Ontario Launches New Immigration Pathways in 2026

Everything You Need to Know

Ontario has officially launched the first phase of its redesigned Provincial Nominee Program (OINP), introducing new pathways that aim to address the province’s evolving labour market needs. These changes replace the previous immigration streams and create new opportunities for skilled workers, lower-skilled workers, and physicians seeking permanent residence in Canada.

However, while the new pathways are now in effect, applicants cannot submit applications just yet. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is expected to reopen its Expression of Interest (EOI) system later this summer, after which eligible candidates will be able to enter the selection pool.

What Is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

To begin with, Ontario has introduced a brand-new immigration stream known as the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. This stream is designed to help employers fill labour shortages while providing qualified foreign workers with a pathway to permanent residence.

The new stream includes three pathways:

• TEER 0–3 Pathway – For higher-skilled occupations.
• TEER 4–5 Pathway – For occupations requiring less formal education or training.
• Self-Employed Physicians Pathway – For eligible doctors practising in Ontario.

Additionally, Ontario has confirmed that three more immigration streams will be introduced in the second phase of the program overhaul.

Existing Applications Will Not Be Affected

If you already submitted an application under one of Ontario’s previous immigration pathways before they were closed, there is no need to worry.

Your application will continue to be processed under the rules that were in place when it was submitted. Therefore, these changes only apply to new applicants entering the system after the new EOI portal opens.

TEER 0–3 Pathway: For Skilled Professionals

The TEER 0–3 Pathway is intended for workers employed in occupations that generally require post-secondary education, technical training, or supervisory experience.

Job Offer Requirement

First and foremost, applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

Language Requirement

Next, applicants must either:

• Meet the required English or French language proficiency (generally CLB 5 or CLB 6, depending on the occupation), or
• Be a recent graduate from an eligible Ontario post-secondary institution.

Education Requirement

In most cases, applicants must possess a post-secondary diploma or degree.

However, Ontario has introduced certain exemptions. For example, some skilled trades and nurse aide occupations may qualify with different educational requirements.

Work Experience Requirement

Applicants must also satisfy one of the following conditions:

• Have at least two years of related work experience within the past five years; or
• Have recent work experience with the same Ontario employer offering the qualifying job.

Furthermore, individuals working in regulated occupations must hold the appropriate Ontario licence before applying.

TEER 4–5 Pathway: Supporting Essential Workers

Ontario has also introduced a pathway specifically designed for occupations that generally require a secondary school education and short-term job training.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Hold a full-time, permanent Ontario job offer.
• Have at least nine months of work experience with the same employer within the past two years.
• Possess a secondary school diploma or its equivalent.
• Demonstrate a minimum language level of CLB 4 in English or French.
• Receive wages that meet or exceed Ontario’s median wage for that occupation.

As a result, many workers in support, service, manufacturing, and labour-intensive occupations may now have a clearer pathway to permanent residence.

New Pathway for Self-Employed Physicians

Recognizing the growing demand for healthcare professionals, Ontario has also created a dedicated pathway for physicians.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be licensed and in good standing with Ontario’s medical regulator.
• Hold a valid certificate of registration.
• Be eligible to bill services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

This new pathway is expected to strengthen Ontario’s healthcare workforce by making it easier for eligible physicians to obtain permanent residence.

Employers Must Meet Strict Eligibility Requirements

Not every employer can participate in the new program.

Instead, employers must satisfy several conditions, including:

• Operating a business in Ontario for at least three years.
• Meeting minimum annual revenue thresholds.
• Employing the required number of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Complying with Ontario labour laws.

In addition, the job offer itself must be:

• Full-time.
• Permanent.
• Necessary for the employer’s business.
• Primarily based in Ontario.
• Paid at or above the required wage level.

These requirements help ensure that the program supports genuine labour market needs.

How the New Expression of Interest (EOI) System Works

Unlike the previous application process, Ontario will now use an Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

Once the system reopens, the process will work as follows:

1. The employer submits a new job offer through the Employer Portal.
2. The foreign worker creates a new EOI profile.
3. Ontario reviews all submitted profiles.
4. Selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
5. Applicants submit their complete OINP application.
6. Successful applicants receive an Ontario provincial nomination.
7. Finally, they apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence.

Therefore, simply meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation. Candidates must first be selected from the EOI pool.

More Immigration Streams Are Coming Soon

Although Ontario has already introduced three pathways, the province has confirmed that additional immigration streams will follow in the next phase of the program.

These include:

Priority Healthcare Stream

This stream will target healthcare professionals and, notably, will not require a job offer.

Entrepreneur Stream

Designed for business owners and entrepreneurs wishing to establish or operate businesses in Ontario.

Exceptional Talent Stream

This pathway will focus on individuals with internationally recognized achievements in:

• Science
• Technology
• Arts
• Literature
• Culture
• Academia

Ontario has not yet announced the launch dates for these additional streams.

Understanding Canada’s TEER System

Canada classifies occupations using the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) system.

Generally:

• TEER 0 includes management occupations.
• TEER 1 covers jobs requiring a university degree.
• TEER 2 includes occupations requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship.
• TEER 3 consists of technical occupations requiring specialized training.
• TEER 4 includes occupations requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of training.
• TEER 5 covers occupations requiring only short-term work demonstrations or minimal training.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream represents one of the most significant updates to the province’s immigration program in recent years. By introducing dedicated pathways for skilled workers, essential workers, and physicians, Ontario aims to better address labour shortages while creating more targeted pathways to permanent residence.

However, prospective applicants should remember that they must wait until the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system officially reopens before they can enter the selection pool. In the meantime, reviewing eligibility requirements and preparing documents in advance can help applicants respond quickly once the system begins accepting new profiles.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).