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Ontario Launches Three New Permanent Residence Pathways Under Revamped Immigration Program
Ontario has officially introduced the first phase of its redesigned provincial immigration program by launching three new pathways to permanent residence under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
The regulatory changes came into effect on June 26, 2026, as part of Ontario’s broader effort to modernize the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and better align immigration with the province’s labour market needs.
The newly launched pathways include:
- TEER 0–3 Pathway for higher-skilled occupations.
- TEER 4–5 Pathway for lower-skilled occupations.
- Self-Employed Physicians Pathway for physicians licensed to practise in Ontario.
Although the new pathways are now active, candidates will need to wait until Ontario relaunches its Expression of Interest (EOI) system later this summer before they can submit profiles.
Additional Immigration Streams Planned
Ontario has also confirmed that three more immigration streams will be introduced during the second phase of the program overhaul:
- Priority Healthcare Stream
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Exceptional Talent Stream
The province has not yet announced when these additional streams will open.
Applicants who previously applied under Ontario’s former immigration pathways will continue to have their applications processed according to the rules that were in place when they submitted their applications.
TEER 0–3 Pathway
The TEER 0–3 pathway is designed for foreign nationals with permanent, full-time job offers in occupations that generally require post-secondary education, apprenticeship training, or specialized experience.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a permanent full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
- Meet the required English or French language proficiency, or qualify as a recent Ontario graduate.
- Satisfy education, licensing, and work experience requirements applicable to their occupation.
Recent graduates from eligible Ontario post-secondary institutions may qualify under modified work experience requirements.
TEER 4–5 Pathway
The TEER 4–5 pathway targets workers employed in occupations that generally require a secondary school diploma and on-the-job training.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a permanent, full-time job offer from an eligible Ontario employer.
- Have at least nine months of qualifying work experience with the same employer.
- Possess a secondary school diploma or equivalent.
- Demonstrate minimum language proficiency of CLB 4 in English or French.
The pathway is intended to support sectors facing ongoing labour shortages by providing a permanent residence option for workers in essential occupations.
Self-Employed Physicians Pathway
Ontario has also created a dedicated pathway for self-employed physicians seeking permanent residence.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be licensed and in good standing to practise medicine in Ontario.
- Hold a valid certificate of registration.
- Be eligible to bill services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
The new pathway is expected to support Ontario’s efforts to strengthen healthcare capacity across the province.
Employer Eligibility
Employers supporting applicants through the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream must meet several program requirements, including:
- Operating an active business in Ontario for at least three years.
- Meeting minimum annual revenue thresholds based on business location.
- Employing the required number of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Offering permanent, full-time positions that meet provincial wage requirements.
Certain employers may also be required to demonstrate reasonable efforts to recruit Canadian workers before hiring internationally.
New Expression of Interest Process
Once the new EOI system reopens, eligible candidates will need to submit a new Expression of Interest to enter Ontario’s selection pool.
Employers must also submit a new job offer through the updated Employer Portal. Existing Employer Portal registrations will remain valid.
Candidates selected from the EOI pool will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
Ontario’s Immigration Reform Continues
The launch of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream marks the first phase of Ontario’s broader immigration reform initiative announced in late 2025.
The province retired its previous permanent residence streams in May 2026 to introduce a more streamlined system focused on addressing labour shortages and improving employer access to international talent.
Future phases of the overhaul are expected to expand opportunities for healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals with exceptional achievements in science, technology, arts, culture, and academia.
What Applicants Should Know
Foreign nationals interested in Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream should prepare their eligibility documents while awaiting the relaunch of the province’s Expression of Interest system later this summer.
Once the system opens, eligible candidates can submit a new EOI and, if selected, apply for provincial nomination before proceeding with their Canadian permanent residence application through the federal government.