Ontario Receives Increased Provincial Nomination Allocation for 2026
On This Page You Will Find
- Ontario’s 2026 nomination allocation
- How the 2026 level compares with 2024 and 2025
- What the increase means for immigration applicants
- Why processing times may still be longer
- How Ontario uses its provincial nominations
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has received a higher nomination allocation for 2026, giving the province more room to select skilled immigrants for permanent residence.
Ontario’s 2026 allocation stands at 14,119 nominations, up from the reduced levels seen in 2025. The increase signals a partial rebound after a year of tighter federal limits on provincial immigration programs.
A Recovery After a Sharp 2025 Cut
In 2025, the federal government reduced overall Provincial Nominee Program admissions by 50 percent. As a result, Ontario’s nomination capacity dropped significantly compared to previous years.
Ontario issued 10,750 nominations in 2025, after reaching its annual cap in December. That was a steep fall from 21,500 nominations in 2024, when provincial programs were operating at much higher levels.
The new 2026 allocation of 14,119 does not return Ontario to its 2024 peak, but it does represent a meaningful increase over 2025 and gives the province greater flexibility to address labour shortages.
What the Increase Means for Applicants
More nominations generally mean more opportunities for candidates across Ontario’s immigration streams, including those linked to Express Entry and employer-driven categories.
However, demand remains high. Ontario continues to prioritise candidates who can help fill the province’s most critical labour gaps. Applicants should still expect strong competition, especially in popular streams tied to technology, healthcare and skilled trades.
Processing times may remain longer than in previous high-allocation years. Backlogs built up in 2025 as fewer nominations were available, and those files now move forward under the 2026 quota.
Applications Carry Forward Into 2026
Ontario confirmed that both new applications and those already submitted continue to be considered under the 2026 allocation.
This approach provides continuity for candidates who applied during the tighter 2025 cycle. It also means that some of the 2026 nomination spaces will go to existing applicants, not just new ones entering the system this year.
Ontario’s Role in Canada’s Immigration System
Provincial nominee programs allow provinces to select immigrants who meet specific regional economic needs. Ontario uses its allocation to attract workers in high-demand occupations and to support employers struggling to find local talent.
With 14,119 nominations available in 2026, Ontario remains one of the largest users of the provincial nominee system in Canada, even at levels below its 2024 high.
FAQ
How many provincial nominations did Ontario receive for 2026?
Ontario received 14,119 nominations under its 2026 allocation. This is a significant increase compared to 2025, when lower federal targets limited the number of nominations the province could issue. The higher allocation gives Ontario more flexibility to select skilled immigrants in key sectors.
How does the 2026 allocation compare with previous years?
The 2026 level is higher than 2025, when Ontario issued 10,750 nominations, but still below the 21,500 nominations issued in 2024. This shows a partial recovery after the federal government reduced overall provincial nominee admissions in 2025.
Will the increase make it easier to get nominated by Ontario?
The higher allocation creates more opportunities, but competition remains strong. Ontario continues to focus on candidates who meet urgent labour market needs. Popular streams, especially those linked to in-demand occupations, are still expected to be highly competitive.
What happens to applications submitted in 2025?
Applications already in the system continue to be processed under the 2026 allocation. This means some of the new nomination spaces will go to candidates who applied earlier, which may limit how many new applicants receive nominations in early 2026.
Will processing times improve in 2026?
Processing times may improve gradually, but delays from 2025 could continue into 2026. Fewer nominations last year created pressure on the system. While the higher allocation helps, officers must still work through existing files alongside new applications.
