Ontario Unveils Bold New OINP Changes in Two-Phase Plan

Ontario Proposes Major Overhaul to OINP: Two-Phase Plan with New Immigration Streams

• Ontario is planning a two-phase transformation of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
• Phase 1 will consolidate current job offer streams into a single, streamlined Employer Job Offer stream
• Phase 2 will eliminate existing streams and introduce three new ones: priority healthcare, entrepreneur, and exceptional talent
• The new system aims to better align with Ontario’s evolving labour market and economic needs
• The proposed changes include more targeted draws, flexible eligibility requirements, and support for high-demand sectors
• Ontario is currently seeking public and stakeholder feedback on these proposed changes

Ontario is gearing up to make some big changes to its immigration program — and if you’re thinking about settling in the province, this could be a game-changer. The provincial government has laid out a two-phase proposal to revamp the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), making it more responsive to labour market needs and economic priorities. Want the full scoop? Let’s walk through what’s on the table and how these changes might impact future immigration pathways.

Why Ontario Is Redesigning Its Immigration Program

Ontario has long been a popular destination for newcomers to Canada, thanks to its diverse economy, strong job market, and vibrant communities. But with labour shortages in key sectors and an evolving economy, the province is looking to modernize how it selects and nominates candidates for permanent residence. The proposed OINP overhaul aims to streamline the system, create more targeted immigration pathways, and make it easier for employers to find the talent they need.

Phase 1: A New Employer Job Offer Stream

In the first phase of the proposed changes, Ontario plans to combine its three current Employer Job Offer streams—namely the Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams—into a single, more flexible stream. This new Employer Job Offer stream would be split into two distinct pathways based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels:

TEER 0–3 Pathway: For Skilled Workers

This pathway is tailored for candidates working in managerial, professional, or technical roles. It emphasizes attracting skilled individuals who are already in Canada and have relevant qualifications.

To qualify, applicants must meet criteria in three core areas:

• Wage: The job offer must meet or exceed the median wage for that occupation in Ontario. Recent grads from eligible Ontario institutions may qualify with a lower wage offer.
• Work Experience: Applicants need either:
  • 6 months of Ontario work experience in the job-offer NOC with the same employer, OR
  • 2 years of experience in the same occupation within the last 5 years, OR
  • A valid licence (for regulated occupations), in good standing
• Education: Candidates with 6 months of Ontario work experience in the job offer role won’t need to meet an education requirement. Otherwise, a post-secondary credential is required, supported by an ECA if obtained abroad.

TEER 4–5 Track: Supporting Labour Shortage Roles

This track is designed for roles that typically require a high school diploma or on-the-job training — think frontline services, manufacturing, and support roles. These occupations are often hit hardest by persistent labour shortages.

Key features include:

• Eligibility: Applies to all TEER 4 and 5 occupations, especially those experiencing high demand
• Targeted Draws: Ontario could conduct draws focused on specific occupations or worker types, based on real-time labour market needs
• Language Requirements: Applicants will need to meet a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), yet to be finalized
• Work Experience: At least 9 months of experience with the same Ontario employer in the job-offer NOC

Additional Flexibilities:

1. Construction Pathway: A special route for construction trades workers, where union verification could substitute for a permanent job offer
2. Regional and Sector-Specific Draws: Ontario may invite candidates by region or industry to meet urgent workforce needs

Phase 2: Introducing Three Brand-New Immigration Streams

In the second phase of the overhaul, Ontario plans to retire several of its existing immigration streams and replace them with three newly designed ones. These aim to fill critical gaps in the healthcare system, boost entrepreneurship, and attract top-tier talent across sectors.

1. Priority Healthcare Stream

Ontario is facing an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals, and this new stream would create a dedicated pathway for regulated healthcare workers.

Highlights include:

• No job offer required: Applicants with valid professional registration can apply directly
• Support for new grads: Final-year students working toward licensure may also qualify
• Province-wide impact: Designed to support hospitals, clinics, and community health centres across Ontario

2. Entrepreneur Stream

This reimagined stream replaces the previously closed entrepreneur pathway and focuses on newcomers who want to start or take over a business in Ontario.

• Applicants must either:
  • Have established and are actively running a new business in Ontario, OR
  • Have purchased and are actively operating an existing Ontario business

This stream aligns with Ontario’s goals to strengthen regional economies and create more local jobs.

3. Exceptional Talent Stream

Not all valuable immigrants fit into traditional job-offer or employer-based categories. The Exceptional Talent stream is meant for those with extraordinary achievements in fields like science, technology, arts, and academia.

Who’s eligible?

• Those with significant accomplishments, national/international awards, or groundbreaking innovations
• Applicants whose work has a high potential to benefit Ontario’s economy, culture, or society

Unlike other streams, this one will use a qualitative assessment to evaluate the individual’s overall impact, rather than only relying on points-based systems.

What Happens Next?

Ontario’s government is currently consulting with stakeholders to refine these proposals. No official timeline has been announced for implementation, and it’s not yet clear how in-progress applications under the current system will be handled. But one thing’s for sure — the province is making bold moves to modernize its immigration strategy.

If you’re considering immigrating to Ontario, it’s worth staying updated on these changes. They could open up new opportunities or change the path you’re planning to take.

Explore Other PNP Options

Looking to weigh your options across Canada? You might also want to check out the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) — another popular and evolving pathway worth considering.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s proposed changes to the OINP reflect a forward-thinking approach to immigration — one that’s flexible, targeted, and aligned with the real needs of the province. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an entrepreneur, a healthcare professional, or someone doing groundbreaking work in your field, these new pathways could open the door to building your future in Ontario.

Want to know if you qualify? Take our eligibility assessment and get personalized guidance on your immigration options.

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