Immigration to Canada is a pathway to a better standard of living for many skilled workers and professionals around the world, and Ontario remains one of the most popular destinations for newcomers. Individuals considering a move to Ontario can apply through the province’s own immigration program, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
There are real benefits to immigrating to Ontario: a transparent nomination process, strong job markets in major sectors, and access to one of Canada’s most diverse and developed provinces. But the program itself changed significantly in 2026, so it’s worth understanding how it actually works today before you apply.
The OINP Was Overhauled in 2026
As of June 25, 2026, Ontario eliminated its previous eight-stream system — which included separate Employer Job Offer, Human Capital, and Express Entry-linked streams — and replaced it with a single, unified pathway: the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. If you’ve seen older guides describing “Human Capital” or “Business” categories, that structure no longer applies. Here’s what replaced it.
The Three Current Pathways
1. TEER 0–3 Pathway
This pathway is for skilled workers with a permanent job offer in Ontario, classified under TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) categories 0 through 3 of Canada’s National Occupational Classification — roughly management, professional, and technical/skilled-trade roles. It requires a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 6 and a post-secondary credential.
2. TEER 4–5 Pathway
This pathway covers workers in lower-skilled occupations (TEER categories 4 and 5) with a permanent job offer. It requires a CLB score of at least 4 and completion of secondary school.
3. Self-Employed Physician Pathway
This pathway is specifically for medical doctors who are registered, or eligible to register, with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and plan to practice in the province.
How the Application Process Works
The OINP runs on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system — you can’t apply directly. Here’s the general sequence:
- Register an Expression of Interest confirming you meet the requirements for your pathway.
- Wait to be selected and invited to apply — registering an EOI does not guarantee an invitation.
- Once invited, submit your full application within the required window: for the job-offer pathways, employers typically have 14 calendar days to submit their portion and applicants 17 days to submit theirs; self-employed physicians have 17 calendar days to apply after invitation.
Application fees depend on where the job is located: $1,500 for positions outside the Greater Toronto Area, and $2,000 for positions within it (Toronto, Durham, Halton, Peel, and York). The fee is non-refundable once the OINP determines your application is complete, so it’s worth double-checking everything before submitting.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Make sure your EOI accurately reflects your education, work experience, and language test results — inconsistencies between your EOI and your eventual application are one of the most common reasons applications get delayed or refused. If you’re unsure which pathway fits your situation, or need help navigating the language and credential requirements, a licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Why Consider Ontario?
Ontario remains an attractive destination for skilled workers who want strong job opportunities alongside good healthcare, education, and social infrastructure. Being nominated by the OINP doesn’t grant permanent residence directly — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) still makes the final decision — but a provincial nomination adds significant weight to your federal application.
