Ontario opened its new Workforce Priority stream in August 2026. It is a job-offer pathway with an employer-led process, not an automatic nomination for anyone working in Ontario.
What the new stream is
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream is part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Ontario says it supports eligible workers with job offers across TEER 0 to 5 and includes a pathway for qualifying self-employed physicians. The stream uses an expression-of-interest and invitation process.
The employer starts the process
- Employer submission: The Ontario employer submits information through the Employer Portal.
- Expression of interest: The prospective nominee registers an EOI connected to that job offer.
- Invitation: Ontario may issue an invitation to apply; registration alone is not an invitation.
- Applications: The employer submits a position-approval application and the nominee submits a nomination application within the applicable deadlines.
- Federal stage: A provincial nomination is followed by a separate permanent residence application to IRCC.
Questions to ask about the job offer
The occupation, wage, location, hours, permanence of the position and employer’s business circumstances can all matter. The applicant’s work history, licence requirements and intention to live in Ontario may also require evidence. The self-employed physician route has its own evidence structure and should not be treated as an ordinary employer offer.
Free Ontario preparation checklist
- Confirm the employer is willing and able to use the OINP Employer Portal.
- Review the job’s NOC and TEER using its actual duties.
- Confirm wage, hours, work location and permanent nature of the position.
- Collect status, education, language and work-history evidence.
- Confirm any mandatory Ontario licence or authorization.
- Plan for short invitation and application deadlines.
- Check the current Ontario page immediately before acting.
An EOI is not a guarantee
Ontario can set targeted invitation criteria and program allocations. A person may appear eligible but never receive an invitation. Information must remain accurate, and both employer and applicant obligations must be met.
Compare Ontario with other pathways
A job-offer stream should be compared with Express Entry, other Ontario streams and programs in provinces where you have a genuine connection. The Canroad PR Pathway Assessment can organize those factors before a detailed review.
Official sources
Use these government pages to confirm the rules in effect when you apply.
This free guide is educational and does not determine eligibility, predict an invitation or approval, or replace advice based on your complete facts. Immigration requirements and procedures can change without notice.