Ontario's New Workforce Priority Stream is Now Open: Eligibility, Points System and How to Apply

Ontario has officially opened applications for its new Workforce Priority Stream, marking one of the biggest changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in recent years. As of August 4, 2026, eligible employers can register qualifying positions through the OINP Employer Portal, and eligible foreign workers can now submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be considered for provincial nomination.

When Ontario first announced this new pathway in June, many details, including the application process and the EOI scoring system, had not yet been released. Now that the stream is officially open, applicants finally have a clear understanding of how the program works and how they will be ranked.

In this blog, we'll explain who can apply, how the process works, and what factors can improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

What is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is a new employer-driven permanent residence pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

It replaces several former Employer Job Offer streams and is designed to help Ontario employers recruit and retain workers who have the skills needed to address labour shortages across the province. Rather than having separate streams for international students, foreign workers, and in-demand occupations, Ontario has introduced a more streamlined system that ranks candidates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) points system.

Who can apply?

The stream is intended for foreign nationals who have a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer and who intend to live and work permanently in Ontario.

Depending on the occupation, applicants generally need to meet requirements related to:

• A qualifying permanent full-time job offer

• Relevant work experience (or qualifying Canadian education where applicable)

• Language proficiency

• Educational credentials

• Licensing or registration, if the occupation is regulated

• Legal status in Canada (if applying from within Canada)

Ontario has also created a separate pathway for certain self-employed physicians who meet the province's licensing requirements.

How does the application process work?

Unlike Express Entry, applicants cannot begin the process on their own. The employer plays the first and most important role.

The process generally follows these steps:

1. The employer registers the position through the OINP Employer Portal.

2. The employer receives a Job Offer ID.

3. The foreign worker submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) using the Job Offer ID.

4. Ontario ranks all eligible candidates using its published EOI scoring system.

5. Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

6. After approval, Ontario issues a Provincial Nomination, allowing the applicant to apply for permanent residence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Understanding the EOI Points System

Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation.

Ontario uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank candidates. Those with the strongest profiles are invited to apply during future invitation rounds.

Your score is based on several factors, including:

• Occupation (NOC TEER category)

• Occupational field

• Hourly wage

• Ontario work experience

• Previous Canadian earnings

• Legal status in Canada

• Highest level of education

• Canadian educational credentials

• Official language proficiency

• Knowledge of both English and French

• The location of the job within Ontario

This means that two applicants with similar backgrounds may receive very different scores depending on their language ability, work experience, wages, or where they will be working in Ontario.

Which factors have the greatest impact?

Although every point matters, Ontario clearly places the greatest emphasis on applicants who have already established themselves in the province and who are expected to contribute to Ontario's long-term workforce.

Some of the highest-value factors include:

• Strong official language proficiency

• Higher hourly wages

• Ontario work experience

• Canadian employment earnings

• Canadian education

• Working outside the City of Toronto

• Bilingual ability in English and French

The scoring system also rewards applicants who accept employment in Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southwestern Ontario, supporting the province's goal of attracting newcomers beyond the Greater Toronto Area.

How can you improve your score?

If you are planning to apply, there are several ways to become more competitive before registering your Expression of Interest.

You may be able to improve your score by:

• Achieving higher English or French language test results.

• Learning French to qualify for additional language points.

• Gaining more Ontario work experience.

• Completing a Canadian educational credential.

• Securing a higher-paying position where appropriate.

• Considering employment opportunities outside Toronto if they align with your career goals.

Even relatively small improvements across several categories can make a significant difference in your overall ranking.

Important reminder

Receiving a high EOI score does not automatically guarantee an Invitation to Apply.

Ontario conducts invitation rounds based on several factors, including labour market needs, occupational demand, provincial priorities, and available nomination spaces. A strong score simply increases your competitiveness within the pool.

Final Thoughts

The official launch of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is an important milestone for both employers and foreign workers seeking permanent residence in Ontario.

Understanding the points system before submitting an Expression of Interest can help you identify opportunities to strengthen your profile and improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

If you're considering applying through the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, it's important to assess both your eligibility and your competitiveness before your employer registers the position. A strategic approach can make a significant difference in your chances of success.

At Immigrative Visa Services Inc., our RCICs help employers and foreign workers navigate Ontario's immigration programs, from assessing eligibility and maximizing EOI scores to preparing provincial nomination and permanent residence applications.

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws, policies, and program requirements may change without notice, and every case is unique. Before making any immigration decisions or submitting an application, you should seek professional advice based on your individual circumstances.