Proposed Changes That Still Need Confirmation
In December 2025, the OINP sought feedback from stakeholders on a planned two-phase redesign of its immigration streams.
The proposed first phase is the merging of the three-employer job offer into just one. It’s expected to have two tracks, one for TEER 4 or 5 and another for higher-skilled occupations at TEER 0 to 3.
The proposed second phase is the introduction of the three new pathways, which include:
- An Entrepreneur stream
- A Priority Healthcare stream
- An Exceptional Talent stream
Note that these are still proposals, and Ontario hasn’t announced anything yet. It also hasn’t launched any details or dates regarding the replacement streams.
What We Still Don’t Know
As of this date, Ontario hasn’t answered several questions affecting the prospective and current OINP candidates. The province also hasn’t officially confirmed whether existing EOI profiles will be carried over or what criteria will be used to determine eligibility for new streams.
It also didn’t mention whether candidates should register again or if profiles will be withdrawn. Existing profiles were actually withdrawn during the transition in 2025, but the province hasn’t confirmed if it will use the same process or approach. It has yet to publish a formal transition policy regarding the pending applications. However, applications submitted before May 30 will most likely be assessed using the new rules. The regulation doesn’t clearly explain, though, how the transition to the new system will be handled.
How We Got Here
Ontario first signaled these changes in late 2025. The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, empowered the immigration minister to create or eliminate OINP streams. Previously, such changes required formal regulatory approval through the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
In December 2025, the OINP asked for feedback from stakeholders on a proposed redesign of its immigration streams. The consultation period ended January 1, 2026.
On March 16, 2026, Ontario officially changed its immigration regulations through O. Reg. 47/26. The amendment established May 30 as the effective date for the revocation of all nine streams, the employer verification requirements, and the expanded draw authority.
