Ontario, a province in Canada, has opened applications for its new Workforce Priority Stream, offering eligible foreign workers an innovative route to permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
As of August 4, 2026, eligible foreign nationals can register an Expression of Interest (EOI) via Ontario’s e-Filing Portal, provided they have a qualifying job offer from an approved Ontario employer.
According to information shared by Canada Visa on X, the Workforce Priority Stream features three distinct pathways: one for higher-skilled workers, another for lower-skilled workers, and a third for self-employed physicians registered to practice in Ontario and eligible to bill under the province’s public health insurance plan, OHIP.
To be considered for nomination, applicants must create an EOI linked to a qualifying job offer from an eligible employer through the OINP Employer Portal.
While the Workforce Priority Stream officially launched on June 26, 2026, candidates could not enter the selection pool until the online portal became available this week.
Candidates with active EOIs will be ranked using a points-based system introduced on July 20, 2026, with invitations to apply issued through periodic draws.
Each EOI remains valid for up to 12 months. If a candidate does not receive an invitation within that period, they must submit a new EOI to remain in consideration.
Invited candidates will have 17 calendar days to submit a complete application, and employers will have 14 calendar days to apply for approval of the employment position.
Successful nominees will receive a provincial support letter to apply for a federal work permit while their permanent residence application is processed.
Applicants under the higher-skilled worker and self-employed physician streams may also be eligible for the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program linked to Express Entry, which can expedite permanent residence processing.
The Workforce Priority Stream marks the first new immigration pathway under Ontario’s revamped OINP, following the closure of previous streams on May 30, 2026. The province plans to introduce additional pathways—including a Priority Healthcare Worker Stream, an Entrepreneur Stream, and an Exceptional Talent Stream—during the second phase of the program’s modernization.
