Latest Immigration News

On June 26, 2026, Ontario replaced all eight OINP streams with the single Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream. Within it sits a dedicated self-employed physician pathway requiring only CPSO registration in an eligible class and OHIP billing eligibility. Combined with streamlined CPSO licensing routes (CFPC certification, Practice Ready Ontario, and the Practice Eligibility Route) and the low-CRS federal Express Entry physician category, 2026 offers the strongest window yet for internationally trained doctors.

According to the 2026 Stokes Economics report commissioned by the Council of Ontario Universities, Ontario will require more than 1,004,864 new university-educated workers between 2026 and 2035. Strong demand is projected across STEM (212,000+), Business and Finance (195,000), Healthcare (149,000), and Education, Social Services and Law (163,000). Canada is becoming more selective and strategic, not less welcoming.

Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur Streams follow a two-stage model: first obtain a work permit to establish your business in Canada, then after successfully meeting performance obligations, receive a provincial nomination for permanent residence. Success requires strong source-of-funds documentation, a credible business plan, correct province selection, and realistic economic contribution.

All nine OINP categories were officially eliminated on May 30, 2026, through amendments to Ontario Regulation 421/17. The province is shifting to a new demand-driven model with expanded authority for targeted draws, mandatory employer verification, and possible Phase One and Phase Two redesigns. Applications submitted before May 30 will be assessed under previous rules.

CBC obtained internal IRCC emails revealing third-party appointment resellers in Dhaka charging $250 CAD per slot, pressure to pay $130+ for premium services, security screening gaps, and a malware attack affecting Russian operations. VFS has been paid over $725 million since 2012. The contracts expire October 2027.

The C-11 now requires 51% ownership, dual funding (business capital plus separate personal settlement funds for 18 months), and strict temporary intent. The old C-11 to CEC permanent residence pathway has been eliminated. Permits are capped at 18 months. Ontario entrepreneurs face additional challenges with the OINP Entrepreneur Stream remaining suspended.

IRCC confirmed the full regulatory overhaul will take 12–18 months, but CRS changes like the new High Wage Occupation factor can be fast-tracked via Ministerial Instructions. The factor awards points based on Job Bank NOC wage benchmarks — not individual salaries — across three tiers. Age points will not change, foreign-only experience remains viable, and trade points will likely be tiered.

The most important change is the transfer of decision-making authority from the federal government to the provinces and territories. A provincial nomination certificate is now considered conclusive evidence that the applicant meets economic establishment criteria and intends to reside in the province.

Bill C-12 introduces reforms aimed at strengthening border integrity, improving processing efficiency, enhancing program management, and modernizing the asylum system. The law gives authorities expanded powers to suspend or cancel visas and work permits, and emphasizes stricter compliance requirements.