The Ontario government has announced regulatory changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), expanding the list of factors that may be considered when deciding to return an application without assessment.
This update builds upon the previous regulatory amendments introduced on July 2, 2024, and aims to allow the program to better align with Ontario’s current labour market and policy priorities.

With this change, the OINP can now take a wider range of factors into account when determining whether to process or return an application, ensuring that the program remains focused on the most relevant applicants based on Ontario’s evolving economic and social needs.

Under the updated regulation, OINP officers may consider one or more of the following factors when deciding whether to process or return an application:

1. The number of nominations allocated to Ontario by the federal government for the year
2. The number of applications currently under review
3. The comparison between the number of nominations issued and the annual target
4. Whether the federal government is currently accepting permanent residence applications from provincial nominees
5. Any systemic compliance or enforcement concerns
6. Federal or provincial policy priorities related to immigration
7. The unemployment rate in Ontario or specific regions within the province
8. Current and projected labour market demand in Ontario or specific regions
9. Housing availability and affordability in the province or region
10. Ontario’s capacity to maintain funding and access to healthcare and social services
11. Whether the applicant is currently authorized to work in Canada
12. Whether the applicant is currently employed in Ontario
13. Whether the applicant holds a valid job offer approved under OINP criteria
14. The applicant’s English or French language proficiency
15. The applicant’s employment and wage history
16. The applicant’s highest level of education
17. The applicant’s Canadian work or study experience

If an application is returned, the applicant or their authorized representative will be notified by the OINP, and the full application fee will be refunded.
However, applicants will need to reapply under a new intake if they wish to be considered again, taking into account the latest program conditions and priorities.

This regulatory change indicates that applications not closely aligned with Ontario’s current labour market needs or immigration priorities may no longer be processed, even if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.
In other words, the chance of having an application returned without assessment may increase, depending on factors such as program quotas, labour market demand, and policy direction.

Those considering permanent residence through the OINP are advised to carefully review:

• The timing of their application
• The nature of their job offer and occupation
• The labour demand in their intended region of employment

Staying informed about the latest program updates and labour market trends will be increasingly important.

At VISA JP Canada, we continuously monitor OINP and other PNP-related updates to help our clients make informed decisions about their immigration pathways.
If you are considering permanent residency in Ontario or seeking advice on obtaining a qualifying job offer, feel free to contact our office for professional guidance.
Reference:Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) — Government of Ontario Official Update