Ontario Regulation 47/26 amends Ontario Regulation 421/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, reshaping approval, nomination, and administrative processes within the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The regulation introduces procedural, delegation, and service-of-notice reforms intended to increase ministerial oversight, clarify employer participation requirements, and modernize communications rules.

It revokes sections 2 and 3 of O. Reg. 421/17 and replaces core elements of the expression of interest and Express Entry nomination frameworks. For expression of interest categories, applicants required to receive an invitation to apply must follow a revised process in which the director’s decisions on nominations and eligibility explicitly take into account any directions provided by the Minister. Similar amendments are made to the Express Entry stream, reinforcing ministerial influence over the director’s exercise of discretion in issuing nominations and establishing selection parameters.

Significant changes are introduced to job offer and employer registration requirements. Applicants seeking nomination based on an approved employment position are prohibited from applying unless they hold a valid job offer from an employer registered with the director. Employers must now register with the director and submit job offers as part of the approval process before an employment position can be considered. These amendments strengthen pre-screening of employers and formalize employer participation in the program.

The regulation also replaces the rules governing service of notices issued by the director. Notices may be delivered directly, sent by regular mail, or transmitted by email to the last known address or contact information. Mail notices are deemed received on the fifth business day after sending, while email notices are deemed received on the first business day. However, individuals may rebut deemed receipt if they demonstrate non-receipt or delayed receipt due to circumstances beyond their control, including illness, absence, or disability.

Additional amendments expand statutory references in section 12 to include provisions on standards and requirements and misrepresentation under the Act. The regulation also delegates authority to make certain regulations under subclauses 37(1)(e)(i) and (ii) directly to the Minister, further centralizing regulatory control.

The amendments collectively reflect a policy shift toward increased ministerial oversight and tighter administrative control over Ontario’s nominee selection system. By embedding explicit consideration of ministerial direction into both the Expression of Interest and Express Entry nomination pathways, the regulation reduces purely director-led discretion and aligns selection outcomes more closely with provincial labour market priorities.

Ontario (47/2026) April 2, 2026
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