Ontario’s immigration system is entering a period of major change. Over the past year, the OINP has expanded its enforcement powers, increased its discretion to return or cancel applications, and introduced new interview and inspection authorities through recent regulatory amendments and Bill 30. These developments have already resulted in the suspension and return of entire categories of applications, including the Skilled Trades Stream, largely due to systemic compliance concerns. At the same time, unresolved issues such as the treatment of restricted CPSO licences continue to limit eligibility for self-employed physicians despite critical labour needs. While the province is working to address some of these gaps, the overall system now faces heightened uncertainty. As Ontario moves into 2026, restoring transparency, predictability, and procedural fairness will be essential to maintaining a functional and trustworthy OINP for employers, applicants, and communities.
