Ontario has introduced the first set of pathways to permanent residence as part of its provincial immigration program overhaul.

On June 26, 2026, Ontario announced regulatory changes outlining how foreign nationals can qualify for provincial nomination for permanent residence under the newly launched Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, which includes three pathways:

• TEER 0–3 pathway – for workers in higher-skilled occupations.
• TEER 4–5 pathway – for workers in lower-skilled occupations.
• Self-employed physicians – for registered physicians eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

The streams are now active, but foreign nationals must wait for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to reopen its Expression of Interest (EOI) system to be considered.

The OINP stated that the new EOI system is expected to launch later in the summer.

Ontario plans to introduce three more streams – priority healthcare, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent, in its second phase, with no specified launch date at present.

Foreign nationals who applied under the old pathways will have their applications processed based on the requirements in place when they applied.

TEER 0–3 Pathway Requirements

This pathway is for foreign nationals with job offers in occupations requiring some post-secondary education or training.

To qualify, a foreign national must meet the following criteria:

• Job offer: Full-time, permanent job offer with an eligible Ontario employer in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
• Education: Post-secondary credential.
• Language: Meet the language proficiency requirement associated with the occupation: CLB 6 or CLB 5.

A foreign national must also fulfill one of the following:

• Licensing: Licensed to work in a regulated profession in Ontario.
• Work Experience: Minimum of two years cumulative work experience in the same occupation as the job offer within the past five years.
• Job Experience: Meet the minimum consecutive work experience requirement.