Ontario Launches New Workforce Priority Stream: Three New Pathways to Permanent Residence

Ontario has officially introduced the first phase of its redesigned provincial immigration program with the launch of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. The new stream replaces several former Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) pathways and introduces three new routes to permanent residence for skilled workers and physicians.

Although the new pathways took effect on June 26, 2026, eligible applicants must wait until Ontario reopens its Expression of Interest (EOI) system later this summer before they can submit an application.

The Three New Workforce Priority Pathways

1. TEER 0–3 Pathway

This pathway is designed for individuals with job offers in higher-skilled occupations that generally require post-secondary education or specialized training.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

• Hold a recognized post-secondary credential.

• Meet the required English or French language level (CLB 5 or CLB 6, depending on the occupation).

Applicants must also satisfy one of the following:

• Be licensed to work in a regulated occupation in Ontario.

• Have at least two years of work experience in the same occupation within the last five years.

• Have recent work experience with the employer offering the job:

  • At least six consecutive months; or

  • Three consecutive months if they graduated from an eligible Ontario post-secondary institution within the past three years.

2. TEER 4–5 Pathway

This pathway targets occupations that generally require a high school education and on-the-job training.

Applicants must:

• Receive a full-time, permanent job offer in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation.

• Be offered wages that meet or exceed Ontario's median wage for the occupation.

• Have at least nine months of work experience with the same employer during the previous two years.

• Hold at least a secondary school diploma (or equivalent).

• Demonstrate language proficiency of at least CLB 4 in English or French.

3. Self-Employed Physicians Pathway

Ontario has also introduced a dedicated pathway for physicians.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be licensed and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

• Hold a valid certificate of registration.

• Be eligible to bill services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Expression of Interest (EOI) System

Although these pathways are now officially available, candidates cannot submit applications immediately.

Ontario has confirmed that applicants must create a new Expression of Interest (EOI) once the updated OINP EOI system reopens later this summer.

Employers will also need to submit a new job offer through the Employer Portal for eligible foreign workers. Employers who are already registered in the portal will not need to register again.

After submitting an EOI, selected candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination.

Additional Streams Coming Soon

Ontario has confirmed that three more immigration streams will be introduced during the second phase of the program overhaul:

• Priority Healthcare Stream – for healthcare professionals, including those working toward Ontario licensing. A job offer will not be required.

• Entrepreneur Stream – for business owners and entrepreneurs establishing or operating businesses in Ontario.

• Exceptional Talent Stream – for individuals with internationally recognized achievements in science, technology, academia, arts, literature, or culture.

The province has not yet announced when these additional streams will open.

Employer Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, employers must meet several requirements.

Eligible employers must:

• Operate an established business in Ontario.

• Have been actively operating for at least three years.

• Meet minimum annual revenue requirements based on their business location.

• Employ the required minimum number of Canadian citizens or permanent residents:

  • Five employees within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

  • Three employees outside the GTA.

In addition, the offered position must generally be located in Ontario, although certain transportation occupations have specific exemptions.

What Happens to Existing Applications?

Applicants who submitted their applications under Ontario's previous immigration streams before they closed on May 30, 2026, do not need to reapply. Their applications will continue to be processed under the eligibility requirements that were in place when they applied.

How the Permanent Residence Process Works

Applicants seeking permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program generally follow these steps:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements of an OINP stream.

2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

3. Receive an Invitation to Apply from Ontario.

4. Submit a complete provincial nomination application.

5. Receive a provincial nomination if approved.

6. Apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.

7. Receive permanent residence approval after federal processing.