Maple News reports that the Ontario government is introducing legislative changes aimed at increasing enforcement and administrative agility within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), through its proposed Bill 30 – Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025. These updates are designed to protect the integrity of the program while allowing Ontario to better align its immigration policies with evolving workforce demands.
A significant aspect of the proposed amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 is the expansion of inspection powers. Immigration officers would gain the authority to require in-person, private interviews with program users. This measure is intended to enhance the province’s ability to detect and prevent misuse of the OINP by applicants, employers, or third-party representatives.
In addition to stronger oversight, the bill proposes transferring certain regulation-making powers from the Lieutenant Governor in Council to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. This would enable the Minister to introduce or amend regulations governing the OINP without full cabinet approval, speeding up Ontario’s response to changing economic needs and immigration priorities.
Importantly, the core structure of the OINP remains unchanged. Nomination streams, application processes, and eligibility criteria will continue as they are. The focus of Bill 30 is on enhancing how the program is enforced and managed behind the scenes, not altering its functionality for applicants.
Bill 30 is part of a broader legislative initiative that includes reforms in employment standards, workplace safety, and urban planning. For the immigration system, the bill underscores Ontario’s objective to facilitate fair, transparent, and responsive pathways for newcomers, while protecting the interests of both workers and the province’s economic future.
However, the 2025 nomination allocation under the OINP is set to shrink significantly, as Ontario’s share of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) admissions has been cut by 50%. As a result, applicants may face longer processing times and stiffer competition for provincial nominations. This decision stems from a federal recalibration of immigration targets across provinces.
Despite the reduced quota, Ontario remains committed to selecting candidates who address persistent labour shortages in high-demand sectors such as health care, skilled trades, technology, and construction. The province will continue to prioritize individuals who align with its economic needs.
Prospective immigrants and employers are advised to stay informed via official channels, as Ontario navigates this transition. The province intends to maximize the impact of its reduced nominations by targeting occupations and sectors most in need of skilled talent.
The proposed legislative changes will come into effect upon receiving Royal Assent, although the implementation of some measures may be phased in by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.