Further to the earlier pause to the OINP on May 30, 2026, the Ontario program as issued amendments that come into force on June 26, 2026, with the aim to better align immigration with labour market needs and addressing critical workforce shortages across key sectors of the economy.
The new structure will also give the province greater flexibility to target in-demand skills and respond to evolving labour market needs while continuing to support and strengthen Ontario’s domestic workforce.
The changes include removing the existing 8 streams and introducing the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Expression of Interest (EOI) system is anticipated to open later in the summer.
This represents the first of a 2-phase program redesign that will:
- Streamline pathways to permanent residence for individuals with arranged employment in Ontario
- Help employers retain proven talent in hard-to-fill roles
- Introduce new program requirements, including elevated language and education benchmarks, to enhance the calibre of nominees supported by the province and strengthen program integrity
- Improve access for employers in rural and northern communities by creating more flexible business revenue thresholds
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream will have pathways for individuals with job offers in all National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEERs). This pathway targets skilled internationally trained workers in all TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations with a full-time and permanent job offer in Ontario. Minimum eligibility requirements include:
- Work experience: applicants must demonstrate one of the following:
- Six months consecutive in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer
- For recent Ontario graduates, 3 months consecutive in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer
- Two years cumulative in the last 5 years in the NOC occupation
- Licenced applicants are exempt from this requirement.
- Language requirement: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6, CLB 5 for certain occupations
- Minimum education: post-secondary degree or diploma
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system is now closed to new EOIs. No further invitations will be issued under the former program streams. 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job offers registered under the former streams that have not resulted in an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks while the EOI and application platforms are updated. Affected registrants, employers and representatives will receive a notice directly.
Candidates and employers are invited to familiarize themselves with the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream and its requirements. Eligible candidates may register a new EOI under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream once the EOI system reopens.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For case-specific guidance or further information, please contact Newland Chase directly.
