Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) is the single active stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) as of July 20, 2026. It replaces all nine previously operated OINP streams and consolidates provincial nomination under one 130-point framework built around three pathways: TEER 0-3 job offer, TEER 4-5 job offer, and self-employed physician.
This guide summarises the current-state program: who qualifies, how the points work, what employers must do, and what happens after nomination. For step-by-step scoring, use our free OWP Score Calculator.
Program timeline — the 2026 overhaul
- May 30, 2026 — Ontario filed O. Reg. 47/26, revoking all 9 pre-existing OINP streams effective immediately.
- June 25–26, 2026 — O. Reg. 204/26 amended O. Reg. 422/17 to create the Workforce Priority stream and define the new points grid, application intake mechanics, and post-nomination regime.
- July 20, 2026 — Ontario.ca published the full public-facing OWP stream page with points, employer rules, and application intake schedule.
The Entrepreneur stream is separate and remains active. For the full before/after comparison of what changed, see our Then vs Now summary.
The three OWP pathways
Pathway 1 — TEER 0-3 Job Offer
For managers, professionals, and technical workers. Requires a full-time, permanent (or 2+ year contract) job offer in a NOC classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Language: CLB 6 baseline; CLB 5 for listed skilled trades; test-exempt for recent Ontario graduates (2 years). Maximum 130 points.
Pathway 2 — TEER 4-5 Job Offer
For intermediate and support roles. Requires a job offer at TEER 4 or 5 with wage at or above the median for that occupation in the region. Language: CLB 4 minimum (no graduate exemption at this TEER). Education: Canadian secondary diploma or foreign equivalent with ECA. Maximum 130 points.
Pathway 3 — Self-Employed Physician
The only OWP pathway that does not require a job offer. Applicant must be a licensed physician with valid CPSO registration in good standing and an OHIP billing number (or be eligible to obtain one). Intent to serve an under-resourced Ontario community is heavily weighted. Maximum approximately 112 points.
Employer requirements (job-offer pathways)
- Actively operating in Ontario for at least 3 years (GTA) or 2 years (outside GTA)
- Meets minimum revenue thresholds — $1M+ (GTA) or $500K+ (outside GTA); higher tiers unlock more nomination allocations
- Employs at least 5 permanent, full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents (3 outside GTA)
- Job offer is full-time, permanent (or 2+ years fixed-term), and pays at or above the median wage for the NOC in that Ontario region
- Position is not in the applicant’s own business (no majority ownership)
How to apply
- Confirm eligibility for one of the three pathways and secure a qualifying job offer (or CPSO/OHIP status).
- Score your profile against the 130-point grid using our OWP calculator.
- Prepare documents: language test, ECA (if foreign education), Ontario employer forms, work permit/study permit, NOA, medical/CPSO documents (physician pathway).
- Submit through the OINP portal during the pathway’s intake window. Ontario invites in batches by pathway and TEER split.
- Upon nomination, file for federal permanent residence with IRCC within 6 months. TEER 0-3 job-offer holders and self-employed physicians may opt into the Express Entry route (+600 CRS).
Companion guides
- Eligibility & Self-Employed Physician deep-dive
- The complete 130-point breakdown
- Institutions & Post-Nomination Verification
- OWP Score Calculator
Frequently asked questions
Is OINP still open?
Yes. OINP is fully open — it just operates through a single active stream (Ontario Workforce Priority) plus the separate Entrepreneur stream. The nine legacy streams were revoked May 30, 2026.
Do I need a job offer for OWP?
Yes, unless you qualify under the Self-Employed Physician pathway. Both TEER 0-3 and TEER 4-5 pathways require a qualifying full-time Ontario job offer at or above median wage.
Can I use my in-progress Express Entry profile?
Yes — if you receive an OWP nomination, you may opt into the Express Entry route and add +600 CRS to your federal profile, guaranteeing an ITA in the next EE draw. This is only available to TEER 0-3 job-offer holders and self-employed physicians.
What if my occupation is not on Ontario’s priority list?
OWP does not publish a closed occupation list — any NOC classified in TEER 0-5 can apply if the job-offer, wage, and employer requirements are met. However, priority occupations (health, skilled trades, science) score more points in the “broad occupational category” factor.
Talk to a licensed RCIC. Book a consultation with Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.