Ontario has released regulations and public guidance confirming the framework for the redesigned Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), including details of the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. The changes stem from amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 and form part of the province’s broader OINP redesign announced earlier this year.
The new stream is expected to open later this summer, and employers and foreign workers should begin preparing now.
Employer Eligibility Largely Unchanged
Employer requirements remain largely consistent with the previous system, although the province has introduced greater flexibility for employers located outside major urban centers.
Most notably, eligible employers operating in rural and certain smaller communities may qualify with $250,000 in annual gross revenue, reducing barriers to participation for employers in those regions.
New Employee Eligibility Requirements
Candidates will now be assessed under the eligibility framework of the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, which replaces several former OINP employer-driven pathways. The redesigned system includes pathways for workers across multiple TEER categories as well as a dedicated physician category.
Ontario has also introduced updated education, language, and work experience requirements as part of the redesign.
New OINP Scoring System
Candidate competitiveness in the OINP pool will be determined through updated scoring factors published by the province.
The new Expression of Interest (EOI) system will rank eligible candidates based on those factors, with invitations issued to the highest-scoring applicants.
Express Entry Nomination Option Available
Candidates in the TEER 0-3 category who also hold a valid federal Express Entry profile will be able to elect nomination through the Express Entry system.
This could provide successful candidates with an accelerated pathway to permanent residence through the federal selection process.
System Launch Expected Later This Summer
Ontario has confirmed that the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream EOI portal is expected to open later this summer.
What Employers Need to Know
When the new system launches:
- Employers that previously registered under the old OINP system will not need to register again.
- However, employers must submit a new job offer under the redesigned platform.
What Employees Need to Know
Candidates will need to:
- Submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) after their employer posts the new job offer.
- Meet the updated eligibility criteria and scoring requirements under the new stream.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.