OINP Ontario Workforce Priority stream

What is this program?

The Ontario Workforce Priority stream is Ontario's single nomination stream, introduced in the province's 2026 redesign (it replaced the former 8 OINP streams). It is for people with a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer in any skill level (NOC TEER 0 to 5), and for self-employed physicians, who can apply without a job offer. Your employer starts the process through Ontario's employer portal; you then register an expression of interest and wait for an invitation.

Who is it for?

• You have a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer (any TEER category)
• You have recent work experience in the offered occupation (how much depends on the job's TEER level)
• You meet the language level for your job's TEER category (CLB 6, 5, or 4)
• You have the education the stream asks for your job's TEER category
• Or: you are a self-employed physician with an OHIP billing number and a CPSO certificate

What does it lead to?

Provincial nomination, then permanent residence through a separate federal application. TEER 0-3 applicants (and physicians) can choose to be nominated through Express Entry, which adds 600 points to their CRS score.

Primary requirements

• Employer-initiated: your employer must register and have the employment position approved (3+ years in business, Ontario premises, revenue and staffing thresholds, required wage for the region).
• Job offer: full-time and permanent, in Ontario, any NOC TEER category (0-5).
• Work experience for TEER 0-3 offers: 6 months of consecutive full-time work in the offered position within the last 12 months (3 months for recent eligible-Ontario graduates), OR 2 years of cumulative full-time work in the same occupation within 5 years, OR the mandatory licence for the position.
• Work experience for TEER 4-5 offers: 9 months of cumulative full-time work (1,170+ hours) in the offered position within the last 2 years.
• Language: CLB 6 for TEER 0-3 (CLB 5 for listed skilled trades; recent eligible-Ontario graduates are exempt); CLB 4 for TEER 4-5. Test taken within 2 years.
• Education: a 1+ year postsecondary credential (Canadian or foreign equivalent) for TEER 0-3 non-trades offers; secondary school (or foreign equivalent) for listed skilled trades AND for TEER 4-5 offers. Foreign credentials need an ECA report under 5 years old.
• Valid legal status if applying from inside Canada, and intention to live and work in Ontario.
• Self-employed physicians: an OHIP billing number plus a CPSO certificate (independent, academic, or provisional practice) — exempt from all other applicant and employer requirements.

What you'll need to apply

• Job-offer letter and your employer's position-approval application
• Reference letters proving the work experience for your TEER category
• Language test results (unless exempt as a recent eligible-Ontario graduate)
• Educational credentials (with ECA for foreign credentials where requested)
• If applicable: your current Canadian status document
• For physicians: CPSO certificate and proof of OHIP billing eligibility
• Passport, medical, police certificates for the federal stage

Where to start