Karandeep-Toronto— The Government of Ontario has launched a major redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), replacing its previous eight streams with a new, more focused pathway aimed at connecting skilled newcomers directly with employers facing workforce shortages, the province announced in an official release.
Under the changes, which took effect June 26, 2026, the former OINP streams have been consolidated into the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The new stream covers three distinct pathways: skilled workers in higher-skill occupations, semi-skilled workers in shorter-training occupations, and a dedicated route for self-employed physicians. Most pathways require applicants to hold a full-time, permanent job offer from an Ontario employer.
"Targeted skilled immigration is key to building our workforce and securing Ontario's economic future," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, in the province's announcement.
The province says the redesign is intended to better match immigration selection with real labour market needs, particularly in healthcare, skilled trades, construction, and rural economic development, while also lowering revenue thresholds for smaller employers in Northern and rural communities so they can more easily participate.
The Expression of Interest system closed temporarily on June 25, 2026, and is expected to reopen later this summer under the new structure. Applicants and employers with pending applications submitted under the old streams will continue to be assessed under the rules that were in place at the time of submission.