Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario’s immigrant nominee program is a provincial selection process. Ontario may nominate applicants who meet a current stream’s criteria, but the federal government makes the final permanent residence and admissibility decision.

Ontario redesigned its program in 2026. Because stream names, openings and intake rules can change, applicants should verify the active structure directly on Ontario’s official pages before relying on a summary.

Abstract illustration of Toronto and pathways to permanent residence

Ontario selection and federal approval

A provincial nomination does not itself grant permanent residence. The provincial stage addresses Ontario’s criteria and nomination decision. A nominated person must still complete the appropriate federal process and satisfy federal requirements.

Workforce Priority and current intake

The Ontario Workforce Priority stream introduced in 2026 uses current provincial criteria and may involve employer information or an expression-of-interest process depending on the pathway. This page intentionally avoids describing the former eight streams as open.

Information and evidence to prepare

Relevant records may include status documents, work and education evidence, language results, employer materials where required, settlement information and proof supporting an intention to live in Ontario. The exact list depends on the active pathway.

Responding to program changes

A saved checklist can become outdated after a program redesign or intake pause. Applicants should record the date and source of the criteria they use and reassess before submitting.

Where legal assistance may fit

Subject to confirmed scope, assistance may include reviewing a pathway’s current requirements, checking employer or applicant evidence, identifying disclosure issues and coordinating the provincial and federal stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an Ontario nomination guarantee permanent residence?

No. It is a provincial decision. The federal permanent residence and admissibility assessment remains separate.

Are the old Ontario streams still open?

Ontario redesigned the program in 2026. Check the current Ontario program-status page rather than relying on a list published before the redesign.

Does every pathway require an employer?

Requirements depend on the active stream and intake. Review the current official criteria for the pathway in question.

Can Ontario change intake rules?

Yes. Program availability, criteria and invitations can change. Date-stamped official sources are important.

Related Information

Official Sources

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