Provincial Nominee Program Update — October 12, 2026
Monday, October 12, 2026
As of March 30, 2026, provinces and territories now have sole responsibility for assessing a candidate's ability to become economically established and their intent to reside in the nominating province — a role previously shared with IRCC. A valid provincial nomination certificate now serves as sufficient proof these checks were completed.
Ontario opened its new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream expression of interest (EOI) portal on August 4, 2026, accepting candidates with job offers across all NOC TEER categories as well as self-employed physicians.
Nova Scotia is conducting a one-time expansion of its selection priorities, drawing from EOIs submitted on or before June 30, 2026, specifically targeting candidates already living and working in Nova Scotia whose work permits expire in 2026 or earlier.
What You Should Do
- If you have a pending or upcoming PNP federal PR application, confirm with your province that your nomination certificate reflects the updated 2026 regulatory assessments (economic establishment and intent to reside), as IRCC will now rely solely on the province's certificate for these factors. Contact your provincial PNP office directly.
- If you are in Ontario with a job offer in any NOC TEER category or are a self-employed physician, submit an Expression of Interest through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) portal for the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream at ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program.
- If you are living and working in Nova Scotia with a work permit expiring in 2026 or earlier and have already submitted a Nova Scotia Nominee Program EOI on or before June 30, 2026, verify your eligibility for the one-time expanded selection by reviewing criteria at liveinnovascotia.com.
- If you have not yet submitted a Nova Scotia PNP EOI, note that the one-time expanded selection only applies to EOIs already submitted by June 30, 2026 — new EOIs will not qualify for this round. Submit one as soon as possible to be considered in future draws.
Sources
Topics Covered
PNP Federal-Provincial Authority Transfer: As of March 30, 2026, provinces and territories are solely responsible for assessing economic establishment and intent to reside, with IRCC no longer duplicating these evaluations. A valid nomination certificate is now treated as conclusive proof these assessments were done.
PNP Express Entry Draw Trends: Ontario launched a new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream open to all NOC TEER categories, and Nova Scotia announced a one-time expanded selection draw targeting candidates already in-province with expiring work permits.
More Provincial Nominee Program Updates
Provincial Nominee Program Update — October 8, 2026
Oct 8, 2026
Provincial Nominee Program Update — October 5, 2026
Oct 5, 2026
Provincial Nominee Program Update — October 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026
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