2026 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Updates

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Effective June 26, 2026, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development implemented significant changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), closing all eight existing streams and introducing a new single stream: the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

 Here’s what we know so far:

 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign – Phase 1

The new Ontario Workforce Priority stream is now in effect with updated language, education, and work experience criteria across all job categories. In addition to streamlining the categories into a single stream, there have also been several changes to the minimum requirements and criteria under the new framework.

All Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted under the previous program that have not received an invitation will be automatically withdrawn. At this time, no details have been released regarding the new points grid or selection criteria.

A new EOI system is expected to open later this summer. Once the system reopens:

  • Employers will be required to submit new job offers; and
  • Applicants will need to submit new EOIs under the updated framework

This new stream is the first phase of a two-phase program restructuring that aims to:

  • streamline pathways to permanent residence for individuals with arranged employment in Ontario;
  • help employers retain talent in unique, hard-to-fill roles;
  • introduce new program requirements with heightened language and education requirements which will enhance the caliber of nominees supported by the province, and in turn strengthen program integrity;
  • improve access for employers in rural and northern communities by creating more flexible business revenue thresholds.

The Ontario Workforce Priority stream will have pathways for individuals with job offers in all National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEERS), and for self-employed physicians.

In addition, amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 introduce changes to how notices of contravention are issued. These updates form part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen program integrity through enhanced compliance, inspections, and enforcement.

Candidates who have already registered an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Submitted an Application

New EOIs can no longer be submitted and no further invitations will be issued under the former program streams. Any EOI or job offer which has been registered under the former streams that have not resulted in an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks. Those affected will receive a notice directly.

Those eligible may register a new EOI under the new stream once the EOI system reopens. Previously registered employers will not need to re-register in the portal when the system reopens, but they will need to submit a new job offer and a new application for an approval of an employment position to initiate a new EOI for the applicant under the new program stream.

Applications which have been submitted following an invitation under a former stream will be assessed against the eligibility requirements that were in effect when the application was submitted.

Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Overview

TEER 0-3 Pathway

The TEER 0-3 pathway targets skilled internationally trained workers in all TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations with a full-time and permanent job offer in Ontario.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

  • Work experience: applicants must demonstrate one of the following:
    • 6 months consecutive in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer
    • For recent Ontario graduates, 3 months consecutive in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer
    • 2 years cumulative in the last 5 years in the NOC occupation
    • Licensed applicants are exempt from this requirement
  • Language requirement: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 (CLB 5 for certain occupations)
  • Minimum Education: post-secondary degree or diploma

Under the previous Foreign Worker Stream, there were no minimum education or language requirements. Education was not a factor and language scores only contributed to EOI competitiveness. Under the new framework, minimum education and language thresholds are now mandatory.

Experience requirements have also been relaxed under the TEER 0-3 Pathway, requiring 6 months of experience in the last 12 months in the same job offer position with the job offer employer, or 3 months for recent Ontario graduates.  Under the Foreign Worker Stream, a minimum of 2 years of cumulative paid work experience in the same NOC within the last 5 years was required.

Self-Employed Physicians

Self-employed physicians may qualify for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream without a job offer, but they must demonstrate all the following requirements:

  • Be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
  • Hold a valid certificate of registration in an eligible class: independent, academic or provisional
  • Be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

TEER 4-5 Pathway

This pathway is open to workers in all TEER 4-5 occupations with a full-time and permanent job offer in Ontario.

Minimum eligibility requirements:

  • Work experience: 9 months’ cumulative experience in the last 2 years in the job offer position with the job offer employer
  • Language: CLB 4
  • Minimum education: Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent

Under the previous In-Demand Skills stream, there were restrictions on eligible occupations within and outside of the GTA. Under the new pathway, there are no restrictions on TEER 4-5 occupations as long as the minimum requirements are met.

For all pathways, lower gross annual revenue requirements will apply to employers located in rural communities (communities located in a census division with a population of less than 150 000). Employers outside the Greater Toronto Area and all major metropolitan cities are also now required to show a gross annual revenue of $250 000 rather than $500 000.

Program Integrity Changes

The OINP has reduced the response time from 60 days to 30 days for individuals who have been issued a Notice of Intent to Issue an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) or Ban order. Regulatory amendments also allow notices of contravention to be sent by email, mail, or in person, and to deem them delivered rather than requiring proof of receipt.

These changes align the response time and approach for AMP and Ban notices with those of other OINP processes, such as Notices of Intent to Refuse and Notices of Intent to Cancel a Nomination and enable faster compliance actions.

