OINP - Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

Updated October 6, 2026 — source: Government of Ontario.

What is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

This is a provincial nomination stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), designed for workers with eligible job offers and independent physicians who meet specific criteria. The Expression of Interest (EOI) portal opened on August 4, 2026. Older OINP streams are now closed.

The three branches of the program

1. Job offer in TEER 0–3

Experience can be demonstrated through one of the following options: 6 months of continuous work in the offered position within the last 12 months; 3 months for eligible recent Ontario graduates; 2 years of cumulative experience in the past 5 years in an eligible occupation; or a mandatory license/certification if required by regulation. Specific exceptions apply, including for truck and passenger transport drivers.

Generally, CLB 6 is required; occupations on the skilled trades list require CLB 5. Recent Ontario graduates with a qualifying degree or diploma from the last 3 years may be exempt from the language test requirement based on program criteria.

2. Job offer in TEER 4–5

Requires at least 9 months of paid experience in the offered position within the last 2 years, CLB 4 in all four language competencies, and a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.

3. Independent physicians

Eligible physicians may apply without a job offer. They must meet the registration requirements with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), possess the appropriate certification, and satisfy the conditions for billing under OHIP.

Education and professional licensing

The TEER 0–3 stream typically requires a post-secondary degree/diploma of at least one year; for occupations on the skilled trades list, a high school diploma may be acceptable. Some occupations have specific requirements, such as Nurse aides (NOC 33102). Mandatory professional licenses may be used according to specified regulations. Foreign credentials must be verified via an ECA to confirm equivalency at the time of application.

Applicants must intend to reside in Ontario, hold legal status if applying from within Canada, and possess a valid professional license if the job requires it. Applicants must verify all criteria for their specific stream, not just experience and language proficiency.

Requirements for employers and job offers

For streams involving job offers, employers must create a profile in the Employer Portal. The job offer must meet full-time, permanent employment and prevailing wage requirements. The employer must also meet criteria regarding business activity, revenue, personnel, and legal compliance. The OINP must approve the position before a nomination can be issued to the applicant.

Application process

1. Evaluate the appropriate stream and the eligibility of the applicant and employer.
2. The employer creates a job offer in the Employer Portal; the applicant uses the job offer ID to register an EOI within the applicable timeframe. Independent physicians follow a separate process.
3. Wait for an invitation. Once invited, the applicant and employer must submit the application by the deadline.
4. If nominated, submit a permanent residence application to the IRCC. The federal government makes the final decision on PR.

The TEER 0–3 and independent physician streams may opt for nomination via Express Entry if federal conditions are met and a valid Express Entry profile is maintained. There are also PR pathways outside of Express Entry. Registering an EOI or having a job offer does not guarantee an invitation, nomination, or the granting of PR.

KeyApply Services

Choosing “Submit Profile Evaluation” — 0 CAD is the step to request contact, not the total immigration service fee. Fees are quoted separately based on the scope of work; taxes, government fees, and third-party costs are determined in the quote/contract.

KeyApply assists with document coordination and connects you with an RCIC or lawyer responsible for consulting, assessment, and immigration representation. Clients can call, email, or send a message via the website KeyApply.com.

Official sources

• Ontario Workforce Priority stream — branch-specific eligibility
• Ontario Regulation 422/17
• OINP Employer Guide
• OINP Application Process
• OINP Program Updates 2026

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