Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program 2026 Key Updates and New Workforce Priority Stream

On June 25, 2026, Ontario introduced the most significant changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in many years. The province has started a complete redesign of the program by replacing all existing immigration streams with a new framework aimed at addressing Ontario's labour market needs while strengthening program integrity.

If you have been following the OINP, you may have noticed that the Expression of Interest (EOI) system has closed and many familiar streams have disappeared. These changes have understandably created confusion among employers and prospective immigrants.

This article explains what has changed, what remains the same, and what applicants should expect moving forward.

Ontario Begins a Two-Phase Redesign of the OINP

The changes came into force on June 25, 2026, through amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015.

This marks Phase 1 of a broader two-phase redesign of the OINP.

According to the Ontario government, the redesign aims to:

• Simplify pathways to permanent residence for individuals with arranged employment in Ontario

• Help employers retain workers in occupations experiencing labour shortages

• Introduce higher language and education standards to improve nominee quality

• Strengthen program integrity through enhanced compliance measures

• Improve access for employers located in rural and northern Ontario by reducing employer revenue requirements

The second phase of the redesign is expected to introduce additional changes in the future.

Eight OINP Streams Have Been Closed

One of the most significant changes is the closure of all existing OINP streams.

The following streams are now closed:

• 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 new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) can be submitted under these streams.

Applications that were already submitted after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will continue to be processed under the rules that existed when they were submitted.

A New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

Ontario has replaced the previous streams with a single framework called the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

The new stream is expected to open later in the summer of 2026, when Ontario reopens its EOI system.

Unlike the previous structure, this stream includes separate pathways based primarily on the occupation's TEER level.

These include:

• TEER 0–3 occupations

• TEER 4–5 occupations

• Self-employed physicians

TEER 0–3 Pathway

This pathway targets workers with a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation.

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements, including work experience, language ability and education.

Work Experience

Applicants must satisfy one of the following:

• Six consecutive months of employment during the previous 12 months with the employer making the job offer

• Recent Ontario graduates may qualify with only three consecutive months of employment with the employer during the previous 12 months

• Two years of cumulative experience during the previous five years in the occupation listed in the job offer

Applicants working in regulated occupations that require licensing are exempt from the work experience requirement.

Language

Applicants generally require CLB 6, although Ontario has indicated that certain occupations may qualify with CLB 5.

Education

Applicants must possess a post-secondary diploma or degree.

Ontario has also noted that certain occupations may have alternative eligibility requirements under the regulations.

TEER 4–5 Pathway

The new program also creates a pathway for workers in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations.

Minimum requirements include:

Work Experience

• Nine months of cumulative work experience during the previous two years

• The experience must be with the employer offering the permanent full-time position

Language

• Minimum CLB 4

Education

• Canadian secondary school diploma or an equivalent foreign credential

This pathway significantly broadens opportunities for workers in occupations that previously had more limited nomination options.

Self-Employed Physicians

Ontario has also introduced a dedicated pathway for self-employed physicians.

Unlike the other pathways, physicians are not required to have a job offer.

Instead, they must demonstrate that they:

• Are members in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)

• Hold an eligible certificate of registration (Independent, Academic or Provisional class)

• Are eligible to bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

This change recognizes the unique employment structure of many physicians practising in Ontario.

Lower Revenue Requirements for Rural Employers

Ontario has also made the program more accessible for employers located in rural communities.

Employers operating in census divisions with populations under 150,000 will benefit from lower minimum annual revenue requirements.

This change is intended to improve access to provincial nomination for employers facing persistent labour shortages outside major urban centres.

What Happens to Existing EOIs?

Many candidates currently have an active Expression of Interest registered under one of the former streams.

Ontario has confirmed that:

• The EOI system is currently closed

• No further invitations will be issued under the former streams

• All existing EOIs that did not receive an invitation will be automatically withdrawn

• Affected candidates, employers and representatives will receive direct notification

Once the new EOI system opens, eligible candidates will need to submit a brand-new Expression of Interest under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

What Employers Need to Know

Employers who previously registered in the Employer Portal do not need to create a new employer account.

However, once the portal reopens, employers will need to:

• Submit a new job offer

• Submit a new Application for Approval of an Employment Position

• Initiate a new Expression of Interest for the applicant

Existing job offers registered under the previous streams cannot be transferred into the new system.

What Applicants Should Do Now

If you currently have an application already submitted under one of the former streams, no action is required unless Ontario contacts you.

If you had only registered an Expression of Interest, you should expect it to be withdrawn automatically. Once Ontario reopens the EOI system later this summer, you may register a new EOI if you meet the requirements of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

Applicants should also review the new language, education and work experience requirements carefully, as these differ significantly from the previous program.

Final Thoughts

Ontario's June 2026 redesign represents one of the largest structural changes in the history of the OINP.

Rather than maintaining multiple independent immigration streams, Ontario is moving toward a unified system centred on employer-supported permanent residence through the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

While many details of the new system are now available, the Expression of Interest system has not yet reopened, and additional guidance is expected as Ontario proceeds with Phase 2 of the redesign.

For employers and foreign workers planning to immigrate through Ontario, understanding these new requirements early will be essential to preparing a successful application once the new system becomes operational.

Need Help Determining Your Eligibility?

The recent OINP changes have introduced an entirely new framework, with different eligibility requirements, work experience criteria, language benchmarks, and employer obligations. Understanding which pathway is best for your situation can be challenging, especially while the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is being implemented.

At Immigrative Visa Services Inc., we can help you navigate these changes with professional guidance tailored to your circumstances. Our services include:

• Initial Immigration Consultation – Receive personalized advice on your immigration options and determine whether the OINP or another pathway is the best fit for your goals.

• Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR-to-PR) Planning – We develop a customized immigration strategy designed to maximize your chances of obtaining permanent residence, taking into account your work experience, education, language ability, and long-term objectives.

Whether you are an international worker, a recent graduate, an employer looking to retain valuable employees, or someone planning your immigration journey to Ontario, our team is here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.

Book a consultation with Immigrative today and let us help you build the right pathway toward permanent residence in Canada.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) update published on June 26, 2026. Immigration policies and procedures may change over time. Applicants should always consult the official OINP resources or seek professional immigration advice before making decisions regarding their immigration plans.