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Canada’s province of Ontario has expanded its immigration opportunities for foreign workers by opening applications for its new Workforce Priority Stream, creating an additional pathway to permanent residence under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The province announced that, from August 4, 2026, eligible foreign nationals can begin registering an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Ontario’s e-Filing Portal, provided they have a qualifying job offer from an approved Ontario employer.
According to details published by the OINP and shared via Canada Visa’s X account, the new stream consists of three pathways: one for higher-skilled workers, another for lower-skilled workers, and a third for self-employed physicians registered to practise in Ontario and eligible to bill the province’s public health insurance plan (OHIP).
To qualify for consideration, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest linked to a qualifying job offer created by an eligible employer through the OINP Employer Portal.
Although the Workforce Priority Stream was officially introduced on June 26, 2026, candidates were only able to join the selection pool after the online portal became operational this week.
Ontario said applicants will be ranked under a points-based system introduced on July 20, 2026, with invitations to apply issued through regular selection draws.
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“Once submitted, an EOI remains valid for up to 12 months,” the province stated, adding that candidates who are not invited within that period must submit a new Expression of Interest to remain eligible.
Invited candidates will have 17 calendar days to submit a complete application, while employers must seek approval for the employment position within 14 calendar days of the invitation.
Successful nominees under the job-offer streams will receive a provincial support letter enabling them to apply for a federal work permit while their permanent residence applications are being processed.
Ontario also noted that successful applicants under the higher-skilled worker and self-employed physician pathways may qualify for the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program linked to Express Entry, potentially allowing faster processing of their permanent residence applications.
The Workforce Priority Stream is the first immigration pathway introduced under Ontario’s revamped OINP after all previous streams were closed on May 30, 2026.
The province said additional immigration pathways, including a Priority Healthcare Worker Stream, an Entrepreneur Stream and an Exceptional Talent Stream, will be launched during the second phase of the programme’s modernisation.
