Ontario’s OINP Reaches 2025 Nomination Allocation

Ontario has officially reached its full 2025 nomination allocation under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), marking a significant development for immigration candidates seeking permanent residence through Canada’s most popular provincial nominee program.

According to Ontario’s latest update, the province has now issued all 10,750 nominations allocated for 2025, following a major reduction in provincial nominee allocations by the federal government. This represents a 50% decrease compared to Ontario’s 21,500 nominations in 2024.

Despite reaching the cap, Ontario confirmed that the OINP will continue to accept and process applications, with approved candidates receiving nominations under the 2026 allocation instead.

Why Ontario’s 2025 Nomination Allocation Was Reduced

Ontario’s reduced nomination quota is part of a broader federal immigration adjustment announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In response to capacity concerns and national immigration planning objectives, IRCC significantly lowered Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets for 2025.

OINP Nomination Allocation Comparison

Year	Nomination Allocation	Change
2024	21,500	—
2025	10,750	−50%

This sharp reduction intensified competition across all OINP streams and contributed to faster exhaustion of Ontario’s annual quota.

What Happens to OINP Applications After the Cap Is Reached?

Ontario clarified several critical points for applicants:

Key Impacts on Candidates

• Applications are still being accepted across eligible OINP streams
• No more nominations will be issued in 2025
• Approved applicants will receive nominations under the 2026 allocation
• Processing delays are expected, especially for non-priority occupations
• OINP may pause or slow certain streams to manage inventory

It is important to note that OINP invitations or Expressions of Interest (EOIs) do not guarantee immediate nomination. Provinces often issue more invitations than nominations to account for withdrawals and refusals.

Recent OINP Policy Changes That Affect Applicants

In 2025, Ontario introduced several administrative and program-level changes that further affect nomination outcomes:

Expanded Authority to Return Applications

OINP now has broader discretion to return applications without processing if:

• Annual nomination limits are reached
• Labour market priorities shift
• Program integrity concerns arise

Stream Suspensions

Ontario has temporarily suspended certain immigration streams, including the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, impacting candidates who relied on provincial nomination to boost CRS scores.

Shift Toward Priority Sectors

Ontario continues to prioritize candidates in:

• Healthcare
• Skilled trades
• Technology
• Early childhood education

Applicants outside these sectors may face longer wait times or fewer invitations.

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

For Express Entry applicants, the OINP nomination cap is particularly significant. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

With Ontario’s 2025 nominations fully used:

• Express Entry candidates must wait for 2026 nominations
• CRS-dependent applicants may need to explore alternative PNPs
• Federal draws may become more competitive without Ontario nominations in play

Outlook for 2026: What Applicants Should Expect

Ontario has indicated that new pathways and program restructuring may be introduced once 2026 allocations are confirmed. Potential changes include:

• New targeted occupation streams
• Revised eligibility criteria
• Greater focus on employer-driven immigration

While exact 2026 nomination numbers have not yet been announced, stakeholders expect some recovery in provincial allocations as Canada adjusts long-term immigration targets.

Final Thoughts

Ontario reaching its 2025 OINP nomination allocation highlights the growing pressure on Canada’s provincial immigration pathways. While applications remain open, candidates should prepare for longer timelines, increased competition, and shifting priorities.

Applicants are strongly advised to:

• Maintain valid temporary status
• Monitor OINP program updates closely

Consider alternative provincial nominee programs