Ontario is preparing for a major overhaul of its immigration system. Starting in 2026, the province plans to launch new streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), including a special Talent Stream aimed at candidates who can bring significant economic, innovative, or cultural value to the province.
These changes are taking place against the backdrop of simultaneous tightening of controls on existing programs, closure of certain streams, and an increase in federal quotas for provincial programs (PNP).
What is the OINP Talent Stream
During the discussion of Bill 30 – Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, Ontario Immigration Minister David Piccini announced that the province is preparing a new Talent Stream under the OINP. According to him, the goal of this stream is to “recognize difference” and provide a path to nomination for those who make significant contributions to research, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and other fields that do not always fit into the standard categories of existing programs.
Detailed selection criteria have not yet been announced, but based on the minister's speeches and expert analyses, the following target groups can be identified for the new stream:
- researchers, scientists, and innovators;
- high-end culinary professionals (including chefs and restaurateurs);
- entrepreneurs and investors who create jobs in Ontario;
- artists, cultural figures, and other niche professionals with rare and in-demand skills.
Thus, the Talent Stream is intended to be a targeted tool for attracting people who have already proven their success and are able to quickly scale it up in Ontario — through investment, innovation, or cultural projects.
Why Ontario is changing its immigration strategy
Suspension of the Skilled Trades Stream
One of the reasons for the policy review was the sudden decision to suspend the Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream. On November 14, 2025, the OINP announced that a program audit had revealed systemic compliance issues and widespread misrepresentation of information, particularly regarding selection criteria.
As a result:
- acceptance of new applications for the Skilled Trades Stream has been suspended;
- all existing applications are being returned to applicants;
- fees paid must be refunded.
This decision effectively closed one of the popular pathways to provincial nomination for skilled trades professionals. At the same time, it freed up part of the nomination quota, which Ontario will be able to reallocate to new, more targeted streams, such as the Talent Stream.
Bill 30: More Power to Ontario
Bill 30 – Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, which has already received royal assent, gives the Ontario government much greater flexibility in managing migration flows. In particular, amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015:
- allow the minister to create new OINP streams, change or close them without lengthy legislative procedures;
- strengthen anti-fraud tools, including the ability to require in-person interviews;
- allow for faster return or rejection of applications if there are doubts about their compliance with requirements or market needs.
This means that new programs can be launched and adjusted much faster than before, including based on the experience with the Skilled Trades Stream.
PNP in 2026: why there will be more opportunities
The Canadian federal government has also announced a significant increase in targets for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Under the new immigration levels plan, 91,500 new permanent residents are expected to be admitted through the PNP in 2026, compared to a target of only 55,000 for 2025 — an increase of approximately 66%.
Although the exact quota for Ontario for 2026 has not yet been announced, the higher national limit creates space for the province to:
- launch new streams (such as the Talent Stream);
- reallocate nominations between existing programs;
- Target more precisely those groups of candidates that best meet the economic and demographic needs of the region.
Who might be interested in Ontario's new streams
Based on the information available today, Ontario's future programs will primarily be of interest to the following categories of applicants:
Researchers and innovators
- Scientists with proven results;
- Specialists in R&D, AI, biotechnology, green technology, etc.
High-level culinary professionals
- Chefs and restaurateurs with international experience;
- Owners of signature restaurants, gastronomic projects, and culinary brands.
Entrepreneurs and investors
- business founders planning to open or scale a company in Ontario;
- investors willing to invest significant funds and create jobs in the province.
Niche specialists and cultural figures
- artists, producers, managers of cultural and creative industries;
- other rare professions that have a measurable impact on Ontario's economy or image on the international stage.
What to do if you are planning to apply for PR through Ontario
Since the rules for the new streams, including the Talent Stream, have not yet been officially approved, the most important thing right now is to prepare strategically.
Follow official updates
- Ontario government website (OINP section);
- Federal announcements regarding the PNP and immigration level plans.
Strengthen your profile
- Collect evidence of your achievements: awards, publications, patents, portfolios, successful business cases.
- Prepare business plans or investment projects if you are an entrepreneur.
- Confirm your education and professional experience, improve your English/French language skills.
Evaluate alternative paths
While Talent Stream is still in preparation, other OINP streams (Human Capital, Masters Graduate, Employer Job Offer, etc.) remain available, as well as federal Express Entry programs.
Plan ahead
The new rules may require a high level of documentary evidence of the candidate's impact, both economic and cultural. It is worth structuring all supporting materials, contracts, recommendations, etc. in advance.
Conclusion
Ontario is entering a new phase of immigration policy: on the one hand, stricter control and the fight against fraud, and on the other, ambitious plans to attract global talent and investment. The new OINP Talent Stream and other future streams may be a real opportunity for those with unique skills and proven achievements.
So far, these are only the outlines of the future system, but it is already clear that those who can convincingly demonstrate how their experience and projects will benefit Ontario — in science, business, cuisine, culture, or innovation — will be eligible to apply for the new programs. Source https://newscanadaimmigration.com/uk/2025/12/02/new-oinp-immigration-streams-will-appear-in-2026/