Ontario Closes 8 OINP Streams, Launches Workforce Priority Stream

Ontario has launched a new Workforce Priority Stream after closing eight Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) immigration pathways.

The changes took effect on June 26, 2026. They affect foreign workers, international graduates, and employers planning to apply for permanent residence through Ontario.

These reforms change who can qualify for provincial nomination, introduce new eligibility rules, and temporarily pause new Expression of Interest registrations while Ontario rolls out the redesigned system.

Ontario Replaces Eight OINP Streams With One New Pathway

The Ontario government has retired eight immigration streams, including Employer Job Offer, Master's Graduate, PhD Graduate, and several Express Entry-linked categories.

The eight streams that have closed are:

Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Master's Graduate Stream
PhD Graduate Stream
Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream
Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

The province is replacing them with a new Workforce Priority Stream designed around one central requirement: a qualifying Ontario job offer.

Unlike the previous system, the new stream covers occupations across TEER 0 to 5, making both skilled and many entry-level jobs eligible under one framework. Ontario has also introduced a dedicated pathway for self-employed physicians, allowing eligible doctors to qualify without a traditional employer-sponsored job offer.

Not sure whether Ontario is the right provincial pathway for you? Try the UmberApp PNP Finder to explore your options.

Why Did Ontario Make This Change?

Ontario says the new immigration system is designed to better match workers with labour market needs while making the OINP easier to manage. By replacing multiple streams with a single Workforce Priority Stream, Ontario aims to simplify the program while giving employers more flexibility to hire workers across a wider range of occupations.

The changes also support Ontario's goal of directing more immigration to rural and northern communities, where labour shortages remain more severe than in many larger cities.

What Happens to Existing OINP Applications?

Applicants with an existing profile should not assume their application has been cancelled. According to Ontario's transition plan:

Existing provincial nominations remain valid.
Applications already submitted continue under the previous rules.
Applicants who already received an Invitation to Apply will continue under the old streams.
Existing EOIs that have not received an invitation will gradually be withdrawn.
New EOI registrations are temporarily closed.

When Will Ontario's New EOI System Reopen?

Ontario has not announced an exact reopening date. The province has only said the redesigned Expression of Interest system is expected to reopen later in summer 2026 after the first phase of implementation is complete.

Until then, candidates should prepare their documents and monitor official OINP announcements before creating a new profile.

New Eligibility Requirements

TEER 0 to 3 occupations

A full-time permanent Ontario job offer.
Qualifying work experience through one of several accepted pathways.
Minimum language proficiency of CLB 6 for most occupations.
A post-secondary degree or diploma.

For TEER 4 and 5 occupations

A full-time permanent Ontario job offer.
Nine months of work experience with the employer within the last two years.
Minimum CLB 4 language proficiency.
A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
Wages that meet the provincial median for the occupation.

Licensed workers in certain regulated occupations may qualify for exemptions from some work experience requirements.

More Opportunities Outside Major Cities

Ontario's new immigration system streamlines employer hiring through a single Workforce Priority Stream instead of multiple Employer Job Offer streams.

The province has also eased certain employer requirements in rural and northern communities, making it easier for some smaller businesses to participate in the program.

At the same time, Ontario has tightened compliance rules. Some response deadlines have been cut from 60 days to 30 days, and official notices may now be delivered in more ways, so applicants and employers should monitor their OINP accounts closely.

Learn more about Ontario's Provincial Nominee Program on our OINP guide.

What Applicants Should Do Next

Anyone planning to immigrate through Ontario should review the new eligibility criteria before the EOI system reopens.

Those planning to apply should prepare language test results, education assessments, and employment documents in advance, while employers should be ready to submit new job offers once the updated application portal becomes available.