Introduction

On May 30, 2026, the province of Ontario revoked all provincial pathways to permanent residence under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). No replacement streams have been formally launched. Applications already submitted before the revocation will continue to be processed under the rules that applied at the time of submission. Below is a summary of the replacement options that were proposed during a December 2025 public consultation.

Why the change matters

The removal of active provincial nomination streams affects job‑seeking foreign workers, recent graduates, health professionals, entrepreneurs and individuals in specialized talent fields who were using OINP pathways toward permanent residence. The proposals shared in late 2025 outline how Ontario might reopen targeted pathways, but they remain proposals until adopted and published in final regulations.

Summary of proposed replacement streams (December 2025 consultation)

These proposals were presented as possible replacement streams; none have been finalized. Key elements from the consultation are summarized below.

Employer Job Offer Stream

The Employer Job Offer concept was split into two tracks based on occupational TEER levels:

• TEER 0–3 track (skilled occupations):
  • A median wage requirement tied to the occupation (recent graduates may qualify if applying at a low‑wage level).
  • Work experience: at least 6 months in Ontario with the same employer, or 2 years of relevant experience in the past five years, or holding a valid occupational licence where applicable.
  • Education: no Ontario work‑experience minimum for applicants who meet the credential requirement; foreign credentials would require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for post‑secondary qualifications.
• TEER 4–5 track (lower‑skilled occupations):
  • Minimum of 9 months with the same employer in Ontario.
  • Basic language requirement expected.
  • Selection could prioritize occupations experiencing labour shortages.

Priority Healthcare Stream

This proposed stream targets regulated, high‑skilled healthcare professionals. Key points included:

• Applicants must hold valid professional registration in the relevant Ontario regulatory college.
• Recent graduates who are in the process of completing registration requirements may be eligible under specific circumstances.

Entrepreneur Stream

Designed for foreign nationals seeking to establish or acquire a business in Ontario, this proposed stream was intended to replace the formerly closed Entrepreneur category. The consultation suggested criteria to assess business plans, investment and job creation, though specific thresholds were not finalized.

Exceptional Talent Stream

Targeting individuals with outstanding achievements in academia, innovation, science, technology and the creative industries, this stream would evaluate candidates on demonstrated excellence such as:

• Published research, patents or innovations;
• National or international awards;
• Notable contributions to creative works or other recognized professional accomplishments.

Additional proposed flexibilities

The December 2025 consultation also outlined several flexible approaches intended to respond to employer and regional needs:

• A construction trades pathway where union endorsement could stand in for a conventional full‑time job offer.
• Invitation rounds targeted by region, occupation or other criteria to quickly address urgent employer needs in specific areas.

Current status and next steps

At the time of the revocation there were no confirmed launch dates or finalized eligibility criteria for any replacement streams. The province indicated it could implement new streams without completing all regulatory amendments first, which means announcements could come on relatively short notice. Applicants, employers and advisors should monitor official provincial communications for formal program updates.

Conclusion

Ontario revoked its existing provincial pathways to permanent residence on May 30, 2026. Proposed replacement streams described in a December 2025 consultation cover employer‑driven tracks, priority healthcare, entrepreneurs and exceptional talent, plus targeted flexibilities for trades and regional needs. None of these proposals are final; interested parties should follow official updates for confirmation of launch dates and detailed eligibility rules.