Updated July 2026. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is Ontario’s economic immigration program, working with IRCC to nominate people for permanent residence based on the skills the Ontario economy needs. On June 26, 2026, OINP went through the largest structural overhaul in its history — here’s what the program looks like now.
The 2026 Redesign: What Changed
Changes to Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 removed all eight of OINP’s former streams and replaced them with a single new stream: the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
Streams That Are Now Closed
The following streams are closed to new applications as of the redesign:
- Foreign Worker Stream
- In-Demand Skills Stream
- International Student Stream
- Master’s Graduate Stream
- PhD Graduate Stream
- Human Capital Priorities Stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
- Skilled Trades Stream
The Expression of Interest (EOI) system for these former streams is closed, and no further invitations will be issued under them.
The New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream
The new stream has three pathways:
- TEER 0-3 occupations
- TEER 4-5 occupations
- Self-employed physicians
Most pathways under this stream require a valid job offer in Ontario. The one exception is the self-employed physicians pathway, which does not require arranged employment — making it the only track in the redesigned OINP that doesn’t.
When Can You Apply?
The new EOI system for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream is expected to open later in summer 2026. The government has described this redesign as Phase 1, with further changes expected to streamline pathways and better align them with Ontario’s labour market needs.
What This Means If You Were Pursuing an Old Stream
If you were preparing an application under any of the eight closed streams — including the former Tech Draw invitations issued under Human Capital Priorities — that specific pathway is no longer accepting new EOIs. You’ll need to reassess your eligibility under the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream once its EOI system opens, or explore Ontario’s other PNP options.
For the official, up-to-date program details, see the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program page on Ontario.ca.