Key Takeaways

  • All previous OINP streams have been closed and replaced with a single stream (Ontario Workforce Priority Stream)
  • The new system is not yet open – no new EOIs can currently be submitted
  • All existing EOIs under the previous system will be withdrawn
  • Employers and applicants must reapply under the new framework
  • Applications already submitted following an invitation under a former stream will continue to be assessed based on the eligibility criteria in effect at the time of submission

We understand that navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, criteria, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence is challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; farag@cilf.ca.

 

Summer Immigration Watch: Significant Changes for Workers, Citizens & Travellers.

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As we enter the main the  height of summer, the news regarding immigration and citizenship continues. Here are some key developments.

Targeted C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit Guidance for Physiotherapists and Surgeons

Officers who process C10 significant benefit work permits have a great deal of discretion to decide on whether or not to issue a work permit. They must be convinced that there is an urgent need for one to work in Canada and that the person’s work will bring significant economic, social, and/or cultural benefits to Canada and to Canadians.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) has released a new Operational Bulletin regarding the processing of C10 significant benefit work permit applications for physiotherapists. While the National Occupational Classification (“NOC”) code for physiotherapists, NOC 31202, indicates that physiotherapists are generally required to hold a master’s degree and to have completed a period of supervised practical training to be eligible to work in Canada, IRCC is indicating that officers should not consider these to be strict requirements. Since the Canadian provinces have identified a shortage of physiotherapists, IRCC is now indicating that an officer should evaluate whether an applicant can perform the work of a physiotherapist in Canada according to the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulations (“CAPR”) framework, namely that the applicant:

  • Completed physiotherapy education in a CAPR approved jurisdiction;
  • Is eligible for assessment under CAPR’s Pre Approved Credentialling Pathway; and
  • Otherwise meets all applicable requirements under R205(a), including that the employment will result in significant social or economic benefit to Canada.

Similarly, the NOC code for specialists in surgery, NOC 31101, generally expects people in this occupation to hold a certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (“RCPSC”). However, given the shortage of surgeons in Canada and lengthy certification process, several provinces have implemented alternative licensure pathways that allow specialists who have completed medical education and training in approved jurisdictions to obtain licensure without RCPSC certification. Their credentials must be assessed as substantially equivalent to Canadian standards by a provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons. In light of the direction of the provinces, IRCC has released a new Operational Bulletin which indicates that an officer assessing a C10 work permit application by a specialist in surgery should be satisfied that the applicant:

  • Has completed medical education and specialty training in a jurisdiction recognized by the relevant provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons;
  • Is eligible for licensure through an alternative provincial pathway that does not require RCPSC certification;
  • Has provided sufficient documentation to demonstrate that their education and training have been assessed by the province as substantially equivalent to Canadian standards; and
  • Otherwise meets all applicable requirements under R205(a), including that the employment will result in significant social or economic benefit to Canada.

Temporary Measures Exempting T13 Provincial Nominee Work Permit and A75 Bridging Open Work Permit Applicants from Requiring an Acknowledgment of Receipt Letter

Applicants who have applied in Canada for permanent residence (“PR”) under the Provincial Nominee Program (“PNP”) are often not issued an Acknowledgment of Receipt (“AOR”) letter until a few months after they submit their applications due to IRCC staffing cuts leading to current completeness checks taking a significant amount of time.

Usually, bridging open work permit (“BOWP”) applications require a AOR to be submitted. For T13 provincial nominee work permit applications, the province or territory’s nomination certificate and work permit support letter, which is usually required for the application, may expire before the AOR is issued. To mitigate the impact of the AOR letter delays, IRCC has released a new operational bulletin allowing officers to temporarily accept evidence of PNP PR application submission other than an AOR including:

  • A copy of the email confirming submission of the PR application through the online portal, together with proof of payment of applicable PR fees; or
  • Confirmation in IRCC systems that an application for PR has been received and remains pending, including prospective applications visible in GCMS.

Revocation of Some Citizenship Certificates of “Lost Canadians”

Earlier in June, IRCC issued letters asking for the return of citizenship certificates of people who had already been granted citizenship certificates due to the change in Canadian citizenship laws allowing a descendant of a Canadian born outside of Canada to hold citizenship. The reason often cited was that documentation was not submitted with the proof of citizenship application. It was noted that opportunities would be granted for applicants to provide additional evidence as proof of their right to Canadian citizenship.

However, a week after, the government then issued letters to some who received the initial cancellation letter that their citizenship was valid once again. This confusion has led to anxiety for those who believed they were Canadian citizens with the rights granted to all citizens. We will continue to monitor these developments.

So far, the Minister of IRCC’s office has said approximately 4,100 people have been granted citizenship under the amendment to Canada’s citizenship laws.

