Ontario has overhauled the regulatory framework governing its Immigrant Nominee Program, introducing changes that took effect June 3, 2026. The province announced the update through a regulatory amendment that restructures how the OINP operates, though the announcement did not specify which streams or eligibility criteria were modified.

This marks the first comprehensive regulatory revision to the OINP since the program's last major policy update. Ontario's nominee program allows the province to select economic immigrants who meet specific labour market needs, nominating them for permanent residence through Express Entry-aligned and base streams. The program has historically been one of Canada's largest Provincial Nominee Programs, issuing thousands of nominations annually to skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

The regulatory overhaul affects the legal framework underpinning the OINP rather than day-to-day operational procedures like draw frequencies or Expressions of Interest scoring. Regulatory amendments typically address program definitions, ministerial authorities, application processing rules, and compliance requirements — the structural elements that govern how streams function rather than who qualifies for them. Without details on the specific sections amended, applicants should expect potential changes to how applications are reviewed, what documentation standards apply, or how the province exercises discretion in nomination decisions.

The announcement was reported by ImmigCanada, though the full text of the regulatory amendment has not yet been published on Ontario's regulatory registry.