Ontario Provincial Pathways to Permanent Residence Update

Ontario Provincial Pathways to Permanent Residence Update

As of May 30, 2026, Ontario has revoked all its provincial pathways to permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). No official replacement streams have been launched. Applications submitted under the closed streams will still be assessed according to the rules in effect at the time of submission.

Proposed Replacement Streams (December 2025 consultation):

These streams are proposals only and have not yet been finalized by the province.

1-Employer Job Offer Stream

TEER 0-3 track: Targets skilled workers already in Canada.

  • Median wage requirement for the occupation (recent graduates may qualify at low-wage level).
  • Work experience: 6 months in Ontario with the same employer, 2 years in the past 5 years, or valid occupational license.
  • Education: No minimum of 6 months Ontario work experience; otherwise, post-secondary credential with ECA for foreign credentials.

TEER 4-5 track: For lower-skilled occupations.

  • Requires 9 months with the same employer and minimum language requirement.
  • Selection may focus on labour shortage occupations.

2-Priority Healthcare Stream

  • For regulated high-skilled healthcare professionals.
  • Requires valid professional registration; recent graduates completing registration may be eligible.

3-Entrepreneur Stream

  • Targets foreign nationals establishing or purchasing an Ontario business.
  • Replaces the previously closed Entrepreneur category.

4-Exceptional Talent Stream

  • Targets candidates in academia, innovation, science, technology, and creative sectors.
  • Assessment based on achievements such as publications, awards, innovations, or notable creative works.

Additional Proposed Flexibilities:

  • Construction trades pathway where union support could substitute for a full-time job offer.
  • Invitations by region, occupation, or other criteria to address urgent employer needs.

Status:

  • No official launch dates or final eligibility criteria have been confirmed.
  • Ontario could announce new streams without full regulatory amendments, potentially on shorter notice.
  • Stakeholders are advised to monitor the OINP program updates page for future announcements.