Some Indonesian and Malaysian Nationals Eligible for an eTA

Similar to other countries such as Mexico and Brazil, Canada is now allowing Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (“TRV”) in the past 10 years or who currently hold a valid non-immigrant visa for the United States to apply for an eTA instead of having to apply for a new TRV. An eTA application is a less arduous process than a TRV application and a decision is typically rendered in a few minutes. The fee for an eTA is also $7 while the fee for a TRV is $100. eTAs can be applied for here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/final-instructions-apply-eta.html.

We understand that navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, criteria, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence is challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; farag@cilf.ca.

Summer Has Arrived, Yet the Immigration Changes Have Not Gone On Vacation

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Despite the arrival of warm weather and the prospect of summer vacation around the corner, there is no time to rest. The changes keep rolling out. We are pleased to summarize some key developments.

PGWP Language Test Upload Slot Added to the Portal

Since November 2024 there has been significant confusion with respect to the new requirement to include proof of language assessment with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application. Specifically, where and how to upload the language test results in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) application portal. This resulted in many students having their PGWP refused and having to seek reconsideration and/or restoration of status. IRCC have now introduced a dedicated upload slot. Applicants must select the slot “Proof of Language Proficiency” so that they can upload their language test results. Previously, applicants had to upload this in one of the other slots such as the “Client Information” slot. Many applicants did not know about the new requirement or didn’t know how to utilize the other slot or just forgot to include it because there wasn’t a dedicated port.

Graduates of a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, or any program from a university must achieve CLB 7 for English or NCLC 7 for French in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, writing. Graduates of a college, polytechnic, or non-university program must achieve CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four language abilities.

Temporary Travel Measures in Response to the Ebola Outbreak in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

The government announced that beginning May 27, 2026, it has suspended immigration documents for people residing in countries that have a high or very high risk of outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus for 90 days, or until August 25, 2026. As of June 1, 2026, these countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda, and South Sudan. This means that those with a valid temporary resident visa (TRV), electronic travel authorization (eTA), or permanent resident visa who reside in these countries will not be allowed to travel to Canada during this period. It is unclear if those already issued a permanent resident visa and now unable to proceed to Canada to be landed, will need to ask IRCC to extend the validity and submit new medical examinations for this purpose.

On May 30, 2026, until August 29, 2026, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, persons registered under the Indian Act, and foreign nationals who have been in these areas within the previous 21 days and do not show symptoms of the Ebola disease will have to quarantine for 21 days upon entering Canada.

As the Ebola Bundibugyo virus continues to spread in the eastern DRC, this announcement comes a few weeks before hundreds of thousands of international visitors will visit Canada as Vancouver and Toronto are set to host games of the FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is to be hosted in cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Express Entry Reforms Consultations

IRCC is seeking consultations as it contemplates updating program requirements for the Express Entry and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points used to invite Economic Class candidates for permanent residence. IRCC has proposed simplifying Express Entry by merging the three Express Entry classes, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), into one program.

It has proposed that the minimum requirements for this program are to have:

• A minimum education of high school or equivalent;
• Take a language test and achieve at least CLB 6 for English or NCLC 6 for French; and
• Skilled work experience of a minimum of 1 year in the past 3 years in TEER 0-3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), which equates to managerial occupations (TEER 0) to those usually requiring university (TEER 1) or college education (TEER 2-3).

IRCC has also proposed adding a high-wage occupation factor for CRS points in which occupations where the median wage throughout Canada is higher than the median wage of all Canadians would provide further points. This factor would be dependent on an applicant’s work experience in the occupation with a higher median wage rather than the applicant’s wage being high.

OINP Changes to Come

As of May 30, 2026, the Ontario government’s amendments to the Ontario Immigration Act to allow it to more easily make changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) have come into force. Actual changes to the OINP have not yet been finalized but the Ontario government has announced that it is redesigning the OINP. We will continue monitoring this to see what this entails once concrete details are announced.

We understand that navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, criteria, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence is challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

Accelerated PR for 33,000 Workers – Not A New PR Program

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After much hype and speculation about the government’s PR pathway for 33,000 workers, including a report in the Toronto Star on March 6, 2026 in which the Minister of IRCC, Lena Diab, announced the “soft launch” of this pathway, the government has now officially released details. There is currently no official program that is separate from existing ones, but rather, IRCC has, since January 2026, been targeting PR applicants in rural and remote communities by accelerating the processing of PR applications for eligible workers who have applied under existing programs. These include the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the community immigration pilots, the caregiver pilots, and the AgriFood Pilot. They have also accelerated the processing of PR applications of those who have been living in smaller communities for 2 years or more. IRCC has announced that it plans to transition 20,000 of these workers to PR status in 2026 and the remaining 13,000 in 2027. No separate PR program has been announced.

