Maple News reports that Ontario has revoked nearly all provincial pathways to permanent residence under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The legislative changes took effect on May 30, 2026, and there are currently no published replacements.
The province has yet to release specifics on what will replace the current streams, though it outlined replacement proposals more than six months ago.
In a December 2025 stakeholder consultation, the OINP laid out four replacement pathways (with proposed eligibility criteria). The consultation closed on January 1, 2026.
As of now, Ontario has not confirmed which streams will come into force, what the eligibility criteria will be, or when any changes will take effect. The province states that all applications received under the closed streams will be assessed under the eligibility requirements in place at the time of application.
Proposed replacement streams (as outlined in the December 2025 consultation) would consolidate intake into five nomination pathways in total:
– Employer Job Offer stream — TEER 0-3;
– Employer Job Offer stream — TEER 4-5;
– Priority Healthcare;
– Entrepreneur;
– Exceptional Talent.
The plan would merge the three existing employer streams into a single program with two tracks for high- and low-skilled candidates.
Impact and next steps: the changes could reshape how employers recruit internationally and how new graduates and startups navigate permanent residency. A phased rollout remains possible, with timing and detailed criteria to be announced. Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as Ontario clarifies its timeline.