If you are planning to move to Canada through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), you may have noticed that the number of invitations to apply (ITAs) has dropped significantly this year. In 2024, Ontario issued 14,760 invitations in just the first two months, but in 2025, only 4 invitations have been sent out so far.
This slowdown is happening because the Canadian government has reduced the number of immigrants each province can nominate this year. Many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada are making adjustments to this change.
In this article, we will cover:
- Which OINP streams are currently open and issuing invitations
- The eligibility criteria for these streams
- The reason why immigration to Ontario and other provinces has slowed down in 2025
Which OINP streams are open and issuing invitations?
Right now, only one stream has issued ITAs in 2025—the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream.
The first draw under this stream happened on January 4, 2025, where 4 ITAs were given to candidates applying through the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP). This program helps skilled refugees and displaced individuals find jobs in Canada.
However, Ontario is still accepting new applications for the following streams:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
- Master’s Graduate stream
- PhD Graduate stream
These streams require you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), which means you have to apply and wait for Ontario to select you.
Ontario Express Entry Streams
Ontario also has immigration streams that are linked to the Express Entry system. If you have an active Express Entry profile, you don’t need to apply separately. Ontario will check your profile and, if you qualify, send you a Notification of Interest (NOI). If you receive an NOI, you can then apply for nomination from Ontario.
If you are nominated, you will receive 600 extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), making it much easier to get an invitation for permanent residency from the federal government.
As of now, Ontario has not announced when it will start sending more invitations, but all streams remain open for applications.
Eligibility criteria for OINP streams
| Stream | Job offer required? | Express Entry-aligned? | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream | Yes | No | – Full-time, permanent job in a skilled occupation. – Salary must be at or above Ontario’s median wage for that job. – Work experience and necessary licensing (if required). |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student stream | Yes | No | – Full-time, permanent job in a skilled occupation. – Salary must be at or above Ontario’s median wage for that job. – Must have graduated from an eligible Ontario school within the last two years. |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream | Yes | No | – Full-time, permanent job in an eligible occupation. – Job must be in a qualifying location. – Salary must be at or above Ontario’s median wage. – At least 9 months of relevant work experience. |
| Master’s Graduate stream | No | No | – Must have a Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario school. – Must have lived in Ontario for at least 1 year in the last 2 years. – Language proficiency CLB 7 or higher. – Must apply within two years of graduation. – Show proof of settlement funds. |
| PhD Graduate stream | No | No | – Must have a PhD from an eligible Ontario school. – Must have lived in Ontario for at least 1 year in the last 2 years. – Language proficiency CLB 7 or higher. – Must apply within two years of graduation. – Show proof of settlement funds. |
| Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream | No | Yes | – Must have an active Express Entry profile. – Must qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). – Must have a Master’s or PhD. – Language proficiency CLB 7 or higher. – Show proof of settlement funds. |
| Express Entry Skilled Trades stream | No | Yes | – Must have an active Express Entry profile. – Must have at least 1 year of work experience in a skilled trade in Ontario. – Must be living in Ontario with a valid work permit. – Language proficiency CLB 5 or higher. – Show proof of settlement funds. |
| Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker | No | Yes | – Must have an active Express Entry profile. – Must qualify for CEC or FSWP. – Must have a university degree (or be a nurse). – French proficiency NCLC 7 or higher. – English proficiency CLB 6 or higher. – Show proof of settlement funds. |
Why has Ontario slowed down immigration in 2025?
In October 2024, the Canadian government reduced the number of new immigrants allowed through provincial immigration programs. This is because Canada is facing housing shortages and high living costs. As a result, PNP allocations were cut in half—from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025.
Since early 2025, Ontario and other provinces have been adjusting to these changes. Some provinces, like New Brunswick and Yukon, have also introduced restrictions or delayed applications.
However, there is a way for provinces to increase their immigration allocations. The government has offered to give provinces more immigration spots if they accept more humanitarian immigrants (such as refugees). For example, Newfoundland and Labrador regained 90% of their lost spots by agreeing to accept 290 humanitarian immigrants over two years.
Ontario has not yet announced any new changes, but they are negotiating with the federal government to secure more immigration spots. Stay updated by following Ask Kubeir for the latest updates on Canadian immigration!
For more information on OINP eligibility and how to apply, visit our website or contact our team at Ask Kubeir!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.