Provincial Nominee Program Update — August 13, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 2026
As of August 10, 2026, processing times for the base (non-Express Entry) Provincial Nominee Program increased, making it the only PR category to get slower despite IRCC reducing its application queue by 1,400 files.
Ontario overhauled its PNP on June 25, 2026, replacing 8 existing streams with a single new 'Ontario Workforce Priority Stream' covering all NOC skill levels; the Expression of Interest system is expected to open later in summer 2026.
Ontario's updated OINP webpages went live July 20, 2026, outlining eligibility criteria for the new stream ahead of the EOI launch.
What You Should Do
- If you are a base PNP applicant (non-Express Entry route), check your current processing time estimate at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html — times have lengthened as of August 10, 2026, so plan accordingly.
- If you are targeting Ontario immigration, visit ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program to review the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream eligibility criteria before the Expression of Interest system opens later this summer (2026).
- If you qualify for both a provincial PNP stream and a federal Express Entry program, apply through the Express Entry route (canada.ca/express-entry) to receive 600 additional CRS points upon nomination, which significantly improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Sources
Topics Covered
PNP Express Entry Draw Trends: As of August 10, 2026, base PNP (non-Express Entry) processing times increased despite a reduction of 1,400 applications in the queue, while Express Entry-linked PNP applicants continue to benefit from 600 bonus CRS points upon nomination.
PNP Federal-Provincial Authority Transfer: Ontario replaced its 8 PNP streams with a single Ontario Workforce Priority Stream effective June 25, 2026, covering all NOC skill levels, with the Expression of Interest system anticipated to launch in summer 2026.
More Provincial Nominee Program Updates
Provincial Nominee Program Update — August 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
Provincial Nominee Program Update — August 3, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
Provincial Nominee Program Update — July 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
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