We know that many individuals and businesses will be disappointed with today’s announcement as they had hoped there would be a new pathway to PR that would reward those with a solid track record of legally working and contributing to the community they live in.

We understand that navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, criteria, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence is challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

March 2026 Madness – Updates

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In March, we saw a string of developments affecting applicants and employers. We have summarized some of the key developments below.

Express Entry Canadian Experience Class Senior Manager Draw

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for senior managers on March 5, 2026 with a cut-off score of 429. This score is significantly lower than the cut-off scores of regular CEC draws, with the latest CEC draw on March 17th having a cut-off of 507. Those with at least one year of Canadian work experience in a senior managerial NOC code beginning with “000” may be eligible. This continued measure could provide relief to senior managers and executives who are comparatively older and may not receive many, if any, points due to their age.

Increase in the Low-Wage Temporary Foreign Worker Cap  Rural Regions – 10% to 15%

As a result of requests from the provinces and territories, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is now allowing employers in rural regions, where labour shortages are often felt more acutely than in urban areas, to employ low-wage temporary foreign workers (TFWs) as up to 15% of their workforce. ESDC is also allowing the current numbers of low-wage TFWs at these rural employers to be retained. The government has announced that this temporary public policy is to be implemented shortly, as early as April 1, 2026, and will remain in place until March 31, 2027.

This policy will not affect current sector-specific exemptions such as the 20% low-wage TFW cap on employers in health care, construction, and food processing. Seasonal sectors such as fish and seafood processing and tourism will continue to be exempt from the TFW program cap exemption for seasonal positions.

Reminder of PGWP Language Requirement

We would like to remind recently-graduated or soon-to-graduate international students that to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), they must submit language test results showing that they meet language requirements of CLB 7 for English or NCLC 7 for French on all four language abilities if they graduated with a bachelor’s master’s or doctoral degree. If they graduated from a college program or non-university program that does not result in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, they must achieve CLB 5 or NCLC 5 on all four abilities.

An upload slot for language is not available in the IRCC portal when applying for work permits. Therefore, applicants should use an alternative slot such as the “Client Information” slot. Failure to provide language test results with the application is very likely to result in a refusal. Applicants negatively impacted by this should engage counsel to seek reconsideration.

Changes to How the Income Calculation for Parent & Grandparent Super Visas

As of March 31, 2026, those applying for super visas for their parents or grandparents can now meet the income requirement, listed here, in two alternative ways if they cannot show that their base income is enough:

  • Extending the income assessment period: Hosts and their co-signer (if applicable) may meet or exceed the income requirement in either one of the two taxation years preceding the time of application. Previously, IRCC assessed only the year before.
  • Allowing the income of the visiting parent or grandparent to be added: If the hosts and their co-signer (if applicable) meet the required minimum percentage of income, the income of the visiting parents and grandparents can be added to cover the remaining amount.

New Québec Work Permit Category for PR Applicants

IRCC has implemented a temporary public policy allowing the issuance of work permits to PR applicants in Québec. This public policy will allow applicants to continue working for their current employer for up to 12 additional months while the provincial government reviews their eligibility to apply for a Certificat de selection du Québec (CSQ). Eligible applicants must be working in Québec and seeking to extend their work permit with the same employer, have an offer of employment for a position in Québec, and provide confirmation that they have both been invited to apply under the Programme de selection des travailleurs qualifies du Québec (PTSQ) and have submitted a Demande de Sélection Permanente (DSP).

Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence Pathway

As reported by the Toronto Star on March 6, 2026, the Minister of IRCC, Lena Diab, said that the program to transition 33,000 foreign workers to permanent residence had been “soft launched”. However, the government has not yet provided details on who is eligible and there is no official word from IRCC that this program has in fact been launched. The government had previously announced that it would target workers with established roots in their communities, who are paying taxes, and who are helping to build Canada’s economy, which could be the targeting of specific priority economic sectors. Once there is an official announcement and details are provided by IRCC, we will provide an update, in the meantime applicants should be wary of unscrupulous persons suggesting that a program exists already and taking money to prepare an application for a program that is not officially launched.

New OINP Streams to be Launched

The government of Ontario has announced that it will launch new Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams and that it is redesigning the OINP. The provincial government is passing regulatory changes to allow the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development to do so. Last year, we saw changes to the OINP submission process, and these further updates to streams and the redesign of the system may result in even more changes. We will update as we learn more.

