Ontario Introduces a New Workforce Priority Stream Under OINP

Ontario Announces a Major Immigration Update

Ontario has officially introduced a major change to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Instead of offering eight separate immigration streams, the province has launched a single Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

Additionally, the government has confirmed that the Expression of Interest (EOI) system for this new stream is expected to open later this summer. However, officials have not announced an exact launch date yet.

What Has Changed in OINP?

Previously, applicants could apply through eight different OINP streams, including Employer Job Offer, Human Capital Priorities, Skilled Trades, Master’s Graduate, and PhD Graduate streams.

Now, Ontario has permanently closed all of these streams and replaced them with one unified immigration stream that offers three different pathways.

At the same time, applications submitted before June 26, 2026, will continue under the previous rules. Meanwhile, the province will automatically withdraw old Expression of Interest (EOI) profiles that never received an invitation.

Three Pathways Under the New Workforce Priority Stream

The new stream offers three pathways based on an applicant’s occupation and professional background.

1. TEER 0–3 Pathway for Skilled Workers

First, this pathway targets skilled professionals such as managers, engineers, accountants, nurses, technicians, cooks, and administrative assistants.

To qualify, candidates generally need:

• A full-time permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.
• Relevant work experience.
• The required educational qualifications.
• English or French language proficiency, usually CLB 6. However, some occupations require only CLB 5.

Furthermore, recent Ontario graduates may qualify for certain exemptions, making this pathway more accessible.

2. TEER 4–5 Pathway for Essential Workers

Next, Ontario has expanded opportunities for essential workers through the TEER 4–5 pathway.

This category includes occupations in healthcare support, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, food services, retail, and several other essential sectors.

To become eligible, applicants generally must have:

• A full-time permanent job offer.
• At least 9 months of work experience with the same employer.
• A minimum language score of CLB 4.
• A Canadian secondary school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential.

Because of these changes, workers in all TEER 4 and 5 occupations now have more opportunities to apply than under the previous In-Demand Skills stream.

3. Self-Employed Physicians Pathway

Unlike the other pathways, this option does not require a job offer.

Instead, eligible doctors must:

• Hold registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
• Have a valid registration certificate.
• Be eligible to bill through Ontario’s Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

As a result, self-employed physicians now have a more direct route to provincial nomination.

New Requirements for Employers

Along with the new stream, Ontario has also updated the rules for employers.

To support an applicant, an employer must:

• Operate a business in Ontario for at least three years.
• Offer a full-time permanent position.
• Pay the required wage.
• Ensure the job is mainly based in Ontario.

In addition, employers must submit a new job offer once the Employer Portal reopens because previous job offers will not transfer to the redesigned system.

What Does This Mean for Master’s and PhD Graduates?

One of the biggest updates affects international graduates.

Both the Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams have now closed permanently. Therefore, most graduates will need a full-time permanent job offer to qualify under the new Workforce Priority Stream.

Even so, Ontario has indicated that it may introduce additional immigration streams in the future. For now, the province has not announced any eligibility criteria or launch dates.

How Can Applicants Prepare?

While Ontario prepares to reopen the EOI system, candidates should use this time to get ready.

For example, they should:

• Confirm their NOC and TEER category.
• Take or renew their language test if required.
• Verify their educational credentials.
• Secure a qualifying full-time permanent job offer.

By preparing in advance, applicants can improve their chances of receiving an invitation when the new system opens.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream marks one of the biggest changes in the history of the OINP.

Although the province has simplified its immigration program into one stream, each pathway has its own eligibility requirements. Therefore, understanding these changes is essential before applying.

If you are planning to immigrate to Ontario, now is a great time to review your eligibility, prepare your documents, and stay updated on the reopening of the Expression of Interest system later this summer.

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).