Dec 2, 2025
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) plans to simplify its current eight immigration streams into four new streams, introduced in two phases, to better align with Ontario’s labour market needs.
Phase 1 proposes replacing the existing Employer Job Offer streams with a single Employer Job Offer Stream that has two tracks:
- TEER 0–3 (skilled workers): Targets skilled candidates, prioritizing those already in Canada. Requirements include a job offer meeting median wage levels, relevant work experience or licensing, and education criteria depending on experience.
- TEER 4–5 (labour shortage occupations): Supports employers hiring for in-demand roles. Applicants must meet minimum language requirements and have 9 months of experience with the employer. Special pathways may be developed for construction trades, and invitations could be targeted by region or occupation.
Phase 2 proposes introducing three new streams and removing outdated ones:
- Priority Healthcare Stream: A job-offer–exempt pathway for regulated healthcare professionals, including some recent graduates.
- Entrepreneur Stream: For foreign nationals who start, operate, or take over businesses in Ontario.
- Exceptional Talent Stream: For individuals with outstanding achievements in fields such as academia, science, innovation, and technology, assessed through qualitative criteria.
