Foreign nationals interested in Canadian permanent residence through nomination by the Ontario government may soon have access to new pathways. Ontario’s Immigration Minister, David Piccini, plans to introduce a talent stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to recognize excellence in areas like research, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. The announcement was made during the third reading of Ontario’s Bill 30 on November 25, with the bill receiving royal assent on November 27. Details about these new streams are yet to be revealed.

Trends Supporting Ontario’s Immigration Streams

Recent changes in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and the broader provincial immigration landscape have paved the way for the creation of new streams within the OINP. The suspension of the OINP Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream has played a significant role in this development. The closure of this stream has allowed Ontario to reallocate its nomination spots and rethink its selection criteria for trades and workers.

Furthermore, the OINP’s nomination allocation was reduced to 10,750 in 2025, down from 21,500 in 2024. This reduction aligns with the federal PNP allocations outlined in the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan. These changes indicate a strategic realignment of nominations to meet Ontario’s immigration objectives and labor market demands.