The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is a new immigration pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that enables eligible foreign workers with a qualifying job offer to pursue permanent residence in Ontario. The stream is open to candidates across a wide range of occupations and skill levels, helping employers address ongoing labour shortages while supporting Ontario’s economic growth. Applicants must first receive employer support, register an Expression of Interest (EOI), and obtain an Invitation to Apply before being considered for provincial nomination.

A notable feature of the stream is its flexibility, with eligibility requirements tailored to different occupation categories based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. The stream also includes provisions for certain self-employed physicians, allowing them to apply without a traditional job offer to help strengthen Ontario’s healthcare workforce. Successful nominees can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence, with the federal government making the final immigration decision.

Main Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must generally demonstrate:

• • Relevant work experience (requirements vary by TEER category).
  • Any required professional licence or authorization.
  • Language proficiency requirements, where applicable.
  • Educational credentials.
  • Legal status in Canada (if applying from within Canada).
  • Intent to live and work in Ontario.

Work Experience Requirements

The stream includes different work experience thresholds depending on the occupation’s TEER classification.

For higher-skilled occupations (TEER 0–3), candidates may qualify through:

• • Recent experience in the offered position,
  • Ontario graduate pathways with reduced experience requirements,
  • Two years of related work experience in the same NOC occupation, or
  • A required professional licence.

Language Requirements

Language requirements vary based on the occupation:

• • TEER 0–3 positions typically require CLB 6 or higher.
  • Certain skilled trades occupations may qualify with CLB 5.
  • TEER 4–5 positions generally require CLB 4.
  • Recent graduates of eligible Ontario institutions may be exempt from language testing requirements in some cases.

Application Process

Step 1: Employer Registration

The employer submits the employment position for approval through the OINP Employer Portal.

Step 2: Expression of Interest

The worker registers an EOI with OINP

Step 3: Invitation to Apply

Selected candidates receive an Invitation to Apply based on Ontario’s selection criteria and EOI scoring system.

Step 4: Provincial Nomination

If approved, the applicant receives an Ontario nomination certificate.

Step 5: Permanent Residence Application

The nominee then applies to IRCC for permanent residence. IRCC makes the final decision on the application.

Quick Facts

• • The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream provides a pathway to permanent residence for eligible foreign workers with a qualifying job offer in Ontario, covering occupations across all NOC TEER categories.
  • Employers play a central role in the process and must register through the OINP Employer Portal and obtain approval for the offered position before a nomination can be granted.
  • Candidates must first register an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) before submitting an application to the program.
  • Work experience, language proficiency, education, and licensing requirements vary depending on the occupation and TEER classification of the job offer.
  • Certain self-employed physicians are eligible to apply without a job offer, supporting Ontario’s efforts to address healthcare workforce shortages.
  • Successful applicants receive a provincial nomination from Ontario and can then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence. Final decisions on permanent residence are made by the federal government.
  • The stream is intended to help Ontario employers fill labour market gaps and attract skilled talent needed to support the province’s long-term economic growth.

Source: Ontario.ca