Eligibility for Iranian Foreign Workers in Canada to Extend their Work Permits

Due to the expansion of military hostilities in the Middle East between the United States and Israel and Iran, the Canadian government has extended to March 31, 2027, temporary measures allowing Iranian nationals to extend their work permits. Iranian nationals are eligible under this temporary policy if they are in Canada with a valid work permit when they apply for the extension and when a decision is made on the application, the work permit was issued no later than February 28, 2025, they haven’t already been issued a work permit under this policy. They must still meet general admissibility requirements regarding security, health, not being criminally inadmissible, having enough money to cover expenses, and showing that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Temporary Halt on Removals to Lebanon, Israel, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar

The expansion of hostilities in the Middle East has resulted in the Canadian government adding Lebanon, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar to the list of countries where an Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) is in place. Individuals who have an enforceable removal order will not be removed to countries in which an ADR is currently in force. An ADR is meant to be a temporary measure to immediately respond to situations of humanitarian crisis. Locations where an ADR is in place include: certain regions of Somalia, (Middle Shabelle, Afgoye, and Mogadishu), the Gaza Strip, Ukraine, Syria, Mali, the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Venezuela, Haiti, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar.

Additionally, Temporary Suspensions of Removal (TSRs), in which removals will not be carried out to a country where there is a general risk to the entire population, such as armed conflict or an environmental disaster, is in place for Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Iraq.

Navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, criteria, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence is challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

 

Express Entry Relief for Senior Managers, Researchers, and Others

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On February 18, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed what had initially been announced in the Federal Budget last November, that it will conduct new targeted draws in multiple categories in 2026.  IRCC has now stated that it will conduct targeted draws for senior managers; researchers; transport occupations including pilots, aircraft mechanics, and inspectors; and highly skilled foreign military applicants recruited by the Canadian Armed Forces such as military doctors, nurses, and pilots.

 

Many will recall that in March 2025, IRCC removed the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for applicants with job offers. While this affected the vast majority of Express Entry candidates who were already in Canada and working, it rendered many individuals in their 40s or older who received few or no points under the age category entirely uncompetitive. These candidates had previously been relying on their job offer points to be competitive, but these points were now removed. Yesterday’s announcement that IRCC will conduct targeted draws for senior managers may finally provide some relief to older individuals with experience working in Canada in senior managerial roles National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 00012, 00013, 00014, and 00015. In theory, these individuals in triple zero NOC occupations that have profiles in the Express Entry pool will now be targeted, and instead of competing with the general body of all candidates in the Express Entry pool, will compete against a smaller pool and presumably a lower CRS cutoff.

 

Since the government is still committed to a reduced number of permanent residents from historically high levels in 2022-2024, we expect that those in senior managerial roles will have their job duties carefully scrutinized to ensure that they match the lead statement and a substantial number of main duties of the senior managerial NOC codes for which they claim eligibility and points. In a recent decision, Merijohn v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2025 FC 1003, the Federal Court ruled that an officer’s decision was reasonable to deny an applicant’s permanent residence application as the applicant had not shown sufficient evidence of supervising middle managers as required by the lead statement of the senior managerial NOC code they selected. We believe that this decision may have significant ramifications for senior mangers in small businesses with fewer employees that do not have large organizational structures which incorporate middle managers. This also highlights the limitations of the NOC system in which those under senior managerial NOC codes, even if heavily invested in running a small business at a high level may find that IRCC disagree with their classification in these senior manager NOCs. Given this, it is prudent for Express Entry candidates who have selected senior managerial NOC codes to ensure that they can demonstrate with facts and documents how they meet the lead statement and main duties under the applicable NOC.

 

Navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, criteria, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence is challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about Express Entry or any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

 

Start of 2026 – Developments and Announcements in Canadian Immigration

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Starting off 2026, there have been a multitude of developments and announcements.

Physicians Who Are Self-Employed in Ontario – Expanded Eligibility Under the OINP

Ontario has expanded the eligibility criteria for self-employed physicians under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream. Due to the nature of their work in which they often work with multiple health organizations, physicians are often self-employed. As per the OINP, physicians under National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 31100 (Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine), 31101 (Specialists in surgery) and 31102 (General practitioners and family physicians) who are members in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and hold a provisional certificate of registration, are now eligible to apply as self-employed to the OINP for a certificate of nomination as long as they have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing number.

Additionally, the postgraduate license has been removed from the list of eligible licenses since postgraduate license-holders are unable to meet the requirement of having an OHIP billing number. Instead of the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream, recently graduated license-holders may be eligible under the OINP’s Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream if they have a job offer with an Ontario employer.

