Ontario Rebuilds Its Nominee Program: What the New Workforce Priority Stream Means for You
Were you waiting on an Ontario nominee invitation? If so, the ground just shifted, and it's worth understanding exactly what happened.
On June 26, Ontario carried out a major redesign of its provincial nominee program. The former Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) streams have been replaced by a single new stream, the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
Three categories, one stream
The new stream includes three categories: higher-skilled workers in TEER 0–3 occupations, lower-skilled workers in TEER 4–5 occupations, and self-employed physicians, which is the only category that does not require a job offer. For the two worker categories, the job offer must come from an employer who also meets the program's minimum requirements. Each category has its own requirements around job offer, work experience, language, and education. Because those details vary and can change, we confirm the specifics for your situation before you rely on them.
The system is closed for now
The Expression of Interest system, the online profile you submit to be considered for a nomination, is currently closed to new registrations. Ontario expects it to reopen later this summer.
Which situation are you in?
This comes down to one question: had you already received an invitation to apply? If you had already been invited and submitted your application, you continue under the previous rules. If you were still waiting for an invitation to apply, your profile was withdrawn automatically, and you will need to register again once the system reopens. If your profile was withdrawn, it helps to remember that withdrawn is not the same as rejected. Your work history, your credentials, and your preparation still count.
The three things to do now
A few steps are now mandatory, so start them today:
Take your language test. It is now required, not just for points.
Complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). Also now required.
If you hold a trade licence (a Red Seal or a Certificate of Qualification), it is a significant advantage.
Don't lose time. Getting these done before the Expression of Interest reopens is what lets you move quickly.
What else to prepare
Confirm your occupation and its TEER category, keep your language results current, gather your reference letters and credentials, and talk to your employer if your category depends on a job offer. Language minimums are CLB 6 for higher-skilled roles, CLB 5 for trades, and CLB 4 for lower-skilled roles.