Provincial Nominee Program Update — September 24, 2026
Thursday, September 24, 2026
As of March 30, 2026, provinces and territories now solely assess two key factors — ability to become economically established and intent to reside — removing IRCC's role in evaluating these criteria; a valid nomination certificate now serves as sufficient proof.
Ontario opened its new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream expression of interest (EOI) portal on August 4, 2026, accepting candidates with job offers in all NOC TEER categories as well as self-employed physicians.
Nova Scotia announced a one-time expansion of its 2026 selection priorities, targeting candidates already living and working in the province with a work permit expiry date in 2026 or earlier who submitted an EOI on or before June 30, 2026.
What You Should Do
- If you hold a provincial nomination certificate, confirm with your immigration lawyer that your application file reflects the post-March 30, 2026 regulatory change — IRCC no longer independently assesses economic establishment or intent to reside, so your nomination certificate is now the definitive proof of those criteria.
- If you are interested in the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, visit ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program to review eligibility criteria and submit an Expression of Interest through the OINP EOI portal — the portal opened August 4, 2026, and covers all NOC TEER categories plus self-employed physicians.
- If you are living and working in Nova Scotia with a work permit expiring in 2026 or earlier and submitted a Nova Scotia Nominee Program or Atlantic Immigration Program EOI on or before June 30, 2026, check your EOI status at liveinnovascotia.com to confirm you are captured under Nova Scotia's one-time expanded selection initiative.
Sources
Topics Covered
PNP Federal-Provincial Authority Transfer: As of March 30, 2026, provinces and territories are now solely responsible for assessing economic establishment and intent to reside; a valid nomination certificate replaces IRCC's independent review of these criteria.
PNP Express Entry Draw Trends: Ontario launched a new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream open to all NOC TEER categories and self-employed physicians, with the EOI portal opening August 4, 2026. Nova Scotia expanded its 2026 selection as a one-time measure targeting in-province workers with expiring permits who filed EOIs by June 30, 2026.
More Provincial Nominee Program Updates
Provincial Nominee Program Update — October 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026
Provincial Nominee Program Update — September 17, 2026
Sep 17, 2026
Provincial Nominee Program Update — September 14, 2026
Sep 14, 2026
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