Ontario's new Workforce Priority stream opened for Expressions of Interest on August 4, 2026, replacing several older OINP streams.
What happened
On August 4, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) opened its Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The regulation creating the stream took effect on June 25, 2026, and the OINP stopped accepting new EOIs on June 26. The new stream replaces several former streams, including the Employer Job Offer streams, the Masters and PhD Graduate streams and the Express Entry-linked streams.
Key requirements
There are three routes. For TEER 0 to 3 jobs: a full-time, permanent Ontario job offer; usually six consecutive months in the position within the past 12 months (three months for recent Ontario graduates) or two years of cumulative experience in the occupation within five years; CLB 6 (CLB 5 for listed trades); and a post-secondary credential of at least one year. For TEER 4 and 5 jobs: nine months of cumulative full-time experience in the position within two years, CLB 4 and a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent. Self-employed physicians need no job offer but must be registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and eligible to bill OHIP.
EOIs are scored on factors such as TEER level, hourly wage, Ontario work experience, language, a second official language, education and region. Northern Ontario receives the most regional points; Toronto receives none.
Who is affected
EOIs under the closed streams that had not received an invitation were withdrawn, so candidates who still qualify must register again. Applications already submitted after an invitation are assessed under the rules in place when they were filed. No date or score has been announced for the first invitations.
Key points
- The EOI system opened on August 4, 2026
- Old EOIs without an invitation were withdrawn; re-register if eligible
- Most routes require a full-time, permanent Ontario job offer
- First draw date and cut-off scores have not been announced
Sources
Based on official information available at the time of the announcement. General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often; IRCC and provincial websites prevail.