If you’re looking to immigrate to Ontario through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in 2025, you may have noticed a sharp decline in Invitations to Apply (ITAs). So far, only four invitations have been issued in 2025, compared to 14,760 invitations in the first two months of 2024.
The slowdown in Ontario PNP draws is part of a larger trend affecting many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) across Canada. Due to recent changes in immigration policies, provincial immigration allocations have been reduced by half in 2025.
Ontario PNP Streams: What’s Open Right Now?
At present, only one OINP stream has issued ITAs in 2025—the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream. This stream conducted a draw on January 4, 2025, issuing four ITAs through the Economic Mobility Pathways Project (EMPP). This federal initiative helps skilled refugees and displaced individuals gain employment and immigrate to Canada.
Despite the pause in most draws, candidates can still submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for several Ontario PNP streams. Here’s a breakdown of active streams:
OINP Streams Accepting EOIs
- 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 candidates to submit an EOI directly to the province.
Ontario Express Entry-Aligned Streams
Ontario also has Express Entry-linked streams, where candidates cannot apply directly. Instead, the OINP selects candidates from the Express Entry pool and issues Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to those who qualify.
Active Ontario Express Entry Streams:
- Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
- Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
- Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
If you receive an NOI from the OINP, you can apply for provincial nomination, which gives you 600 additional CRS points—greatly improving your chances of getting an ITA in an Express Entry draw.
Eligibility Criteria for Ontario PNP Streams
Job Offer-Based Streams
| Stream | Job Offer Required? | Express Entry Aligned? | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | Yes | No | Full-time, permanent job in a skilled occupation, median wage requirement, work experience, licensing (if applicable). |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | Yes | No | Full-time, permanent job in a skilled occupation, recent graduate from an eligible Ontario institution, must apply within two years of graduation. |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | Yes | No | Full-time, permanent job in an eligible in-demand occupation, 9 months of work experience. |
Graduate Streams
| Stream | Job Offer Required? | Express Entry Aligned? | Key Eligibility Criteria |
| Master’s Graduate | No | No | Master’s degree from an eligible Ontario institution, CLB 7+, must apply within two years of graduation, settlement funds. |
| PhD Graduate | No | No | PhD from an eligible Ontario institution, CLB 7+, must apply within two years of graduation, settlement funds. |
Express Entry-Aligned Streams
| Stream | Job Offer Required? | Express Entry Aligned? | Key Eligibility Criteria |
| Human Capital Priorities | No | Yes | Express Entry profile, eligible for CEC or FSWP, Master’s/PhD degree, CLB 7+, settlement funds. |
| Skilled Trades | No | Yes | Express Entry profile, 1 year of work experience in a skilled trade in Ontario, CLB 5+, valid work authorization. |
| French-Speaking Skilled Worker | No | Yes | Express Entry profile, eligible for CEC or FSWP, university degree or nursing diploma, NCLC 7+ in French, CLB 6+ in English. |
All OINP applicants must demonstrate an intent to live in Ontario and maintain valid temporary status in Canada (if applying from within the country).
Why Has Ontario PNP Slowed Down?
In October 2024, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) reduced provincial immigration allocations by 50%, cutting overall PNP landings from 110,000 in 2024 to just 55,000 in 2025.
This policy shift is a response to growing concerns over housing shortages and affordability in Canada. As a result, many PNPs have paused or reduced their nomination draws, forcing provinces to adjust their immigration strategies.
Other provinces affected include:
- New Brunswick – Introduced stricter eligibility rules.
- Yukon – Delayed its first 2025 intake.
- Newfoundland & Labrador – Recovered 90% of lost allocations by accepting 290 humanitarian immigrants.
Will Ontario Resume PNP Draws in 2025?
As of now, the OINP has not announced when regular draws will resume. However, all OINP streams remain open, and eligible candidates should continue submitting EOIs to maximize their chances of selection when invitations restart.
To increase your chances of getting an Ontario PNP nomination, ensure you:
- Maintain an active Express Entry profile.
- Improve your CRS score by enhancing language skills, education, or work experience.
- Explore job offers from Ontario employers to qualify for employer-driven streams.
For personalized guidance on your Ontario PNP application, consult an immigration expert.
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