Ontario PNP Reduces Visa Allocation for Immigration

By Visa Jobs CanadaJune 29, 2025PNP & Provincial Immigrationallocation cuts, immigration, Ontario PNP, visa sponsorship, work permits

For those looking to make Canada their home through the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP), it’s important to know that there are fewer spots available this year. The OINP recently announced that its nomination allocation for 2025 has been reduced to 10,750, a significant decrease from the 21,500 nominations issued in 2024. This can impact international job seekers aiming for permanent residency.

Updates on the OINP

The good news is that the OINP will still focus on selecting skilled immigrants who can help address Ontario’s pressing labour shortages. However, due to the reduced allocation, processing times for applications may take longer than usual. While all program streams are currently open, it’s crucial for applicants to be aware of the new constraints affecting the application process.

Current OINP Draw Information

As of now, the OINP has conducted just one draw in 2025. This draw occurred on January 15 and targeted a specific group of foreign nationals connected to the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. It invited only four candidates, highlighting the competitive nature of the nomination process this year.

Why These Changes Matter

The reduction in provincial nomination spots reflects a broader trend across Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), initiated by the federal government. In 2024, a new Immigration Levels Plan was unveiled, cutting overall immigration levels by about 20%, while PNP allocations were halved. The target for 2025 stands at 55,000, down from 110,000 in 2024.

Despite these cuts, some provinces have successfully negotiated to maintain or even increase their allocations. For instance, Newfoundland and Labrador managed to revert to its previous allocation by agreeing to take in more humanitarian immigrants in exchange. This illustrates the variability within the PNP landscape and suggests that different provinces may have unique opportunities.

How to Navigate the Job Market

If you’re an international job seeker considering moving to Canada, knowing about visa sponsorship options is essential. Many employers offer Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA), which demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the local job market. This process is one pathway to obtaining a work permit needed to support your permanent residency application.

Other pathways include exploring the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which allow provinces to nominate candidates who meet their local economic needs, or using the Express Entry system, which manages applications for permanent residency. Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in this system can also help you gauge your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.