Ontario
Ontario has publicly launched its Expression of Interest (EOI) intake for its new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
On August 4, 2026, the EOI portal opened, and eligible foreign workers and self-employed physicians were able to submit their interest in applying for provincial nomination. The new stream is part of the first phase of a major overhaul of the OINP, which is designed to make employer-driven immigration simpler and better match the program to the province’s labor market demands.
Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Now Open
| Category | Details |
| Intake Opened | August 4, 2026 |
| Program | Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) |
| Provincial Program | Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) |
| Registration Method | Expression of Interest (EOI) |
| Status | Open |
Candidates who meet the program requirements may now register an Expression of Interest. For applicants who have received a job offer, it starts with the employer providing the necessary information thru the OINP Employer Portal.
What is Ontario’s Workforce Priority Stream?
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is a new immigration stream under the OINP for skilled foreign workers with job offers in any National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category and is a pathway to permanent residency. The stream is also open to eligible self-employed physicians who meet program requirements.
The stream was announced as part of Phase 1 of Ontario’s OINP redesign, which eliminated the eight previous immigration streams and created one Workforce Priority Stream with multiple pathways. The province says the redesign is intended to:
- Make it easier for employers to hire workers.
- Support companies to retain talent in difficult-to-fill jobs.
- Revise language and education requirements.
- Improving access for employers in rural and Northern Ontario.
- Enhance program integrity.
3 Pathways under the Workforce Priority Stream
There are three pathways to the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream:
Higher-Skilled Laborer
For qualified applicants with approved job offers in higher-skilled occupations.
Lower-Skilled Laborer
For eligible candidates who have received a qualifying job offer in an occupation that supports Ontario’s labor market needs.
Physicians (Self-employed)
A dedicated path for eligible self-employed physicians licensed to practice in Ontario. Unlike most applicants, qualified self-employed physicians can be accepted without an employment offer if they fulfill the specific qualification requirements of the program.
What the New Application Process Looks Like
If you have a job offer, the application process has several steps:
- The employer registers in the OINP Employer Portal.
- The employer is seeking approval for the position of employment.
- The applicant is provided with a Job Offer ID.
- The applicant registers an Expression of Interest in the prescribed period.
- Ontario uses its EOI scoring system to rank eligible candidates.
- Successful candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
If the applicant receives a nomination from Ontario, they can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria are different for each pathway and employment position. Most applicants with a job offer need to:
You have an employer who has applied for approval of the position to be filled.
- Accept an Invitation to Apply.
- Meet the relevant work experience criteria.
- Meet language requirements
- Educational Requirements.
- Possess any required licence or professional authorization for the occupation.
- Demonstrate a plan to live and work in Ontario.
Other employer requirements must be satisfied for a nomination to be approved.
Scoring of Expression of Interest
When an applicant submits an Expression of Interest, Ontario assigns a score based on criteria published by the province.
The scoring system takes into account employment and labor market factors as well as human capital factors. Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply must submit supporting documentation for the information in their EOI. Ontario conducts invitation rounds based on provincial priorities, so a high score does not guaranty an invitation.
How This Affects Immigration Candidates
The launch of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is an important milestone for Ontario’s new immigration system.
The new EOI system allows foreign workers with eligible job offers and eligible self-employed physicians to start the provincial nomination process. With Ontario continuing to launch the revamped OINP, more invitation rounds are anticipated, depending on the labor market priorities of the province.
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Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration programs, processing times, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change without notice. Readers should consult official Government of Canada resources or seek professional immigration advice before making any immigration decisions.
