Ontario Receives 14,119 PNP Nominations for 2026, Up 31 Percent from 2025
Date Posted:February 12, 2026
Last Updated:February 12, 2026
The Government of Ontario has announced its nomination allocation for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) for 2026. The province has been granted 14,119 nomination spaces by the federal government, representing a significant increase compared to the previous year.
31% Increase Compared to 2025
Ontario’s 2026 allocation of 14,119 nominations marks an increase of approximately 31% from the 10,750 spaces allocated in 2025. This growth reflects a broader expansion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) across Canada.
Nationwide, total PNP allocations have risen substantially, from 55,000 spots in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026.
However, despite this increase, Ontario’s 2026 allocation still represents only about 67% of its 2024 level, when the province was allocated 21,500 nominations.
PNP Nomination Allocations Comparison
| Year | Allocation | Change (YoY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 21,500 | – | – |
| 2025 | 10,750 | 50% Decrease | Significant reduction |
| 2026 | 14,119 | 31% Increase | 67% of 2024 levels |
Background: Canada Total PNP Targets
| Item | 2025 | 2026 | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total National PNP Slots | 55,000 | 91,500 | Approx. 66% |
What This Means for International Students and IEC Participants
The increased allocation is positive news for international students, IEC (e.g. Working Holiday) participants, and others seeking permanent residence (PR) through Ontario. The PNP remains one of the key pathways to Canadian permanent residence, and a larger allocation may result in more opportunities for selection.
That said, it is important to note that this figure represents the maximum number of nominations Ontario is allowed to issue, not a guarantee of approval for applicants. Competition is expected to remain strong, particularly in popular streams and high-demand categories.
Ontario Has Not Yet Released Stream or Occupation Breakdown
At this time, Ontario has not released details on how the 2026 allocation will be distributed across individual OINP streams, nor has it announced priority occupations or sectors. Further information is expected to be released by the provincial government in stages throughout the year.
What to Expect from Ontario’s 2026 PNP Strategy
Following recent adjustments to Canada’s overall immigration strategy, provincial nominee allocations have been increased, allowing Ontario to issue more nominations than in 2025. Since last year saw a significant reduction in PNP allocations nationwide, the 2026 figures suggest a partial recovery.
As Canada’s most populous province with a large and diverse economy, Ontario is expected to continue prioritizing skilled workers and talent in specific in-demand occupations. Prospective applicants are encouraged to closely monitor upcoming announcements regarding priority streams and eligibility criteria and to prepare early.
This article is a summary prepared by Shiraishi Visa JP Canada based on the official announcement from the Government of Ontario, organized for clarity and ease of understanding.
Source: 2026 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program updates (English)
Reviewed by
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in the USA, worked for six years as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency in New York, involved in the planning and development of travel products. Concurrently attended the MBA program at the City University of New York. Returned to Japan and worked as a manager at the visa centre of the same travel company, primarily handling foreign nationality clients and managing various visa applications from around the world. Immigrated to Canada in 2005 as a skilled worker. Completed the Immigration Consultant Program at the University of British Columbia and obtained the qualification of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Specializes in consulting for permanent residence and short-term visas (work, study, temporary stay, etc.) in Canada. Adheres to the motto, 'Every person has the potential to obtain Canadian permanent residence,' and is skilled in proposing the best permanent residence scenarios for individual clients, based on a wide range of visa information. A regular member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, as well as the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Active as a supervisor of visa-related information and a seminar lecturer in various media and the Japanese community in Canada. As a president of Kiyukai (Vancouver Japanese Business Association), she supports Japanese entrepreneurs in BC, those who want to start their own business, and all those who work in BC. She is also a president of Visa JP Canada and Jinzai Canada.
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