Outside Osgoode Hall, Shobitjeet Singh, an applicant of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), shared his relief after months of uncertainty and protests. Singh expressed gratitude for finally being heard after feeling ignored for so long.
Around 2,600 individuals, including Singh, had their OINP applications rejected or returned in late 2025 due to concerns of fraudulent activity and misrepresentation. A group of 300 affected workers are now challenging the Government of Ontario in court.
Despite years of contributing to Ontario’s economy, many applicants remain puzzled about why their applications were impacted. Kuljinder, another applicant, emphasized the ongoing fight for accountability from the government regarding the treatment of their files.
The recent court hearing at Ontario’s Divisional Court has attracted attention, especially within South Asian communities, as many affected applicants have ties to India. The core issue revolves around the fairness of the government’s actions.
Applicants argue that they were not provided with specific evidence related to their individual cases when their applications were rejected. They are seeking the court’s review on whether the government’s decisions align with principles of procedural fairness.
The controversy dates back to November 2025 when affected workers started protesting outside Queen’s Park and the OINP office, demanding explanations and transparency. Ontario cited changes in federal immigration allocations and program pressures as reasons for the rejections.
Immigration experts believe the case could establish a crucial precedent. The focus is on whether governments can make significant policy changes affecting applicants already in the system and their obligations during such transitions.
The outcome of the case may clarify how future immigration reforms are implemented and whether additional protections should be provided to applicants impacted by program changes.
The court is yet to issue a ruling, and further hearings are expected as the matter continues to be reviewed.