How to Qualify for Ontario's New Workforce Priority Stream

Ontario has replaced its previous Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams with a new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, marking one of the most significant changes to the province's immigration program. While the new application portal has not yet reopened, the government has released the eligibility framework that applicants and employers should begin preparing for now.

Who Can Qualify for Ontario's New Workforce Priority Stream?

The new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is designed for workers who have a qualifying job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. Instead of multiple employer-driven streams, the new program is organized into three pathways:

• TEER 0–3 Pathway for skilled occupations

• TEER 4–5 Pathway for essential and intermediate-skilled occupations

• Self-Employed Physicians Pathway for eligible physicians who meet provincial licensing requirements.

Eligibility for the TEER 0–3 Pathway

Most professionals, technicians, and skilled trades workers will apply under this pathway. To qualify, applicants generally must:

• Have a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.

• Work in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

• Meet the required work experience requirement (which varies depending on whether you qualify as a recent Ontario graduate or through prior work experience).

• Demonstrate language proficiency of at least CLB 6 in English or French (with limited exceptions for certain occupations once identified by the province).

• Hold a post-secondary diploma or degree, unless exempt under specific occupational rules.

• Intend to live and work in Ontario.

  
  

Eligibility for the TEER 4–5 Pathway

This pathway expands opportunities for workers in many essential occupations.

Applicants generally must:

• Have a permanent full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.

• Work in an eligible TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation.

• Meet the required work experience threshold.

• Demonstrate language proficiency of at least CLB 4.

• Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Meet wage and employment requirements established by the province.

Employer Requirements

Unlike some previous OINP streams, employer participation plays a central role in the new system.

Employers must generally:

• Be actively operating in Ontario.

• Offer a permanent, full-time position that meets provincial wage requirements.

• Demonstrate that the business satisfies Ontario's eligibility criteria.

• Submit the required employer information through the new OINP system once it reopens.

How to Prepare

Although the new application portal is not yet accepting new submissions, prospective applicants can strengthen their eligibility by:

• Securing a qualifying permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.

• Confirming that their occupation falls within the appropriate TEER category.

• Completing an approved language test.

• Ensuring their educational credentials are ready, including an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if required.

• Gathering employment records and supporting documentation.

• Monitoring OINP announcements for the reopening of the application portal and future invitation rounds.

What Happened to the Previous OINP Streams?

As of June 26, 2026, Ontario eliminated its previous employer and graduate streams, including:

• Employer Job Offer streams

• Master's Graduate Stream

• PhD Graduate Stream

• Human Capital Priorities Stream

• Skilled Trades Stream

• Other legacy OINP pathways

The previous Expression of Interest (EOI) system has also been closed. Existing EOIs that had not received an invitation are being withdrawn, and applicants will need to submit new applications once the redesigned portal reopens. Applications already submitted before the transition will continue to be processed under the previous rules.

Final Thoughts

Ontario's new Workforce Priority Stream places a stronger emphasis on employer support, verified work experience, and labour market needs. While the transition has temporarily paused new applications, understanding the eligibility requirements now can help applicants and employers prepare for a successful application once the new system officially opens.

As additional program details and invitation criteria are released, applicants should continue to monitor OINP updates and review their eligibility under the new framework.