Ontario Provincial Nominee Program
How the redesigned Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program works in 2026 — the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, job offer rules and what changed, explained by a licensed RCIC.
Ontario redesigned its nominee program in June 2026. The eight old streams, including Human Capital Priorities and the Masters and PhD graduate streams, were replaced. The first new stream, Ontario Workforce Priority, opened to expressions of interest in August 2026 and is built around a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer, with pathways for TEER 0–3 jobs, TEER 4–5 jobs and self-employed physicians. Ontario has said three more streams will follow later in 2026.
Key facts
| Program | Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) |
|---|---|
| Main stream families | Ontario Workforce Priority (TEER 0–3, TEER 4–5, self-employed physician); further streams announced but not yet open |
| Job offer | Required for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream (permanent, full-time Ontario job offer) |
| Express Entry link | The redesigned program no longer runs the former Express Entry-linked streams; check ontario.ca for any new stream announcements |
| Redesign in force | 26 June 2026 |
| Expressions of interest | Opened for Ontario Workforce Priority in August 2026 |
| Current criteria and intake | Verify on the official OINP website before applying |
Who may qualify?
- Workers with a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer
- Applicants in TEER 0–3 occupations who meet the work, education and language minimums
- Applicants in TEER 4–5 occupations under the separate pathway
- Eligible self-employed physicians
Eligibility requirements
- Meeting the eligibility criteria of the specific stream you apply under
- Approved language test results at the minimum level that stream requires
- An educational credential assessment where the stream requires foreign education to be assessed
- Proof of settlement funds where the stream requires it
- Genuine intention to live and work in the nominating province or territory
How it works: step by step
- 1
Confirm your NOC and TEER
Provincial streams are built around National Occupational Classification codes, so confirm the code that matches your actual duties before anything else.
- 2
Check the current stream criteria
Open the official provincial page and confirm the stream is accepting applications and that you meet its current criteria.
- 3
Register or submit an expression of interest
Most jurisdictions ask you to register a profile first and issue invitations from that pool.
- 4
Apply for nomination
Submit the provincial application with supporting documents within the deadline stated in your invitation.
- 5
Apply to IRCC for permanent residence
A nomination is not permanent residence. You then file a federal PR application — through Express Entry if the stream is enhanced, or on paper if it is a base stream.
Expert insight
The redesign shifts Ontario firmly toward employer-backed applications. If you were waiting for a Human Capital Priorities notification, that route is gone, so the practical question now is whether you have, or can realistically get, a qualifying Ontario job offer.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.