Ontario Launches Application Portal for New Workforce Priority Stream
By Admin, Lagos
Ontario has officially opened application process for its newly introduced Workforce Priority Stream, providing eligible foreign workers with a fresh pathway to Canadian permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
Effective August 4, 2026, eligible foreign nationals can register an Expression of Interest (EOI) via Ontario’s e-Filing Portal, provided their profile is linked to a qualifying job offer from an approved Ontario employer.
According to updates shared on social media by Canada Visa via the OINP, the newly minted stream is split into three distinct pathways:
A pathway for higher-skilled workers
A pathway for lower-skilled workers
A dedicated stream for self-employed physicians registered to practice in Ontario and eligible to bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
“Once submitted, an EOI remains valid for up to 12 months,” the province stated, clarifying that candidates who do not receive an invitation within that timeframe must re-register a new EOI to remain in the selection pool.
While the province officially established the Workforce Priority Stream on June 26, 2026, candidates were unable to enter the pool until the online e-Filing Portal officially went live this week.
Selection will rely on candidate rankings under a points-based scoring system introduced on July 20, 2026, with invitations to apply (ITAs) issued during periodic provincial draws.
“Candidates with active EOIs will be evaluated based on the province’s scoring grid,” Ontario noted, adding that invited candidates will face tight submission deadlines: 17 calendar days to submit a complete permanent residence nomination application, while the hiring employer has 14 calendar days from the invitation date to apply for position approval.
Successful job-offer nominees will receive a provincial support letter, allowing them to apply for a federal work permit to work in Canada with their permanent residence application processes.
Furthermore, successful applicants under the higher-skilled worker and self-employed physician streams may qualify for the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program linked to Express Entry, unlocking faster federal processing times.
This new stream represents the first pathway introduced following Ontario’s comprehensive overhaul of the OINP, which saw all previous streams close on May 30, 2026.
The province confirmed that Phase 2 of its program modernization will introduce additional dedicated pathways, including a Priority Healthcare Worker Stream, an Entrepreneur Stream, and an Exceptional Talent Stream.