Canada, Ontario Implements Regulatory Changes to OINP Categories

Key Point  

• Ontario has revoked major sections of Ontario Regulation 421/17, removing the regulatory definitions of all existing OINP streams as part of the province’s planned program redesign. 

Ontario Moves Forward With OINP Redesign by Revoking Existing Stream Framework 

Ontario overhauled the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) by revoking core sections of O. Reg. 421/17, the regulation that legally defined and governed the program’s nomination streams. These changes took effect May 30, 2026, and form part of the province’s previously announced plan to modernize its economic immigration system. 

The amendments do not immediately close pathways, but they dismantle the regulatory structure that supported the current OINP streams, clearing the way for a redesigned program. 

Ontario Revoked the Legal Definitions of All OINP Streams 

Effective May 30, 2026, Ontario revoked Section 2 of the regulation, which listed every OINP stream. This includes: 

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker 
• Employer Job Offer: International Student 
• Employer Job Offer: In‑Demand Skills 
• Master’s Graduate 
• PhD Graduate 
• Human Capital Priorities 
• French‑Speaking Skilled Worker 
• Skilled Trades 
• Entrepreneur 

Revoking this section removes the legal basis for these categories within the regulation.

Entrepreneur Stream Rules Were Removed

Ontario also revoked Section 3, which contained the nomination rules for the Entrepreneur stream. This eliminates the regulatory framework that governed the assessment of Entrepreneur applications.

Expression of Interest (EOI) and Express Entry Rules Were Dismantled

Several subsections of 3.1 and 3.2 were revoked or amended. These include:   

• EOI scoring 
• Selection and ranking rules 
• Express Entry–linked pathways 

Looking Ahead  

By removing the legal definitions and operational rules for all existing streams, Ontario has cleared the regulatory foundation for a new nomination model. 

Current Applicants  

Future Applicants  

Once Ontario announces its redesigned program, individuals will need to reassess eligibility under the new stream structure.

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