OINP: The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

Ontario Workforce Priority Stream at a glance

• What it is: Ontario’s only active OINP stream since June 25, 2026. It replaced the 8 former OINP streams.
• Who it is for: workers with a full-time, permanent Ontario job offer in any TEER (0 to 5), and self-employed physicians without a job offer.
• How selection works: you register an EOI, Ontario scores it, and the highest-ranked profiles can be invited to apply.
• Maximum score: 132 points (TEER 0 or 1 job offer). Lower ceilings apply to other pathways.
• EOI portal: open since August 4, 2026.
• Draws so far: none published under this stream as of October 8, 2026.
• After nomination: you apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months. TEER 0 to 3 nominees can choose Express Entry and get 600 extra CRS points.

What Do You Need To Qualify For The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

Requirements differ depending on your NOC TEER level.

TEER 0–3 (Skilled Workers)

• A full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario
• Work experience: one of the following:
  • 6 months consecutive in the last 12 months in the job offer role with the same employer
  • 3 months consecutive in the last 12 months (for recent Ontario graduates)
  • 2 years cumulative in the last 5 years in the same NOC occupation
  • Licensed applicants are exempt from the work experience requirement
• Language: CLB 6 (CLB 5 for certain occupations)
• Education: post-secondary degree or diploma

TEER 4–5 (Lower-Skilled Workers)

• A full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario
• Work experience: 9 months cumulative in the last 2 years in the job offer position with the same employer
• Language: CLB 4
• Education: Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent

Self-Employed Physicians (no job offer required)

• Active membership in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
• Valid certificate of registration in an eligible class: independent, academic, or provisional
• Eligibility to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

What happened to the old OINP streams?

All eight previous OINP streams have been closed as of June 26, 2026.

The closed streams are:

1. Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
2. Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
3. Employer Job Offer: International Student
4. Master’s Graduate
5. PhD Graduate
6. Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
7. Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker
8. Express Entry Skilled Trades.

No further invitations will be issued under any of these streams.

FAQs about Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

I already registered an EOI under a former stream. What happens to it?

EOIs and job offers registered under the former streams that have not resulted in an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks while the platforms are updated. You will receive a direct notice when this happens.

Once the new EOI system reopens, eligible candidates can register a new EOI under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

I already received an invitation to apply under a former stream. Is my application still valid?

Yes. Applications submitted following an invitation under a former stream will continue to be assessed against the eligibility requirements that were in effect when the application was submitted.

Does my employer need to re-register to use the new stream?

Employers who previously registered in the employer portal do not need to register again. However, once the Employer Portal reopens, they will need to submit a new job offer and a new application for approval of an employment position to initiate a new EOI for a candidate under the new stream.

Are there special rules for employers in rural or northern Ontario?

Yes. Lower gross annual revenue requirements apply to employers located in a rural community, defined as a community in a census division with a population of less than 150,000.

Do I need a job offer for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

Yes, unless you are a self-employed physician. Your employer must register with the OINP and submit your job offer first. You then have 30 calendar days to register your EOI.

Can I apply if I live outside Canada?

Yes, if you have a qualifying Ontario job offer and meet the stream requirements. You will not score points for legal status in Canada or Ontario work experience, so your score may be lower.

Which language tests does the OINP accept?

For English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General and PTE Core. For French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada. IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and One Skill Retake results are not accepted. Your test must be less than 2 years old when you apply.

Do recent Ontario graduates need a language test?

Not for TEER 0 to 3 job offers. If you graduated from an eligible Ontario institution in the last 3 years with a qualifying credential, you can skip the test to meet eligibility. You will not get language points without a test result.

Do I need to update my EOI for the October 2026 earnings change?

No. Ontario applied the change automatically to all existing EOIs. You do not need to log in to the e-Filing Portal.

What happens if I am invited to apply?

Your employer has 14 calendar days to submit its application. You have 17 calendar days to submit yours and pay the fee, but only after your employer has submitted.

What happens after I am nominated?

You must apply to IRCC for permanent residence within 6 months. If your job offer is in TEER 0 to 3, or you are a self-employed physician, you can choose Express Entry and receive 600 extra CRS points.

Get Help With Your Ontario Application

Do you need assistance in preparing an application for Canadian permanent residence? If so, view our Book an Immigration Consultant page to see Moving2Canada’s list of recommended, accredited representatives who can assist you in your goals.