Ontario launches three new PR pathways
Ontario introduced three new immigration pathways on June 26, 2026, as part of a major restructuring of its provincial nominee program. The changes form the first phase of a broader overhaul affecting how foreign nationals qualify for permanent residence through the province.
The newly announced pathways fall under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream and are intended to cover a wider range of occupations, including both higher-skilled and lower-skilled roles, as well as certain medical professionals.
The update is significant for prospective immigrants and employers, as it replaces earlier pathways that were discontinued at the end of May 2026.
- Ontario launched three pathways under the Workforce Priority Stream on June 26, 2026
- The stream includes TEER 0–3, TEER 4–5, and self-employed physician categories
- Previous permanent residence pathways were closed on May 30, 2026
- New applications require the reopening of the Expression of Interest system
- Existing applications will continue under prior eligibility criteria
New Workforce Priority Stream introduced
The province has formally established the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream as part of its updated immigration framework. This stream includes three distinct pathways that target specific segments of the labour market.
Occupational eligibility is structured using Canada’s National Occupation Classification system, which groups jobs based on Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities, known as TEER levels.
The three pathways include:
- TEER 0–3 pathway for higher-skilled occupations
- TEER 4–5 pathway for intermediate and lower-skilled roles
- Self-employed physicians pathway for medical professionals authorized to practise in Ontario
Although the pathways are now active, candidates must wait until the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reopens its Expression of Interest system before submitting profiles.
Background to Ontario’s immigration changes
The launch follows the province’s earlier move to discontinue its existing permanent residence pathways on May 30, 2026. This transition marks a comprehensive redesign of program categories and eligibility rules.
Ontario has not provided a timeline for when its Expression of Interest intake system will resume operations under the new structure.
Applications submitted before the transition will continue to be processed based on the criteria that were in effect at the time of submission. This ensures continuity for individuals already in the system.
Ontario operates its nominee program alongside other provinces, including streams such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which similarly allows provinces to select candidates aligned with regional labour market needs.
Eligibility framework for TEER 0–3 pathway
The TEER 0–3 pathway is designed for individuals with employment offers in occupations typically requiring post-secondary education or training.
Candidates must hold a full-time and permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in occupations classified within TEER levels 0 through 3.
Education requirements include completion of a post-secondary credential, while language proficiency must meet at least Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or 6 depending on the occupation.
In addition to these baseline criteria, candidates must meet one of several additional conditions related to licensing or work experience.
These include holding a valid licence for regulated professions in Ontario, accumulating at least two years of relevant work experience within the past five years, or meeting recent work experience requirements tied directly to the job offer.
Recent graduates from Ontario institutions may qualify with a shorter period of related work experience compared to other applicants.
Requirements for TEER 4–5 pathway
The TEER 4–5 pathway addresses occupations that generally require secondary education or job-specific training rather than advanced credentials.
Applicants must secure a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer, with wages meeting or exceeding the median level for the occupation in Ontario.
Work experience requirements include a minimum of nine months of cumulative employment within the past two years in the same role with the same employer offering the position.
Educational criteria require at least a secondary school diploma or its equivalent, while minimum language proficiency is set at Canadian Language Benchmark level 4.
This pathway reflects the province’s inclusion of a broader range of occupations within its immigration selection framework.
Self-employed physicians pathway details
The third pathway applies to physicians who operate as self-employed professionals and meet provincial regulatory standards.
To qualify, individuals must be licensed and in good standing with the provincial medical regulator and hold a valid certificate allowing them to practise independently, academically, or provisionally.
Eligibility also requires the ability to bill for services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. This condition ensures integration into the province’s publicly funded healthcare system.
This pathway reflects ongoing efforts to address healthcare workforce needs through targeted immigration selection.
Employer eligibility and regional considerations
Employers participating in the Workforce Priority Stream must meet specific criteria set by the province, including business operation and revenue thresholds.
Lower revenue requirements apply to employers located in rural areas, defined as census divisions with populations under 150,000.
This regional adjustment is intended to support workforce development in smaller communities across Ontario.
Process for provincial nomination
Provincial nominee programs operate within a two-step system involving both provincial and federal authorities.
Individuals must first obtain a nomination from a province or territory before applying to the federal government for permanent residence under the provincial nominee class.
Within Ontario’s system, this process includes submitting an Expression of Interest, receiving an invitation to apply, and completing a provincial application before proceeding to federal processing.
Applications may be aligned with the federal Express Entry system or submitted through base nomination streams, depending on the pathway.
Further updates on draw activity and invitations are typically reflected in official provincial selection rounds, similar to those tracked in Ontario draws (OINP).
Classification of occupations under TEER system
The TEER framework categorizes occupations into six levels based on skill and responsibility requirements.
TEER 0 includes management roles, while TEER 1 generally requires university education. TEER 2 and 3 cover technical and skilled trades roles with varying levels of training.
TEER 4 and 5 represent positions that typically require secondary education or short-term training, expanding eligibility to a wider segment of the workforce.
Ongoing rollout of immigration reforms
The June 26 announcement represents the first stage in Ontario’s broader immigration system redesign, with additional updates expected as the program evolves.
Key operational elements, including the reopening of the Expression of Interest system, remain pending as of the announcement date.
The introduction of the Workforce Priority Stream marks a structural shift in how Ontario selects candidates across occupational categories.
Further developments, including the timing of future intake rounds, will determine how candidates are invited under the new system introduced on June 26, 2026.