On This Page You Will Find:
- Why Ontario is Canada’s top destination for immigrants
- How the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) works
- Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream
- The 2026 redesign of the OINP
- Federal immigration pathways to Ontario
- What happened to the former OINP streams
- Frequently asked questions
Ontario Immigration
Ontario remains Canada’s leading destination for newcomers, welcoming more permanent residents each year than any other province. Its diverse economy, world-class universities, strong job market and high quality of life continue to attract skilled workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs and families from around the world.
The province is also the largest destination for immigrants selected through Canada’s federal economic immigration programs. Every year, Ontario receives by far the greatest share of newcomers admitted through programs such as Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, reflecting the province’s broad employment opportunities and strong demand for skilled talent.
In addition to federal immigration programs, Ontario operates its own provincial immigration system through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The program allows the province to nominate workers with the skills and experience needed to address labour shortages and support long-term economic growth.
The OINP underwent its most significant transformation in 2026, replacing the previous multi-stream system with a simplified employer-led model centred on the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. This guide explains how Ontario immigration now works and the pathways available to prospective newcomers.
Why Immigrate To Ontario?
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and its economic engine. Home to Toronto, Ottawa and many of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, the province offers employment opportunities across technology, health care, manufacturing, finance, construction, skilled trades, transportation and professional services.
Ontario also provides:
- Canada’s largest labour market.
- A diverse and resilient economy.
- Excellent public education and universities.
- Universal health care for eligible residents.
- Strong public services and infrastructure.
- Vibrant multicultural communities.
Whether arriving through a federal immigration program or a provincial nomination, most newcomers to Canada choose Ontario as their destination.
How The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Works
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program allows the provincial government to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on Ontario’s labour market needs.
Unlike federal immigration programs, which select candidates for immigration to Canada as a whole, the OINP focuses on workers who intend to live and work permanently in Ontario.
Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination and then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. The federal government remains responsible for assessing admissibility and making the final decision on every permanent residence application.
You can also consider our guide to other ways to immigrate to Canada.
Ontario’s New Workforce Priority Stream
In 2026, Ontario introduced the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream as the province’s primary employer-driven immigration pathway.
The stream is designed for skilled foreign workers with qualifying permanent job offers from eligible Ontario employers. It also includes a dedicated pathway for eligible self-employed physicians.
Applicants must meet requirements relating to work experience, language ability, education and legal status. Employers must first register the employment position through the OINP Employer Portal before the applicant can submit an Expression of Interest.
Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply and successfully satisfy all program requirements may receive an Ontario nomination for permanent residence.
Read our complete guide to the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
Ontario’s 2026 Immigration Reform
The launch of the Workforce Priority Stream marked the biggest restructuring of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program since its creation.
The province replaced its previous system of separate worker and graduate streams with a simplified employer-led model designed to make the program easier to navigate while giving Ontario greater flexibility to respond to changing labour market needs.
The redesign also introduced a new Employer Portal, revised eligibility requirements, a new employer approval process and updated Expression of Interest selection criteria.
What Happened To The Previous OINP Streams?
As part of the 2026 redesign, Ontario closed eight long-standing immigration streams.
These included:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
- Human Capital Priorities Stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Skilled Trades Stream
- Masters Graduate Stream
- PhD Graduate Stream
Candidates who already had applications in progress should follow Ontario’s transition guidance. New applicants should instead consider the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Federal Immigration To Ontario
Many newcomers settle in Ontario without applying through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
Ontario receives the largest share of immigrants selected through Canada’s federal economic immigration system, particularly under Express Entry.
Federal immigration pathways include:
- Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Family sponsorship
- Other permanent residence pathways administered by the federal government
For many skilled workers, obtaining permanent residence through a federal program may be faster than seeking a provincial nomination. Others may benefit from the additional opportunities offered through the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, particularly where an Ontario employer is prepared to support their application.
Which Immigration Pathway Is Right For You?
The right immigration pathway depends on your qualifications, work experience and long-term plans.
In general:
- The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is suitable for workers with qualifying Ontario job offers.
- Express Entry is often the preferred route for highly ranked skilled workers who qualify under a federal immigration program.
- Self-employed physicians may qualify under the dedicated physician pathway within the Workforce Priority Stream.
Before applying, candidates should review the eligibility requirements for each pathway carefully and ensure they meet the relevant criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the province’s immigration program, allowing Ontario to nominate eligible foreign workers for permanent residence based on labour market needs. Successful nominees must still apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
What is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is Ontario’s primary employer-driven immigration pathway, introduced in 2026. It is designed for skilled foreign workers with qualifying permanent job offers from eligible Ontario employers and includes a dedicated pathway for eligible self-employed physicians.
Does Ontario still have multiple immigration streams?
No. Ontario substantially simplified the OINP in 2026, replacing eight previous immigration streams with a new employer-led framework centred on the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
Is Ontario the most popular destination for immigrants to Canada?
Yes. Ontario consistently welcomes more permanent residents than any other province and receives by far the largest share of immigrants admitted through Canada’s federal economic immigration programs, including Express Entry.
Do I need a provincial nomination to immigrate to Ontario?
No. Many newcomers immigrate directly through federal programs such as Express Entry without receiving an Ontario nomination. However, a provincial nomination can provide an important pathway to permanent residence for applicants who meet the eligibility requirements of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.