Ontario Widens PNP Rules on Suspending and Returning Applications

Ontario has changed the rules for its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), giving officials more reasons to return or suspend applications before issuing a nomination. These new measures took effect on October 31 and expanded the total number of factors from six to eighteen.

The province introduced the first set of similar rules on July 2. The latest changes add 13 new criteria and remove one of the previous six. These updates allow the province to better align its immigration decisions with labour needs, social services capacity, and housing availability.

New Rules and Key Considerations
The OINP can now assess applications using broader factors such as the applicant’s work authorization, education level, language skills, and wage history. Officials can also consider how the applicant fits within Ontario’s current economic and social conditions.

The new policy categories include four main areas: policy, labour market, infrastructure, and applicant factors.

Policy Factors
The province will now consider any policy priorities from both the federal and provincial governments when reviewing applications. This ensures coordination between Ontario and Canada’s overall immigration goals.

Labour Market Factors
Ontario can now look at unemployment rates and current or future job market needs—either province-wide or in specific regions. This change helps the province focus on attracting workers who fill real gaps in the workforce.

Infrastructure and Social Services Factors
Housing costs and the availability of health and social services will now influence decisions. Ontario says it must ensure new residents can access essential services without overwhelming local systems.

Applicant Factors
Several personal factors now matter more in application assessments. These include:

• Authorization to work in Canada
  
• Current employment in Ontario
  
• Approved job offer from a local employer
  
• English or French proficiency
  
• Employment and wage history
  
• Highest level of education
  
• Canadian work or study experience
  

Background of the OINP
The OINP lets Ontario nominate foreign workers for permanent residency. After receiving a nomination, the applicant can apply to the federal government for permanent residence. Traditionally, once an application met eligibility rules, it moved smoothly to nomination.

But starting earlier this year, Ontario began allowing its PNP office to suspend or return applications under special circumstances.

Connection to Federal Allocations
Ontario’s recent changes stem partly from a reduction in its federal nomination quota at the start of 2025. The province’s allocation was cut in half, forcing a more selective approach.

In response, Ontario paused all draws until June 3 and revamped its Employer Job Offer streams. A new employer portal now requires employers to start the process by submitting job details before a candidate can register an Expression of Interest.

Other provinces, such as British Columbia, have made similar adjustments due to reduced nomination limits. BC even created a waitlist for some applicants earlier this year.

With these expanded OINP rules, Ontario aims to balance economic needs, housing, and service capacity while keeping immigration efficient and fair.