There are only a few days left to provide feedback on the new immigration policy proposed by Ontario.

The province of Ontario has just announced a major proposal to redesign the entire system of immigration streams under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This is the public consultation phase before the government officially amends the regulations.

Ontario seeks public input because, according to the Ontario Regulatory Registry, any proposed amendments to laws or regulations that affect individuals, businesses, or organizations must:

• Public disclosure,
• Allow everyone to submit feedback.
• And it was only finalized after considering the feedback.

This is a requirement under the Legislation Act and Ontario's policy transparency regulations.

🌐 Why is this proposal important?

The OINP is Ontario's largest and most important economic immigration pathway. These changes not only adjust application requirements but also restructure the entire stream to:

• Simplify the system for applicants and employers.
• Focus strongly on the actual labor needs of the province.
• Creating new pathways for healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent.
• Increase the province's flexibility in selecting candidates based on occupation, region, and level of labor shortage.

This is one of the biggest reorganizations of OINP in many years.

🏛 Key highlights of the proposal

Phase 1: Restructuring the Employer Job Offer

Ontario proposes merging the three current streams into a single stream, with two branches based on NOC/TEER sectors:

TEER 0-3

• Emphasis on highly skilled labor
• Preference will be given to candidates currently working in Ontario.
• Expand salary eligibility criteria for graduates in the province.

TEER 4-5

• Focus on sectors experiencing labor shortages.
• A minimum of 9 months of experience with the employer is required.
• Proposed pathway specifically for the construction industry (experience can be verified by a union instead of a job offer).

Phase 2: Launching 3 completely new streams

1. Healthcare Priority Stream
   - Eligible practitioners do not need a job offer.
   - It may be possible to open doors for graduates awaiting licensing.
2. Entrepreneur Stream
   - Support immigrants who are operating or acquiring businesses in Ontario.
   - Emphasize job creation and economic contribution.
3. Exceptional Talent Stream
   - For talented individuals in academia, science, innovation, technology, and creativity.
   - Evaluation is based on outstanding achievements, awards, research, groundbreaking innovations, etc.

These are the streams that can create turning points in skilled worker and economic immigration.

📝 Why should you submit your feedback now?

The public consultation phase is a unique opportunity to:

• workers
• The employer
• Businesses
• Professional organizations
• And the immigrant community

It directly impacted Ontario's immigration policy before it became law.

All submitted comments are reviewed by the government in accordance with the regulations of the Ontario Regulatory Registry.

📅 Deadline for comments: January 1, 2026

📬 How do I submit feedback?

You can submit directly via: Comment box on Ontario Regulatory Registry

Note: Do not send personal or confidential information as per the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer?

Register now for the seminar with Lawyer Phan Thanh (online or offline in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) on December 10th and 16th (Vietnam time) HERE.

Immigration Event Calendar and Live Stream