Ontario Opens OINP EOI Portal for Workforce Priority Stream

Ontario has officially opened the Expression of Interest (EOI) portal for the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The intake became effective on August 4, 2026. Eligible applicants can now register an EOI to be considered for provincial nomination.

However, EOI portal aims to address Ontario's labour market needs by selecting qualified foreign workers across a wide range of occupations. The province will periodically invite eligible candidates from the EOI pool based on its points-based selection system.

Employers and applicants are encouraged to review the updated eligibility requirements and application guidelines before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Book a Free Assessment

Key Features of the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream includes three distinct pathways. These are the Higher-Skilled Worker Stream, Lower-Skilled Worker Stream, and the Self-Employed Physicians Stream.

The new stream accepts eligible applicants with job offers across all National Occupational Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories.

Most applicants must get a valid job offer from an eligible Ontario business, before registering an EOI. Physicians who work for themselves are not obliged to adhere to the typical employer-led procedure. Rather, they have to start their application through a different registration procedure that the province has set up.

The OWPS replaces Ontario's previous Employer Job Offer pathways. It improves the alignment of immigration with provincial workforce demands while introducing a more efficient method for choosing candidates.

Calculate Your CRS Score

How the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Works

Eligible candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest through Ontario's e-Filing Portal. After registering, candidates are added to the provincial EOI pool for review. Candidates are chosen via Ontario's points-based ranking system throughout recurring invitation rounds.

The requirements must first use Ontario's e-Filing Portal to submit an Expression of Interest. Applicants with the highest-ranking profiles may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination. Candidates who are invited to apply must do so within the time frame set by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

For employer-supported applications, the employer must also complete the required position approval process after an invitation is issued. This step forms an essential part of the provincial nomination process.

Successful nominees under the Higher-Skilled Worker Stream and the Self-Employed Physicians Stream may also be eligible to apply through the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program, allowing them to pursue permanent residence through Canada's Express Entry system.

Who Is Eligible to Submit an Expression of Interest?

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is open to eligible applicants who satisfy the program's eligibility criteria. Most applicants must have a qualifying full-time job offer from a recognized Ontario employer before registering an EOI.

This stream is open to both higher-skilled and lower-skilled individuals, working in jobs across all NOC TEER categories. Self-employed physicians who are registered to practice in Ontario and have the ability to bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) may also be qualified through the devoted physician pathway.

After registering an Expression of Interest, eligible applicants remain in the EOI pool until selected or until their profile expires. Ontario will continue issuing invitations through future selection rounds based on provincial labour market priorities and the province's points-based scoring system.

For ongoing Canada immigration updates, keep an eye on the Ontario updates and check your eligibility through official platforms or by connecting with immigration professionals.

Subscribe for FREE and stay updated
with the latest Canada Immigration News!

Source: ontario.ca

Tags: Ontario Workforce Priority Stream OINP Workforce Priority Stream Ontario OINP EOI Portal Ontario Expression of Interest Portal OINP New Stream 2026 Ontario PNP News Ontario Immigration News Ontario Immigration Program OINP EOI Registration Ontario Immigration Updates Canada Immigration News Canada PR through OINP OINP Workforce Priority Stream