Ontario has officially opened applications for its new permanent residence pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). 

From August 4, 2026, eligible foreign nationals can now register for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) and be considered for a provincial nomination.

The province confirmed the launch of the intake through an update on the OINP website. This marks an important step in Ontario’s new immigration system, as the online portal is now available for eligible applicants.

The OWPS was first announced on June 26, 2026, but candidates could not apply until the online registration system became available.

How The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Works?

Most eligible foreign nationals must first create an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Ontario’s e-Filing Portal.

The EOI must be linked to a qualifying job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. Employers must create the job offer through the province’s Employer Portal before a candidate can register.

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream includes three different pathways:

  • Higher-skilled workers
  • Lower-skilled workers
  • Self-employed physicians registered to practise in Ontario and eligible to bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)

Unlike other applicants, self-employed physicians must begin the process by submitting a webform before creating and registering their Expression of Interest.

What Happens After Registering An EOI?

Once an Expression of Interest is submitted, it remains active in the system for up to 12 months.

During this period, Ontario regularly reviews the pool and invites selected candidates to submit a complete application for provincial nomination.

If a candidate does not receive an invitation within one year, a new EOI must be submitted to remain eligible.

Candidates are ranked using Ontario’s points-based scoring system, which the province released on July 20, 2026.

After receiving an invitation, candidates have 17 calendar days to submit a complete application.

For applicants applying through a job offer, the employer also has an important role. The employer must apply for approval of the employment position within 14 calendar days after the invitation is issued. This approval is required before the candidate’s provincial nomination application can move forward.

Benefits After Receiving A Provincial Nomination

Successful applicants who receive a provincial nomination from Ontario will receive a provincial support letter.

This letter can be used to apply to the federal government for a work permit while continuing the permanent residence process.

Candidates selected through the Higher-Skilled Worker Stream or the Self-Employed Physician Stream may also qualify to apply through the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program linked to Express Entry.

This option may allow eligible candidates to receive permanent residence more quickly through the federal immigration system.

Ontario Continues To Expand Its Immigration Programs

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is the first new pathway introduced as part of Ontario’s major redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

Before launching the new system, the province closed all previous OINP streams on May 30, 2026.

The OWPS now replaces those earlier pathways and marks the beginning of the first phase of Ontario’s immigration changes.

The province also plans to introduce three additional immigration streams during the second phase of the program.

These upcoming streams include:

  • Priority Healthcare Worker Stream
  • Entrepreneur Stream
  • Exceptional Talent Stream

The Exceptional Talent Stream will focus on individuals with outstanding achievements in areas such as science, technology, innovation, academia, and the arts.

Ontario has not yet released the full eligibility requirements or launch dates for these new pathways.

The province first announced its plan to redesign the OINP and introduce these new streams in December 2025.

Applicants who submitted applications under the previous OINP streams before they closed will continue to have their applications assessed using the rules that were in place when they originally applied.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.