If you work in a TEER 4 or 5 job in Ontario, you may soon qualify for permanent residence through a new Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) pathway.
TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations generally include entry-level, labour, service, and support jobs that usually require on-the-job training rather than formal post-secondary education.
The province has launched a dedicated stream for entry-level and essential workers, creating new PR opportunities for many occupations that previously had limited provincial immigration options.
What is the new TEER 4 and 5 pathway?
The new pathway replaces Ontario's previous In-Demand Skills stream with a broader employer-driven program. Instead of limiting eligibility to a short list of occupations, the province has indicated that the pathway will expand eligibility beyond the previous occupation list, although invitations will still depend on labour market needs.
Eligible candidates will be selected through Ontario's Expression of Interest (EOI) system, with invitations issued based on the province's labour market needs.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not an application for permanent residence. It is an online profile that Ontario uses to invite eligible candidates based on its labour market priorities.
Not sure whether your occupation may qualify? Try the UmberApp PNP Finder to explore your provincial immigration options.
Who is eligible?
According to Ontario's newly announced framework, applicants must generally have:
- A full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer
- At least 9 months of work experience with that employer in the same position within the last two years
- A minimum CLB 4 language score
- A Canadian high school diploma or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for an equivalent foreign credential
- A wage that meets the program requirements for the position
Key things to know
Before applying, keep these important points in mind:
- You must have legal status in Canada if you are applying from within the country, unless Ontario provides an exemption.
- Your employer must also qualify. The job offer alone is not enough. The employer must meet OINP requirements and complete the province's employer registration process.
- Work experience matters. Applicants generally need at least nine months of paid work experience with the same employer in the same position. Equivalent part-time experience may be accepted if it meets Ontario's requirements.
- You must intend to live and work in Ontario after becoming a permanent resident, as this is a provincial immigration program.
How is it different from the old In-Demand Skills stream?
This pathway is expected to include far more occupations than the old In-Demand Skills stream, but receiving an invitation is not automatic. Ontario will continue selecting candidates through targeted EOI draws, so demand for your occupation will still matter.
Employer registration is another major change under the new system and must be completed before eligible workers can apply.
Learn more about Ontario's immigration pathways in our OINP guide.
How to prepare before the EOI opens
Instead of waiting for registrations to reopen later this summer, eligible workers should prepare now by:
- Confirming their job is classified under TEER 4 or TEER 5.
- Completing an approved language test if they have not already.
- Getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if their education was completed outside Canada.
- Speaking with their employer about the new registration requirements.
Preparing these documents early can help avoid delays once Ontario starts issuing invitations.
What happens next?
The new pathway represents a significant change to Ontario's immigration options for entry-level and essential workers.
It expands PR opportunities beyond a limited occupation list, but success will still depend on targeted draws and employer participation.
If you think you may qualify, now is the time to prepare rather than wait for the EOI system to reopen.
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