More Regions Now Eligible for Low-Wage LMIAs

The unemployment rate has dropped below 6% for multiple regions in Canada. In the context of Labour Market Impact Assessments (“LMIAs”), low-wage LMIAs can now be applied for in these regions. These include Halifax, NS; Moncton, NB; Saint John, NB; Fredericton, NB; Montréal, QC; Kingston, ON; Winnipeg, MB; and Vancouver, BC. A full list of the unemployment rates by region can be viewed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/refusal.html.

United States Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance Expansion Moving Ahead

Pre-clearance with United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Canada prior to travelling to the United States is available at multiple airports and one seaport of entry. This process allows travellers to clear customs and immigration for the US before travelling. CBP has confirmed that expanding pre-clearance is part of its border security strategy and it will move ahead with this despite the US Ambassador to Canada casting doubt on this due to the decreased travel of Canadians to the US. One of the expanded pre-clearance facilities will be Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. The current pre-clearance locations in Canada are listed here: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/brdr-strtgs/prclrnc/index-en.aspx?wbdisable=true.

Driver’s Licenses Could be Impacted by Long Work Permit Extension Processing Times

Applicants who have applied prior to the expiry of their existing immigration status can benefit from maintained status and continue to remain in Canada and work or study under the conditions of their expired work or study permit until a decision is made on their pending application. However, these individuals often run into issues in renewing their provincial or territorial healthcare coverage. Experiences differ from province/territory to province/territory, and from officer to officer.

Ontario and some other provinces are now considering amending the requirements for a driver’s license requiring proof of an applicant’s valid immigration document. Consequently, we predict this could lead to issues, especially for those on maintained temporary resident status who need to drive to get to work or who drive for work. We will follow developments on this and provide updates.

Francophone Immigration Targets Exceeded

As the federal government continues its initiative to expand the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside of Québec to 12% by 2029, it has announced that in 2025, French-speakers accounted for 8.9% of new permanent residents outside of Québec.

It has further announced that 5,000 permanent resident spaces will be allocated to the provinces and territories for their nominee programs to designate French-speaking immigrants. The goal is to reduce the shortage of Francophone and bilingual workers in order to strengthen the dynamic of French as an official language of Canada.

CRS Scores for Express Entry Draws Slowly Dropping

 As the number of temporary residents, comprising students, workers, and those staying long-term under visitor status, in Canada is reduced in line with the government’s goal of less than 5% temporary residents as a proportion of the total population by the end of 2027, the lowest draw for the Canadian Experience Class since September 2024 occurred on January 21, 2026. The Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) cutoff was 509. On January 7, 2026, a draw also occurred with a cutoff CRS score of 511. We expect to see the CRS cutoffs come down slowly as fewer temporary residents are admitted to Canada.

Changes to Interim Federal Health Program Coverage for Refugee and Protected Person Claimants

IRCC has announced that co-payments will be introduced for supplemental health products and services as well as prescription medications for eligible refugee and protected person claimants covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

What counts as supplemental services can be viewed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/coverage-summary.html.

Beginning May 1, 2026, IFHGP beneficiaries will be responsible for the following co-payments:

  • $4 for each eligible prescription medication filled or refilled under the IFHP
  • 30% of the cost of all other eligible supplemental health products and services, including dental care, vision care, counselling and assistive devices.

Beneficiaries covered by the IFHP will be asked to pay these amounts directly to their health care providers when they receive IFHP-eligible supplemental products or services. Basic health care benefits, including doctor visits and hospital care, will remain fully covered under the IFHP, with no co-payments required.

We understand that navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence can be challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

 

 

2025 End of Year Announcements – End of Multiple Programs, Focus on Doctors

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To wrap up 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) has announced the end or the continued pause of some programs in line with the government’s targeted reduction in the number of new permanent residents. It has also announced a new Express Entry category to help alleviate the shortage of physicians in Canada and bolster the healthcare sector.

5,000 Express Entry Permanent Residence Spaces for Doctors

To help alleviate Canada’s shortage of health care professionals and in this case, physicians, the government has announced that it will launch an Express Entry category which will target doctors and that in 2026, 5,000 spaces will be allocated for these doctors so that they can apply for permanent residence (“PR”). International doctors who have at least one (1) year of Canadian work experience in an eligible occupation in the last three (3) years will be eligible for this stream. Further, doctors who are invited to apply under this stream and who submit work permit applications to stay in status while their PR applications are being processed will also receive expedited 14-day processing of their work permit applications.

Start-Up Visa Program Closing

IRCC has announced that beginning December 31, 2025, it will no longer accept new Start-Up Visa (“SUV”) Program applications for permanent residence except for those who already have a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but haven’t applied yet. Further, as of December 19, 2025, the optional work permit available to SUV Program applicants is no longer available except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit. This cancellation of the SUV Program follows other measures to reduce the number of PRs as part of the government’s reduction in overall PR numbers.

