OINP to Shut Down All Streams by May 2026: New EOI System Coming

Ontario is preparing one of the biggest shakeups in its immigration history. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has announced legal changes to the Ontario Immigration Act that will completely overhaul all existing immigration streams by May 30, 2026.

Nine major stream categories, including Foreign Worker, Master's Graduate, and Skilled Trades, are set to be revoked on that date. While the province has hinted at what new streams may replace them, no official confirmation has been made yet.

If you are currently planning to apply through the OINP, these changes could directly affect your eligibility and timeline. Here is everything you need to know.

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Which OINP Streams Are Being Closed on May 30, 2026?

Nine existing OINP stream categories will be officially revoked on May 30, 2026. These include:

• Foreign Worker category
• International Student with a Job Offer
• In-Demand Skills
• Master's Graduate
• Ph.D. Graduate
• Human Capital Priorities
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker
• Skilled Trades
• Entrepreneur

Applicants who currently qualify under any of these streams may no longer be eligible once the changes take effect. The province has not yet confirmed whether newly established categories will cover the same pool of candidates.

What Is the New EOI and Targeted Draw System?

Alongside the stream overhaul, Ontario is also expanding its draw system to include both general and targeted draws. Under the new setup, the OINP Director will have the authority to issue targeted invitations to apply based on specific labour market or human capital attributes.

Candidates will be ranked based on factors such as education level and field of study, English or French language proficiency, intention to settle outside the Greater Toronto Area, work experience, and Ontario's immediate regional labour market needs. General draws will continue to operate as they currently do, ranking candidates based on overall program scoring criteria.

What New Streams Could Replace the Existing Ones?

Based on stakeholder consultations held in December 2025, Ontario proposed replacing all existing streams in two phases. In the first phase, the three Employer Job Offer streams would be merged into a single stream with two pathways, one for higher-skilled TEER 0–3 occupations and one for TEER 4–5.

In the second phase, all remaining streams would be eliminated and replaced with three brand-new ones: a Priority Healthcare Stream, an Entrepreneur Stream, and an Exceptional Talent Stream. However, as of this writing, these proposed streams have not been officially confirmed.

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What Should OINP Applicants Do Right Now?

If you are currently in the OINP pool or planning to apply, now is the time to act. Review your eligibility under the existing streams before May 30, 2026. After that date, the current criteria will no longer apply.

Keep a close eye on official announcements from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for confirmation of new stream details. Consulting a licensed immigration professional to assess how the upcoming changes impact your specific profile is also strongly advisable.

OINP Changes Could Impact Your PR Path

The OINP overhaul marks a significant turning point for Ontario's immigration landscape. With nine major stream categories being revoked on May 30, 2026, and new targeted streams yet to be officially confirmed, thousands of prospective immigrants face uncertainty about their pathways to permanent residency.

The introduction of a more targeted EOI-based Ontario draw system signals Ontario's intent to align immigration more closely with its specific labour market and regional needs. While the proposed new streams, Healthcare, Entrepreneur, and Exceptional Talent, suggest a sharper focus, applicants should not wait for final confirmation.

Stay informed, review your options now, and consult an expert to ensure you are prepared for whatever the new OINP looks like after May 2026.

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Source: ontario.ca

Tags: Ontario Ontario PNP Ontario Immigration Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Ontario PNP draw Ontario PNP latest draw latest Ontario draw OINP draw OINP Express Entry Draw Canada Immigration News Ontario immigration new rules 2026 OINP new EOI system