Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) nominates people for permanent residence in Ontario; the Government of Canada makes the final decision. According to the official page updated on July 14, 2026, the Ontario Workforce Priority stream has launched and all other streams are now closed. The province says more changes are coming.
Situation to check before taking any step
According to the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program page (updated July 14, 2026), the Ontario Workforce Priority stream has launched and all other streams are now closed. Older descriptions found on other websites may therefore be out of date.
Main conditions
- ✓Check on the official page which stream is open before taking any step: only Ontario Workforce Priority currently is
- ✓Have the skills, experience and education the Ontario economy needs, according to the stream's criteria
- ✓Register an expression of interest, then submit an application following the official procedure
- ✓Provide the documents required by the stream's checklist
- ✓Once nominated, submit a permanent residence application to IRCC, which makes the final decision
Countries of origin
Open to candidates from most countries, unless otherwise stated or subject to specific consular restrictions.
Understanding the program
How a provincial nomination works
A province that has an agreement with the federal government can nominate candidates whose profile meets its economic needs. A nomination is not permanent residence: once nominated, you submit an application to IRCC, which makes the final decision and checks, among other things, your medical and security admissibility.
The process in Ontario
According to the official page, you first register an expression of interest, then submit an application following the procedure described by the province. Employers can have a position approved through the Employer Portal, and a candidate can appoint a representative.
Required documents are listed in checklists specific to each stream. After submitting, the file can be followed in an e-filing portal, where it is also possible to request a nomination extension.
What has changed: the closure of the former streams
Closed streams remain described on a dedicated page of the Ontario website. If you have read that a specific stream exists (French-speaking skilled worker, skilled trades, Master's or PhD graduate, employer job offer), check that it has not become closed before investing time or money in an application. The province says more changes are coming and publishes its 2026 updates on a separate page.
Protecting yourself from fraud
Nobody can guarantee a nomination or "reserve a spot". Applications are made only through the official Ontario government portals. Be wary of job offers for sale, fees demanded for a so-called priority, and intermediaries who ask for your login credentials.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I still apply to the former "Employer Job Offer" stream?
- According to the official page (July 14, 2026), all streams other than Ontario Workforce Priority are closed. Check the closed streams page to see whether your situation is covered by a specific provision.
- Does a nomination add points to the CRS?
- For Express Entry candidates, a provincial nomination has historically added 600 points to the CRS. Because rules can change, check the information on the official IRCC page before counting on it.
- Who makes the final decision?
- Ontario nominates candidates, but it is the Government of Canada, through IRCC, that makes the final decision on permanent residence.
Information checked against official pages on October 12, 2026.