Continued Pause of the Self-Employed Persons Program

The government has also announced that it will continue the pause of the Self-Employed Persons PR Program which was targeted at those with experience in cultural activities or in athletics/sports. Currently, there is no planned date for this program to begin accepting applications again.

Continued Pause of the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot

The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot programs for PR have been paused since Juny 17, 2024. IRCC has announced that in line with its Immigration Levels Plan, it will not be re-opening these pilot programs and accepting new applications in 2026.

International Experience Canada Working Holiday Open Work Permit Program for 2026 Now Open

IRCC has opened the intake for the 2026 International Experience Canada (“IEC”) Working Holiday program for young people aged between 18 and 35 to apply for open work permits. Candidates must be a citizen of an eligible country or have an invitation from a Recognized Organization. Those interested should create their profile to get themselves in the pool for potential selection by IRCC as soon as possible to maximize their chances of being selected. They can do so on this webpage: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec/become-candidate.html.

Large Express Entry Draws Ending the Year

To close the year, IRCC has conducted Express Entry draws which are some of the largest conducted all year. It continues to focus on those with French language proficiency, those with Canadian work experience, and those who have been nominated under a Provincial or Territorial Nominee Program. The cut-off Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”) score for the Canadian Experience Class draw on December 16th was 515 and on December 10th, it was 520. These represent some of the lowest scores we’ve seen all year. However, many still do not have the requisite points to be selected since the government removed the points for a Canadian job offer earlier this year.

The government continues its focus on increasing the use of the French language through French proficiency draws. On December 17th, 6,000 people were invited to apply for PR with a CRS cut-off of 399 points and on October 29th, 6,000 people were also invited to apply for PR with a CRS cut-off of 416 points.

On December 8th, a Provincial/Territorial Nominee Program draw was conducted with a cut-off score of 731 (600 points are allocated for a provincial or territorial nomination) and with 1,123 people invited to apply for PR. On December 15th, another draw was conducted with a cut-off score of 731 and 399 candidates invited to apply for PR.

Navigating constantly changing Canadian immigration programs, processes, and understanding one’s best options for permanent or temporary residence can be challenging. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of Canadian immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

Late November 2025 Developments: Suspension of the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream – New Study Permit Extension Eligibility Model – New US H1-B Visa Holder Stream – New Francophone Immigration Projects

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OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Cancelled

Citing systemic representation and fraud relating to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP’s) Express Entry (EE) Skilled Trades Stream, the OINP has suspended receiving all EE Skilled Trades Stream applications and has returned all outstanding EE Skilled Trades Stream applications which were under processing. This has led to protests from applicants who have insisted that they have followed all rules and procedures, and demanded that the OINP demonstrate that their applications actually contained misrepresentation or fraud. If the evidence in applicants’ applications was not considered, the blanket cancellation may be challenged in Court on the grounds of violating procedural fairness. However, the Ontario government provided a different reason during question period on November 24, 2025, citing the federal government’s cut of the province’s allocation of provincial nominees by half for 2025. As the drama continues, we will continue to keep an eye on the OINP EE Skilled Trades Stream and other OINP updates.

New Study Permit Extension Eligibility AI Model

The federal government is seeking to reduce the size of the public service and expedite the processing of applications by using advanced analytics tools such as machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence (AI). The government is developing a tool for in-Canada study permit extension applications which is to use a mix of rules developed by IRCC officers and rules generated by machine learning from previous IRCC decisions. The tool is to make recommendations for positive decisions on routine applications, and forward non-routine applications to officers to be processed manually. It will provide case annotations, notes, and summaries for officers. Human IRCC officers are to make the final decisions on whether to approve or refuse applications.

New H-1B Visa Holder Stream To Be Announced

Although no specifics have been provided yet, the federal government announced in its 2025 Budget that it will launch an accelerated pathway for United States H1-B visa holders. In 2023, there was a stream that is now closed for 10,000 H1-B visa holders to apply for an open work permit for up to 3 years. It remains to be seen if the new pathway will be based on this stream.

