The Ontario government has unveiled a major two-phase plan to redesign the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and reshape how the province selects candidates for permanent residence. Phase one proposes consolidating the three existing Employer Job Offer streams into a single integrated framework with two pathways based on occupation level. Phase two would eliminate all remaining existing streams and replace them with three new ones: a Priority Healthcare Stream, an Entrepreneur Stream, and an Exceptional Talent Stream. The government is currently consulting stakeholders and has not yet clarified how in-progress applications will be handled once the reforms take effect.

On November 28, 2025, Nova Scotia announced a major shift in its immigration intake system, confirming that all submissions under the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) will now be processed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) model. Under the new rules, all submissions—regardless of submission date—are considered EOIs, and having a case ID or meeting eligibility criteria no longer guarantees file processing. The province will conduct periodic draws based on current labor market and economic priorities, with priority sectors such as healthcare, construction, trades, STEM, natural resources, and manufacturing. The shift aligns with broader trends driven by reduced provincial nomination allocations from IRCC. With increased immigration targets set for 2026, applicants may soon see improved chances of receiving selections.

Ontario is preparing to introduce new permanent residence pathways under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), targeting newcomers in fields such as research, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. Immigration Minister David Piccini announced on November 25 that the province intends to launch a new “talent stream” to recognize excellence in these sectors. With Bill 30 (the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025) receiving Royal Assent on November 27, the suspension of the Skilled Trades Stream, and expected increases in provincial nomination allocations for 2026, Ontario is restructuring its immigration program to support more targeted and flexible selection mechanisms.

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) recently conducted its largest immigration draw of the year, issuing invitations to apply for provincial nomination to nearly 200 candidates through the "Labour & Express Entry" category. This draw primarily targeted candidates already working in the province, while giving priority consideration to applicants with French language proficiency and international graduates from specific institutions. This move reflects the province's strategic intent to attract skilled talent capable of directly contributing to the local economy.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream effective November 14, 2025, following a major program review that identified systemic misrepresentation and potential fraud. As part of the suspension, all in-progress applications will be returned with full refunds. The province states that the program’s current structure must be redesigned to ensure limited nomination spots benefit genuine candidates addressing Ontario’s skilled trades shortages. Affected applicants may submit a new Expression of Interest under another OINP stream if eligible.

On October 27, 2025, the Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) conducted an unannounced draw, issuing 159 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. The selection specifically targeted international graduates from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College, and Collège de l’Île who are currently living and working in the province. The move breaks from PEI’s regular draw schedule, signaling the province’s intention to accelerate its intake of skilled talent with local education and employment experience.

On October 17, 2025, Prince Edward Island (PEI) conducted its second-largest immigration draw of the year under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP), issuing 160 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. The draw primarily targeted skilled workers already employed in the province in priority occupations, as well as international graduates from designated educational institutions. As of October 26, 2025, PEI has issued a total of 1,081 ITAs through its PNP this year.

The Ontario government has announced plans to expand its “As of Right” labor mobility framework effective January 1, 2026, adding 16 regulated healthcare professions such as dentists, psychologists, dietitians, and midwives. This change will allow certified professionals from other Canadian provinces to obtain Ontario work authorization within as little as 10 days, compared to the current process, which can take up to six months. At the same time, physicians and nurses will be able to receive certification in as few as two business days. The move aims to address Ontario’s ongoing healthcare labor shortages while improving mobility for both Canadian and internationally trained professionals seeking to build long-term careers in the province.

Between October 6 and 9, 2025, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NB PNP) held three consecutive draws, issuing invitations to apply to over 500 candidates. The draws were conducted through two main categories: the New Brunswick Express Entry stream for individuals employed in the province, and the Skilled Worker stream for those working in priority occupations. The provincial government also reminded applicants that not all applications submitted in response to these draws will be processed by the end of 2025.

On October 9, 2025, the Province of Ontario issued a total of 1,680 invitations through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), targeting skilled workers and international graduates. The latest draws spanned multiple Employer Job Offer streams, focusing on candidates in healthcare, early childhood education, and occupations that contribute to small community growth under the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative. This series of draws reflects Ontario’s continued effort to strengthen its workforce in essential sectors and attract skilled talent to smaller regional communities across the province.