Ontario Immigration Updates for OINP 2026

Ontario Got More Immigration Slots in 2026

To begin with, the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) has received more nomination slots in 2026 than last year.

For 2026, the federal government has given Ontario 14,119 nominations to invite eligible candidates through its 8 immigration streams.

These details were officially shared on February 6, 2026.

Priority Jobs and Sectors Not Announced Yet

However, as of now, Ontario has not announced:

• Priority occupations
• Priority sectors
• How many nominations each stream will get

So, applicants will need to wait for further updates before planning their strategy.

How 2026 Numbers Compare to Previous Years

Now let’s understand how this compares to earlier years.

• In 2025, Ontario received 10,750 nominations
• In 2026, this increased to 14,119 nominations

This means there is a 31% increase compared to last year, which is definitely positive news.

Why Did Nomination Numbers Increase?

This increase happened mainly because the federal government raised PR targets under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

• PR target in 2025: 55,000
• PR target in 2026: 91,500

As a result, provinces are now receiving more nomination slots, and Ontario is one of them.

Other Provinces Also Benefited

Similarly, other provinces like:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

have already confirmed higher nomination allocations for 2026.

Ontario Lagged Behind in 2025

In contrast, Ontario did not receive any increase in 2025 and stayed at 10,750 nominations all year.

Although 2026 numbers are higher, they are still much lower than 2024, when Ontario had 21,500 nominations.

So overall, Ontario has only recovered about 67% of its 2024 nomination levels.

Recent Important Changes in the OINP

Easier PR Path for Some Self-Employed Doctors

Firstly, in January 2026, Ontario expanded eligibility for self-employed internationally trained physicians.

Now, certain doctors with:

• Provisional licenses
• OHIP billing numbers

can apply under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, making PR easier for them.

Earlier, in February 2025, Ontario had already allowed self-employed doctors to count self-employment experience for some streams.

Skilled Trades Stream Temporarily Suspended

Meanwhile, in November 2025, Ontario suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream.

This happened due to compliance and enforcement concerns, and all pending applications were returned.

More Power to Return or Suspend Applications

Additionally, from July 2025, Ontario gained the authority to:

• Return applications
• Suspend applications before nomination

Later in October 2025, even more reasons were added, such as:

• Housing and healthcare capacity
• Applicant’s language skills
• Education and work status
• Ontario’s labour market needs

Employer-Led Application System Introduced

At the same time, Ontario launched a new electronic Employer Portal.

Because of this change:

• Employers now start the process
• Applicants can no longer apply directly under Employer Job Offer streams

This was done to reduce misuse and improve transparency.

Relaxed Rules for Early Childhood Educators

In another positive move, Ontario reduced education requirements for Early Childhood Educators and Assistants (NOC 42202).

Now, they do not need a Canadian bachelor’s degree to qualify under:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

In-Person Interviews May Be Required

Finally, Ontario announced that it may require in-person interviews for:

• Applicants
• Employers

This step aims to ensure genuine and credible applications.

Upcoming Big Changes: Stream Consolidation

Fewer Streams, Clearer Pathways

Looking ahead, Ontario is planning a major redesign of the OINP.

In the first phase:

• All three Employer Job Offer streams will be merged into one stream with multiple tracks

Later, most existing streams may be replaced by three main pathways focused on:

• Healthcare workers
• Entrepreneurs
• Exceptional talent

These changes were proposed in late 2025 and are expected to roll out during 2026 and beyond, once approved.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).