New Francophone Immigration Projects from the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration

In continuing its focus on increasing the number of Francophone immigrants outside of Québec, the government has announced $3.6 million to support further efforts by introducing 4 new projects. These are:

  • Attracting International Talent in Eastern Ontario project to meet the labour needs of rural communities in Eastern Ontario, where many communities and residents are French-speaking, in which 80 candidates will be selected.
  • Strengthening the Capacity of Nurses Trained Outside Canada Pilot Project which will target Moroccan professionals trained outside of Canada to leverage their nursing education that is comparable to that of New Brunswick. The project will aim to assist in the recognition of their professional qualifications and help them gain permanent residence.
  • Supporting and Integrating International Students at Université Sainte-Anne project to support 45 international students studying at the Pointe-de-l’Église and Halifax campuses in joining local events, mentoring, volunteering, interning, and working part-time.
  • Community of Practice on International Students in minority Francophone Postsecondary Institutions project by the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne to improve collaboration between Francophone universities and colleges outside of Québec and help international students transition to permanent residency.

A full list of the projects funded by the Centre for Innovation in Francophone Immigration can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/cifi.html.

Recent Express Entry Draws

Recent Express Entry draws for PR have continued to have high score cut-offs. The most recent one for the Canadian Experience Class occurred on November 26th with a cut-off of 531 points. Targeted draws with lower scores continue to occur for healthcare and social services occupations and French language proficiency. The most recent French language draw of November 28 saw a cut-off of 408 and invitations to 6,000 profiles.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Exemptions for FIFA Employees

As the FIFA World Cup, to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, draws closer, the government has announced that employees of FIFA will be exempt from work permits so that they can perform their duties in Canada.

Given that policies and programs are constantly changing, navigating Canadian immigration processes can be confusing. If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about any aspect of immigration, you can reach out to us for assistance. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.

Changes to the Citizenship Act Allowing Second Generation (and Subsequent Generation) Canadian Citizenship by Descent

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The government has now enacted into law Bill C-3 which amends Canada’s Citizenship Act to allow children of Canadians who were born outside of Canada to themselves transmit their Canadian citizenship to their children who are also born outside of Canada.

We previously wrote about the first generation born abroad citizenship rule and the case of Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada, 2023 ONSC 7152 (CanLII) in January 2024. In April 2009, the Citizenship Act was amended to impose a cut-off for transmitting Canadian citizenship to only one generation born abroad. This meant that those born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent were Canadian citizens, but they could not, in turn, pass on their citizenship to their children if their children were also born outside of Canada. This “second-generation born abroad rule” meant that if you were born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent who had been born outside of Canada, you were not a Canadian citizen. That changed in December 2023.

As a result of a challenge at the Ontario Superior Court, the second-generation born abroad rule was deemed unconstitutional in the case Bjorkquist et al. v. Attorney General of Canada, 2023 ONSC 7152 (CanLII). The Court said that the rule discriminated on the prohibited grounds of national origin and sex. The rule particularly affected Canadian women who were born outside of Canada and were living abroad, as they could not pass their citizenship onto their children. It forced pregnant women living outside of Canada who were the “first-generation born abroad”, to make the difficult decision of choosing between their own health, job, and finances by giving birth outside Canada, or ensuring their child would be a citizen by returning to Canada weeks, or even months in advance of their due date, to give birth. Consequently, this rule was deemed to violate another constitutional right of citizens: the right to enter, remain in, and leave Canada. The provision was then struck down and the government was ordered by the Court to amend the rule in line with its decision within 6 months.

Due to delays caused by the proroguing of Parliament in January 2025 for a federal general election to take place, the previous Bill C-71, which would have amended the law in line with the Court’s decision, was never passed. The new government introduced Bill C-3 (An Act to amend the Citizenship Act, 2005), on June 5, 2025, and it was passed on November 20, 2025, and will be proclaimed in force in the near future. Those who were born before the amendment comes into force (this date is currently pending but will be communicated publicly by the government) can claim Canadian citizenship if they can trace descent to at least one Canadian-born ancestor, such as a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent).

Citizens born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent can transmit their citizenship to their own children who are born outside of Canada after the law comes into force (this date is currently pending but will be communicated publicly by the government), as long as they have spent at least 3 years (1,095 days) in Canada prior to their child’s birth or adoption. This is known as the substantial connection to Canada test.

The Canadian citizenship of those who lost their citizenship due to changes to the Citizenship Act over the past two decades, known as “Lost Canadians”, will have their citizenship restored. The Canadian citizenship of their descendants will also be restored. Individuals born abroad to Canadian parents who are in the second generation or subsequent generations born abroad will have their citizenship restored.

If you, an employee, or your employer have any questions about Canada’s citizenship laws or whether you may be a citizen, you can reach out to us for a consultation. Our Canadian immigration legal professionals can be reached by phone (416-368-1111) or via email: caruso@cilf.ca; bonisteel@cilf.ca; ali@cilf.ca; mukherjee@cilf.ca; garciafialdini@cilf.ca; traister@cilf.ca.