Ontario Modernizing Immigration Program to Fill In-Demand Jobs

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TORONTO - Ontario is transforming the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to better align immigration with labour market needs and with a clear focus on addressing critical workforce shortages across key sectors of the economy. The redesigned OINP will streamline the existing eight streams into four, strengthening eligibility requirements, reducing duplication and creating clearer, more efficient pathways for applicants and employers. The new structure will also give the province greater flexibility to target in-demand skills and respond to evolving labour market needs while continuing to support and strengthen Ontario's domestic workforce.

"Targeted skilled immigration is key to building our workforce and securing Ontario's economic future," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "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 Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream is the first stream to be launched under the redesigned OINP with the remaining three streams expected to be launched later this year. The OWP stream will connect eligible workers with job offers from Ontario employers to permanent residence pathways. Core stream components include:

• Minimum language and education requirements for applicants
• Work experience criteria that prioritize Ontario-based experience and direct linkages with employers
• New lower revenue thresholds so more smaller Northern and rural businesses can access the OINP for the first time
• Greater flexibility for applicants to qualify for related roles (e.g., someone who is currently a nurse could qualify to become a Personal Support Worker while they work on achieving credential equivalency)

The redesigned program builds on our government's sustained effort to protect the integrity of Ontario's immigration system and ensure it delivers for workers, families and employers. Misrepresentation and abuse of the immigration system have threatened confidence in the system and its ability to address critical workforce needs.

Through legislative changes in the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, Ontario has strengthened oversight, increased penalties and introduced stronger enforcement measures to crack down on bad actors and protect the integrity of the program. These enhanced enforcement measures are delivering results, with administrative orders and program bans targeting bad actors increasing from zero to more than 200 since 2018.

Ontario's greatest asset is the strength of our world-class workforce. A modernized OINP is designed to find the skilled workers who will contribute to that workforce and are connected to employers who need them, and ensure every nomination delivers outcomes for Ontario's economy and communities.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Ontario's modernization of the OINP is a thoughtful and strategic step toward aligning immigration with real labour market needs. By simplifying pathways, strengthening program integrity, and creating more flexible opportunities for skilled newcomers, this redesign will better support both employers and candidates. I welcome these changes as a positive move toward a more responsive, transparent, and effective immigration system that helps build a stronger workforce and economy across the province."

- Stephen Green
Managing Partner at Green & Spiegel Immigration Law Firm and Past Chair Canadian Bar Association, National Section, Citizenship, and Immigration

"Targeted, skilled immigration is essential for Ontario businesses to find the talent they need to grow. The Ontario Chamber welcomes stronger employer engagement, better support for remote communities, and clearer pathways for skilled newcomers to help build our businesses. We commend the government and urge them to work closely with employers on implementation."

- Daniel Tisch
President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"With ongoing economic and policy challenges in the Ontario marketplace, it is important immigration reforms be made to strengthen Ontario's long-term prosperity and ensure we have the workforce needed to construct Ontario's future. RCCAO is encouraged by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reforms seeking to streamline process operations and reduce onerous compliance obligations. OINP plays an important role in attracting newcomers to our industry, and we look forward to the ongoing advancement of the program."

- Nadia Todorova
Executive Director, Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario

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