Ontario has launched the first phase of a redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, replacing the former stream structure with a new Ontario Workforce Priority stream focused on arranged employment, labour market needs, and workforce shortages.
The changes follow the earlier OINP pause on May 30, 2026. Amendments come into force on June 26, 2026, with the stated goal of better aligning immigration selection with Ontario’s labour market and critical workforce shortages across key sectors.
The redesign is intended to give Ontario more flexibility to target in-demand skills, respond to changing labour needs, and continue supporting the domestic workforce.
Main program changes
The existing eight OINP streams are being removed and replaced with the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Expression of Interest (EOI) system is expected to open later in the summer.
This is the first phase of a two-phase program redesign. The redesign is intended to:
- Streamline permanent residence pathways for individuals with arranged employment in Ontario
- Help employers retain proven talent in hard-to-fill roles
- Introduce new requirements, including higher language and education benchmarks
- Strengthen program integrity
- Improve access for employers in rural and northern communities through more flexible business revenue thresholds
Ontario Workforce Priority stream
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream will include pathways for people with job offers in Ontario.
The source states that the stream will have pathways for job offers in all National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEERs), but also says the pathway targets skilled internationally trained workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations. This point is unclear from the source wording.
The job offer must be full-time and permanent in Ontario.
Minimum eligibility requirements include:
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Work experience: applicants must meet one of the listed experience options:
- Six consecutive months in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer
- For recent Ontario graduates, three consecutive months in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer
- Two years cumulative experience in the last five years in the relevant NOC occupation
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Licensed applicants: exempt from the work experience requirement
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Language: Canadian Language Benchmark CLB 6, or CLB 5 for certain occupations
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Education: minimum post-secondary degree or diploma
What happens to former EOIs
The EOI system is currently closed to new EOIs.
No further invitations will be issued under the former OINP streams. EOIs and job offers registered under the former streams that have not led to an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks while the EOI and application platforms are updated.
Affected registrants, employers, and representatives will receive notice directly.
Practical implications
Candidates and employers who were relying on the former OINP streams need to review the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream requirements before the EOI system reopens.
Eligible candidates may register a new EOI under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream once the system reopens. The key factors to check are the Ontario job offer, NOC/TEER eligibility, work experience route, language benchmark, education level, and any employer-related requirements under the redesigned program.
Source article: newlandchase.com
