees still apply to IRCC, and Express Entry-linked nominees receive 600 CRS points after accepting the nomination.

Family sponsorship and federal economic, community, work and study routes can also lead to Ontario without OINP.