Ontario has announced one of the biggest changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in recent years. Effective June 26, 2026, the province has officially launched Phase 1 of its OINP redesign, replacing the existing eight immigration streams with a new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
If you’re planning to apply for Canada PR through Ontario, already have an OINP Expression of Interest (EOI), or are exploring Ontario immigration pathways, here’s what this OINP latest update means for you.
What Is the Latest OINP Update?
The Ontario government has introduced the first phase of a major redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The most significant changes include:
- The existing 8 OINP streams have been closed.
- A new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream has been introduced.
- The new Expression of Interest (EOI) system is expected to open later this summer.
- Existing EOIs that have not received an invitation will be withdrawn.
- Eligible applicants will need to submit a new EOI once the system reopens.
These changes aim to streamline Ontario’s permanent residence pathways while improving program integrity and helping employers address labour shortages.
Which OINP Streams Have Closed?
As part of the redesign, Ontario has closed the following streams:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
- Employer Job Offer: International Student
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
- Master’s Graduate
- PhD Graduate
- Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
- Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker
- Express Entry Skilled Trades
No further invitations will be issued under these streams.
What Is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
Ontario has introduced a single Ontario Workforce Priority Stream that includes multiple pathways for eligible applicants.
The stream covers:
1. TEER 0–3 Pathway
This pathway is designed for skilled internationally trained workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations who have a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Work Experience (meet one of the following):
- At least 6 consecutive months of work in the last 12 months with the employer offering the job.
- Recent Ontario graduates may qualify with 3 consecutive months of work in the last 12 months with the job offer employer.
- 2 years of cumulative work experience in the same NOC occupation within the last 5 years.
- Applicants working in licensed occupations are exempt from the work experience requirement.
Language Requirement
- Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6
- Certain occupations may qualify with CLB 5
Education Requirement
- A post-secondary diploma or degree is generally required.
Note: Some occupations may have different eligibility criteria. Applicants should review the official program requirements for occupation-specific rules.
2. Self-Employed Physician Pathway
Eligible self-employed physicians may qualify under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream without a job offer.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- Hold a valid certificate of registration in an eligible class (Independent, Academic, or Provisional).
- Be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
3. TEER 4–5 Pathway
This pathway is available to workers in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations who have a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario.
Applicants must generally meet the following requirements:
Work Experience
- At least 9 months of cumulative work experience within the previous 2 years in the position offered by the employer.
Language Requirement
- Minimum CLB 4
Education Requirement
- A Canadian secondary school diploma (or equivalent).
Lower Requirements for Rural Employers
Ontario has also introduced more flexible employer requirements for businesses located in eligible rural communities.
Employers operating in rural Ontario will benefit from lower gross annual revenue thresholds, making it easier to hire and retain workers through the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
For the purposes of the program, a rural community is defined as a census division with a population of less than 150,000.
What Happens to Existing OINP EOIs?
If you currently have an Expression of Interest (EOI) under one of the previous OINP streams, here’s what you should know.
If you have NOT received an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Your existing EOI will be withdrawn during the transition.
- Once the new EOI system opens later this summer, you must submit a new EOI if you remain eligible.
If you have already submitted an application
Applications submitted after receiving an Invitation to Apply will continue to be assessed under the eligibility requirements that were in effect when the application was submitted.
When Will the New EOI System Open?
Ontario has confirmed that the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system is expected to open later this summer.
Until then:
- New EOI registrations remain closed.
- No invitations will be issued under the previous streams.
- Eligible candidates should prepare their documents and monitor for further announcements.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream represents one of the biggest changes to Ontario’s immigration system in recent years. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an Ontario graduate, a physician, or an employer looking to retain talent, it’s important to understand how these changes affect your eligibility and future immigration plans.
If you’re planning to apply through Ontario, now is the time to review the new eligibility requirements, organize your documents, and prepare for the reopening of the new Expression of Interest system.
Need Help with Your Ontario Immigration Application?
The latest OINP changes can be complex, and choosing the right pathway is important.
At Yoke Immigration, our team, led by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), can assess your eligibility, explain the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream requirements, and help you prepare a strong application.
Book a consultation today to receive personalized guidance on your pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
