Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Overhaul 2026: Introduction of New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Replaces Eight Previous Streams
- Xavi
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
Toronto, 28 June 2026 — The Ontario government has officially launched the first phase of a comprehensive redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), replacing the previous eight streams with a streamlined Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
The changes, which came into effect on June 26, 2026, aim to make the program more responsive to labour market needs, simplify pathways for skilled workers with job offers, and strengthen program integrity.
Key Changes in the 2026 OINP Redesign (Phase 1)
New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream: This single stream now serves as the main pathway for most employer-driven and skilled worker nominations.
Closed Streams: The following streams are now closed to new applications:
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
Employer Job Offer: International Student
Master’s Graduate
PhD Graduate
Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
Express Entry French-speaking Skilled Worker
Express Entry Skilled Trades
Expression of Interest (EOI) System: The old EOI system is closed to new registrations. Existing EOIs that have not resulted in invitations will be withdrawn. The new EOI system for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream is expected to open later in summer 2026.
Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Pathways
TEER 0-3 Pathway (Skilled Occupations)
Targets internationally trained workers with full-time, permanent job offers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations.
Work Experience Requirements:
6 months consecutive with the job offer employer (or 3 months for recent Ontario graduates)
Or 2 years cumulative in the last 5 years in the same NOC occupation
Language: CLB 6 (CLB 5 for certain occupations)
Education: Post-secondary degree or diploma
Licensed professionals may be exempt from some experience requirements.
TEER 4-5 Pathway (Lower-Skilled Occupations)
For workers in TEER 4-5 occupations with full-time, permanent job offers.
Work Experience: 9 months cumulative in the last 2 years with the job offer employer.
Language: CLB 4
Education: Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.
Self-Employed Physicians Pathway
No job offer required.
Must be in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and eligible to bill OHIP.
Rural & Northern Flexibility
Lower gross annual revenue thresholds for employers in rural communities (census divisions with population under 150,000).
Enhanced Program Integrity Measures
The redesign also introduces stronger compliance tools:
Reduced response time for Notices of Intent to Issue Administrative Monetary Penalties or Bans (from 60 to 30 days).
Notices can be delivered by email, mail, or in person, with deemed delivery rules.
These changes are part of ongoing efforts to combat fraud and ensure only genuine candidates and employers benefit from the program.
What This Means for Candidates and Employers
For Candidates:
Previously registered EOIs under old streams will be withdrawn.
New EOIs can be submitted once the updated system reopens later this summer.
Focus on meeting the new language, education, and work experience criteria.
For Employers:
Must submit new job offers and employment position approvals under the new stream.
Previous employer portal registrations remain valid, but new job offers are required.
Rural and northern employers benefit from more flexible revenue thresholds.
Applications already submitted under old streams (following an invitation) will continue to be assessed under the previous eligibility rules.
Future Updates (Phase 2)
The government has indicated this is only Phase 1 of the OINP redesign. Further changes are expected to further streamline pathways and improve alignment with Ontario’s labour market needs.
FAQ – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign 2026
Q1: When did the OINP redesign come into effect?
A: The regulatory changes took effect on June 26, 2026.
Q2: Which old OINP streams are now closed?
A: All eight previous streams (Foreign Worker, In-Demand Skills, International Student, Master’s Graduate, PhD Graduate, Human Capital Priorities, French-speaking Skilled Worker, and Skilled Trades) are closed to new applications.
Q3: Can I still use my old EOI?
A: No. Unsuccessful EOIs from the old system will be automatically withdrawn. You will need to register a new EOI under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream when the system reopens.
Q4: What is the Ontario Workforce Priority stream?
A: It is the new main stream with pathways for TEER 0-3, TEER 4-5, and self-employed physicians. It focuses on candidates with job offers in Ontario.
Q5: What are the language requirements for the new stream?
A: CLB 6 for TEER 0-3 (CLB 5 for some occupations) and CLB 4 for TEER 4-5.
Q6: Do rural employers have different requirements?
A: Yes. Lower gross annual revenue thresholds apply for employers in communities with populations under 150,000.
Q7: What happens to applications already submitted under old streams?
A: They will continue to be processed under the old eligibility rules if an invitation had been issued.
Q8: When will the new EOI system open?
A: Later in summer 2026. Exact date to be announced.
Q9: Can self-employed physicians apply without a job offer?
A: Yes, under a dedicated pathway if they meet College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario requirements and can bill OHIP.
Q10: How does this affect Express Entry candidates?
A: The Express Entry-linked streams are closed. Candidates should explore the new Workforce Priority stream or other federal pathways.
Q11: Will there be more changes in Phase 2?
A: Yes. The government has indicated further streamlining and improvements are coming.
Q12: Where can I find the full regulatory amendments?
A: Ontario Regulation 422/17 amendments are available on Ontario’s e-Laws website.
Q13: Do I need to re-register as an employer?
A: No. Existing employer portal registrations remain valid, but new job offers must be submitted under the new stream.
Q14: What are the consequences of non-compliance?
A: Stronger penalties, including Administrative Monetary Penalties and bans, with faster response times.
Q15: Who should I contact for questions?
A: Refer to the official OINP website or consult a regulated immigration consultant.
For the latest Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program updates, OINP Workforce Priority Stream details, Express Entry changes, and 2026 Canada PR news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/canada
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