On This Page, You Will Find:
- What changed under Ontario’s OINP redesign
- How the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream works
- The three pathways under the new stream
- What happens to old Expressions of Interest
- What employers and candidates should do next
- Frequently asked questions
Ontario has launched the first phase of a major redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), replacing its former stream structure with a new Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
The changes took effect on June 26, 2026, following regulatory amendments that laid the foundation for Ontario’s new approach to selecting provincial nominees.
The new Ontario Workforce Priority stream introduces three pathways:
- A pathway for workers in TEER 0 to 3 occupations
- A pathway for workers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations
- A pathway for eligible self-employed physicians
The redesign moves Ontario toward a more employer-focused, labour market-driven immigration model designed to target workers in occupations where shortages are greatest.
The province says the new framework will provide greater flexibility to respond to workforce needs while supporting economic growth.
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream is expected to begin accepting new Expressions of Interest later this summer.
Ontario Replaces Its Previous Stream Structure
Ontario’s redesign replaces the province’s previous collection of individual immigration streams with a more unified framework.
Among the streams being replaced are those aimed at foreign workers, international students, Masters graduates, PhD graduates and several Express Entry-linked pathways.
Rather than operating multiple separate streams, Ontario will now use the Workforce Priority stream to select candidates based on labour market needs, employer demand and occupational priorities.
Applicants who planned to immigrate under the previous structure should review the new eligibility criteria carefully, as previous assumptions about eligibility may no longer apply.
What Is The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream is the first immigration stream introduced under the redesigned OINP.
It is intended to help employers retain workers with skills that match Ontario’s current economic priorities.
The stream includes three pathways covering occupations across TEER 0 to TEER 5 of Canada’s National Occupational Classification system.
TEER 0 to 3 includes management, professional, technical and skilled occupations.
TEER 4 and 5 includes many occupations requiring shorter periods of training that nevertheless remain critical to Ontario employers.
Ontario has also created a dedicated pathway for eligible self-employed physicians, recognising that many doctors work under independent practice arrangements rather than traditional employment contracts.
The Three New Pathways
TEER 0 to 3 Pathway
This pathway targets workers employed in higher-skilled occupations.
Applicants will generally need an eligible job offer together with the required work experience, education, language ability and wage level.
The pathway is expected to be particularly important for employers recruiting professionals, technicians and skilled workers.
TEER 4 and 5 Pathway
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a dedicated pathway for TEER 4 and 5 occupations.
This gives Ontario greater flexibility to nominate workers in occupations that may not qualify easily through federal economic immigration programs but remain essential to the province’s economy.
Applicants will still need to satisfy eligibility requirements relating to work experience, education, language ability and wages.
Self-Employed Physicians Pathway
Ontario has also introduced a dedicated pathway for eligible self-employed physicians.
Many doctors do not work through traditional employer-employee relationships, making previous immigration pathways difficult to access.
The new pathway recognises this reality and should help Ontario retain physicians who are already practising or preparing to practise in the province.
What Happens To Existing Expressions Of Interest?
Candidates with Expressions of Interest under former OINP streams should expect significant changes.
Ontario has indicated that EOIs submitted under the previous system that have not received invitations will be withdrawn as part of the transition.
Applicants wishing to pursue nomination will need to submit a new Expression of Interest once the new system opens.
Applications that have already been submitted after receiving an invitation should continue to be processed under the rules that applied when they were filed.
Why Ontario Is Making These Changes
Ontario is redesigning the OINP at a time when provincial nomination allocations have been reduced by the federal government.
With fewer nominations available, provinces are increasingly focusing on applicants who best meet labour market needs.
The Workforce Priority stream gives Ontario greater flexibility to target occupations experiencing persistent shortages while improving responsiveness to changing economic conditions.
The redesign also reflects a broader shift across Canada’s immigration system toward increasingly targeted selection.
What Employers Need To Know
Employers will play a much larger role under the redesigned system.
Once Ontario’s Employer Portal reopens, employers will generally be responsible for supporting applicants through eligible job offers and employment position approvals.
Before supporting an applicant, employers should ensure:
- The position meets OINP requirements
- The wage is appropriate
- The occupation is correctly classified
- The position is full-time and permanent
- The business satisfies provincial eligibility requirements
Employers outside larger urban centres may also benefit from lower revenue thresholds introduced under the redesign.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Candidates should prepare for the transition rather than relying on previous OINP information.
Before submitting a new Expression of Interest they should review:
- Their NOC occupation
- Their TEER level
- Their job offer
- Their employer’s eligibility
- Their education
- Their language test results
- Their work experience
- Their wage level
Candidates should also monitor Ontario announcements regarding the reopening of the Expression of Interest system later this summer.
Implications For International Graduates
The redesign represents a significant change for international graduates.
Previous graduate-specific pathways are no longer available in their former form.
Graduates who wish to pursue permanent residence through Ontario may instead need to qualify through the Workforce Priority stream by securing an eligible job offer and satisfying the new criteria.
This means career planning during and immediately after studies becomes even more important.
Implications For Lower-Skilled Workers
The creation of a dedicated TEER 4 and 5 pathway represents one of the most notable aspects of the redesign.
Ontario employers in sectors facing persistent labour shortages may now have improved opportunities to retain workers whose occupations previously had fewer provincial immigration options.
However, candidates should not assume automatic eligibility, as all program requirements must still be satisfied.
Implications For Physicians
The dedicated physician pathway addresses a long-standing issue affecting self-employed doctors.
Many physicians work under independent practice arrangements rather than traditional employment contracts, making previous employer-focused pathways difficult to use.
Ontario’s new approach should make provincial nomination more accessible for eligible physicians while helping address healthcare shortages.
A More Targeted Immigration System
Ontario’s Workforce Priority stream represents more than a simple name change.
It signals a move toward a more targeted immigration model that gives the province greater control over how it allocates its limited nominations.
For employers, the redesign aims to improve access to workers with skills that match current labour market needs.
For applicants, success is likely to depend not only on qualifications but also on working in occupations and sectors that align with Ontario’s economic priorities.
As Ontario continues rolling out the redesigned OINP, candidates and employers should expect further announcements and additional operational guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ontario Workforce Priority stream?
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream is the first stream introduced under Ontario’s redesigned OINP. It replaces the previous collection of immigration streams with three pathways covering TEER 0 to 3 workers, TEER 4 and 5 workers, and eligible self-employed physicians.
When will the new stream open?
Ontario has confirmed that the new Expression of Interest system is expected to open later in summer 2026. Candidates should monitor official announcements for the exact opening date and application procedures.
What happens to existing OINP Expressions of Interest?
Expressions of Interest submitted under former streams that did not receive invitations are expected to be withdrawn. Candidates wishing to continue pursuing provincial nomination will generally need to submit a new Expression of Interest once the redesigned system opens.
Does the Workforce Priority stream require a job offer?
Most applicants will require support from an eligible Ontario employer. However, separate rules apply to eligible self-employed physicians because they often practise independently rather than through traditional employment relationships.
Why has Ontario redesigned the OINP?
Ontario says the redesign will allow the province to respond more effectively to labour shortages and changing economic needs. The new structure also reflects reduced provincial nomination allocations and a growing emphasis on targeted immigration selection across Canada.
