Ontario has officially launched the first phase of a major redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), replacing several existing immigration streams with a new pathway called the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
The changes took effect on June 26, 2026, following amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015.
According to the Ontario government, the redesign aims to simplify pathways to Permanent Residency, support employers facing labour shortages, strengthen program integrity, and improve access for businesses operating in rural and northern communities.
Ontario Closes Eight Existing Immigration Streams
As part of the redesign, Ontario has closed eight existing OINP streams.
The following streams are no longer accepting new applications:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
- Employer Job Offer: International Student
- Master’s Graduate
- PhD Graduate
- Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
- Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker
- Express Entry Skilled Trades
Ontario has confirmed that the existing Expression of Interest (EOI) system is now closed to new registrations and that no further invitations will be issued under the former streams.
EOIs and job offers that have not resulted in an invitation to apply will be withdrawn over the coming weeks as the province updates its EOI and application systems.
Applicants, employers, and representatives affected by these changes will receive direct notifications from the province.
Applications already submitted following invitations issued under former streams will continue to be assessed under the eligibility requirements that were in place when those applications were filed.
Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Expected to Open Later This Summer
Ontario has announced that the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Expression of Interest system is expected to open later in the summer.
The province says the new stream will provide pathways for applicants with job offers across all National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories, including TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 occupations.
The stream will also include a dedicated pathway for self-employed physicians.
Ontario says the redesign represents the first phase of a broader two-stage transformation of the OINP.
The province expects the changes to help employers retain talent in hard-to-fill positions while introducing higher language and education standards for future nominees.
-
TEER 0–3 Pathway
The TEER 0–3 pathway will target internationally trained workers in all TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations with a full-time and permanent job offer in Ontario.
Requirements
Applicants will generally need to demonstrate one of the following work experience requirements:
- 6 consecutive months of experience within the previous 12 months in the job offer position with the employer.
- 3 consecutive months of experience within the previous 12 months for recent Ontario graduates.
- 2 years of cumulative experience within the previous 5 years in the same NOC occupation.
Licensed occupations may be exempt from these work experience requirements.
Applicants will generally need to meet a minimum language requirement of CLB 6, although some occupations may qualify with CLB 5.
Minimum education requirements include a post-secondary diploma or degree.
Ontario has indicated that certain occupations may have alternate eligibility criteria.
-
Self-Employed Physicians
One of the most significant changes introduced under the redesign affects physicians.
Self-employed physicians may now qualify for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream without requiring a job offer.
Requirements
To qualify, eligible physicians must:
- Be in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
- Hold a valid certificate of registration in an eligible class.
- Be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
This change is expected to improve access to Permanent Residency pathways for physicians already practising in Ontario.
-
TEER 4–5 Pathway
Ontario has also introduced a pathway for workers employed in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations with a full-time and permanent job offer in Ontario.
Requirements
- Nine months of cumulative work experience within the previous two years in the position offered by the employer.
- A minimum language requirement of CLB 4.
- A Canadian secondary school diploma or its equivalent.
Ontario has also announced lower employer revenue thresholds for businesses located in rural communities with populations below 150,000.
The province says these adjustments are intended to improve access to immigration pathways for employers outside major urban centres.
Program Integrity Measures Introduced
The redesign also includes several compliance and enforcement changes.
Ontario has reduced the response period for Notices of Intent to Issue Administrative Monetary Penalties or Ban Orders from 60 days to 30 days.
The province has also expanded the methods used to issue notices, allowing them to be delivered by email, mail, or in person.
Officials say these changes are intended to strengthen compliance activities and improve the province’s ability to respond more quickly to program misuse and fraudulent activity.
What Applicants Should Know
Applicants who currently have an active Expression of Interest under one of the former OINP streams should monitor communications from Ontario closely.
Individuals interested in the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream should review the updated eligibility requirements and prepare for the reopening of the EOI system later this summer.
Employers who previously registered through the Employer Portal will not need to create a new account, but they will need to submit a new job offer and initiate a new application once the portal reopens.
The Role of Sehli Global
Ontario’s redesign represents one of the most significant changes to the OINP in recent years.
As a licensed RCIC Canada immigration consultancy, Sehli Global helps applicants understand how evolving provincial immigration policies may affect their eligibility, assess available pathways, and prepare Permanent Residency applications under Ontario’s provincial nomination programs.
Applicants seeking guidance on Ontario immigration pathways, Express Entry, or Permanent Residency options can book a consultation with Sehli Global.
Conclusion
Ontario’s first phase of OINP redesign introduces a new Workforce Priority Stream, closes eight existing immigration streams, and establishes new eligibility requirements for applicants and employers.
With the new Expression of Interest system expected to open later this summer, prospective applicants should review the changes carefully and stay informed as Ontario continues implementing the second phase of its program redesign.
Leave a Comment