The OINP Has Changed: Learn About the New Rules for Working and Obtaining Permanent Residence in Ontario in 2026

Ontario has redesigned its provincial immigration program and introduced the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. The new structure replaces the previous OINP streams and changes important requirements related to work experience, education, language proficiency and employer eligibility.

Here are the main differences between the previous and current rules.

TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 Occupations

This new pathway is for workers with job offers in managerial, professional, technical or specialized occupations. It primarily replaces the former Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream.

Work Experience

Previously, candidates needed at least two years of accumulated work experience within the five years before applying.

Now, candidates have several ways to meet the work experience requirement. They may demonstrate:

• Two years of accumulated work experience within the past five years; or
• Six consecutive months of experience with the Ontario employer offering the position; or
• Three consecutive months with that employer if they are an eligible recent graduate of an Ontario institution; or
• A valid licence or authorization to work in a regulated occupation in Ontario.

This change creates more flexibility for candidates who do not yet have two years of experience but already work for the employer supporting their application.

International Students

Under the former Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream, candidates needed to apply within two years of completing an eligible program. Eligible recent graduates now have up to three years after completing their program to apply.

Despite the extended timeframe, candidates must still meet the other requirements of the new stream, including those related to the job offer, work experience and employer eligibility.

The In-Demand Skills Stream Is Now the TEER 4 and 5 Pathway

The former Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream only accepted candidates with job offers in a specific list of eligible occupations. The new TEER 4 and 5 Pathway includes job offers in occupations classified as TEER 4 or 5 without relying on the former restricted list.

However, candidates must still meet the pathway’s other requirements, including having qualifying work experience in the same position with the employer providing the job offer.

New Language Requirements

Previously, proof of English or French proficiency was not mandatory under certain employer job offer streams.

Candidates must now submit valid language test results and achieve at least:

• CLB 6 in all four language abilities for most TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations;
• CLB 5 in all four language abilities for certain skilled trades occupations;
• CLB 4 in all four language abilities for TEER 4 or 5 occupations.

Candidates must take a test accepted by the program, such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada.

New Education Requirements

Education also plays a more important role under the redesigned OINP. Previously, certain streams did not have a minimum education requirement. Candidates with job offers in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations must now generally have an eligible post-secondary credential.

For certain skilled trades occupations and TEER 4 or 5 occupations, a high school education is the minimum requirement. Candidates who completed their education outside Canada may need an Educational Credential Assessment, known as an ECA, to demonstrate its Canadian equivalency.

Employer Financial Requirements

The annual revenue requirements remain the same for employers located inside and outside the Greater Toronto Area:

• At least $1 million in gross annual revenue during the most recently completed fiscal year for employers located within the GTA;
• At least $500,000 in gross annual revenue during the most recently completed fiscal year for employers located outside the GTA.

The new program introduces a lower requirement for employers in eligible smaller communities:

• At least $250,000 in gross annual revenue during the most recently completed fiscal year for employers located in certain communities with populations below 150,000.

This change may make it easier for smaller employers to participate in the program and create more immigration opportunities in less populated areas of Ontario.

What Remains the Same?

Other important criteria continue to apply. For most candidates, the job offer must be for a permanent, full-time position with an eligible Ontario employer. The wage must also meet the requirements for the occupation and location.

The employer must participate in the process through the Employer Portal, while the candidate must register an expression of Interest and wait for an invitation to apply.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation. Candidates receive a score and may be selected based on factors such as occupation, wage, Ontario work experience, education, language proficiency, earnings history and the location of the job offer.

What Do These Changes Mean for Candidates?

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream provides more ways to meet the work experience requirement, extends the application period for recent graduates and opens the TEER 4 and 5 Pathway to a broader range of occupations.

At the same time, the program introduces new language and education requirements. Some candidates may find new opportunities, while others may need to reconsider their plans and strengthen their profiles before registering an expression of Interest.

Each case should be assessed individually based on the candidate’s occupation, work experience, education, language proficiency, job offer and the employer’s eligibility.

Would you like to understand how these OINP changes could affect your case? Contact the e-Visa Immigration team. We can assess your profile and help you identify the most appropriate strategy for your plans in Canada.