ONTARIO IMMIGRANT NOMINEE PROGRAM (OINP)
Build Your Career and Future in Ontario
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) allows the Province of Ontario to nominate skilled workers, graduates, entrepreneurs, and business investors who have the ability to contribute to the province’s economic growth and labour market needs. As Canada’s largest economic hub, Ontario provides strong employment opportunities, diverse industries, and long-term settlement potential.
OINP operates through several categories that target applicants with job offers, international education credentials, entrepreneurial experience, or strong human capital factors. Many streams are aligned with the federal Express Entry system, while others offer employer-driven or business investment pathways.
ONTARIO WORKFORCE PRIORITY STREAM
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is the province’s newest workforce and employer-driven pathway, replacing eight former OINP streams, including the Employer Job Offer, graduate and Express Entry streams as part of the 2026 OINP program updates. It is designed for internationally trained workers across TEER 0 to TEER 5 occupations who hold a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. This streamlined stream consolidates Ontario’s labour market pathways into a single, more responsive route that reflects current workforce needs across skilled, technical, and essential occupations.
Program Advantages
- Covers the full occupational spectrum, from management and professional roles (TEER 0-3) to essential and support occupations (TEER 4-5)
- Allows eligible recent Ontario graduates applying through the TEER 0–3 pathway to qualify with three months of consecutive work experience in the offered position.
- Offers a no-job-offer pathway for self-employed physicians billing through OHIP
- Applies lower gross annual revenue thresholds for employers located in rural communities
Who Should Consider This Pathway
- Skilled foreign workers with a full-time, permanent job offer in a TEER 0-3 occupation
- Recent graduates of Ontario post-secondary institutions transitioning into permanent employment
- Workers in TEER 4-5 occupations supporting Ontario’s essential industries
- Licensed self-employed physicians seeking permanent residence without an employer sponsor
By combining flexible eligibility criteria with broad occupational coverage, the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream connects employers facing labour shortages with the international talent needed to fill them, while giving candidates across all skill levels a clear route to permanent residence. The Ontario Workforce Priority stream has been established, but its new Expression of Interest system is not yet open. Ontario expects registration to begin later in summer 2026.
This pathway targets skilled internationally trained workers in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations with a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario. Applicants generally need at least 6 months of consecutive work experience in the job offer position within the last 12 months (3 months for recent Ontario graduates), or 2 years of cumulative experience in the same NOC occupation within the last 5 years. A language level of CLB 6 (CLB 5 for select occupations) and a post-secondary degree or diploma are also required. Licensed applicants are exempt from the work experience requirement.
This pathway is open to workers in TEER 4-5 occupations with a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario. Eligible candidates need at least 9 months of cumulative work experience in the job offer position within the last 2 years, a CLB 4 language level, and a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.
This pathway allows self-employed physicians to qualify without a job offer. Candidates must be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, hold a valid certificate of registration (independent, academic, or provisional class), and be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
OINP ENTREPRENEUR STREAM – Coming soon in 2026
The Ontario Entrepreneur Stream is designed for experienced business owners and senior executives who want to invest in or launch a business in Ontario while working toward Canadian permanent residence. This performance-based immigration pathway allows entrepreneurs to establish and actively manage a qualifying business that supports Ontario’s economic growth.
Program Advantages
• Provides a structured pathway from business investment to permanent residence
• Access to Ontario’s strong economy and international business network
• Supports business expansion across multiple high-growth industries
• Encourages long-term business and community integration
Who Should Consider This Pathway
• Experienced entrepreneurs and business investors
• Senior executives planning to establish or acquire a business in Ontario
• Applicants interested in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, retail, professional services, or innovation industries
• Business leaders seeking Canadian expansion and long-term settlement
Pathway to Permanent Residence
Applicants must successfully establish and actively manage their business while meeting agreed investment and job creation commitments. Once performance targets are achieved, candidates may qualify for provincial nomination, allowing them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
WHY CHOOSE ONIP NOW?
Ontario remains Canada’s largest labour market and one of the most diverse economic environments in North America. OINP provides structured immigration pathways for professionals, graduates, and skilled workers seeking long-term settlement and career development in Canada.
With strong employer demand, Express Entry alignment, and targeted labour market recruitment strategies, OINP continues to be one of the most competitive and reliable provincial immigration programs for candidates seeking Canadian permanent residence.
CONTACT US
Immigration applications can be complex and require careful preparation. Our team provides expert guidance from eligibility assessment through submission, helping ensure accurate, well-documented applications and a stronger path forward.