Provincial Nominee Programs

Understanding the New Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

If you’ve been researching how to get permanent residence in Ontario, you may have noticed something major has changed. On June 26, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) underwent its most significant redesign in years. Nine separate streams collapsed into one: the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The new Expression of Interest portal opened on August 4, 2026, and applications are being accepted now.

For international workers and recent graduates considering Ontario, this is crucial news. The consolidation simplifies the application process in some ways—but it also means stricter eligibility criteria and a different application pathway. If you’re planning an Ontario move, here’s what you need to know and the exact steps to take right now.

What Happened to the Old OINP Streams?

The old OINP had nine separate immigration pathways, each with different requirements and timelines:

• HCP Stream (Healthcare Professional)
• International Mobility Program Stream
• Express Entry Stream
• Employer Job Offer Stream
• Professional Trades Stream
• And five others

On June 26, 2026, Ontario consolidated all of these into a single Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The rationale: a simpler, faster system that focuses on employers’ actual hiring needs rather than multiple competing categories.

If you had an Expression of Interest (EOI) filed under one of the old streams and you weren’t invited before June 26, that EOI was automatically withdrawn. You can’t revive it under the old rules. However, if you meet the new eligibility criteria, you can file a fresh EOI under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.

How the New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Works

The Ontario Workforce Priority stream has three pathways, each tied to occupational skill levels:

Pathway 1: Skilled Occupations (TEER 0–3)

For higher-skilled jobs requiring significant training or education. This includes management, healthcare professionals, engineers, IT specialists, and trades with apprenticeships. Eligible candidates must have:

• A valid job offer from an Ontario employer in a TEER 0–3 occupation
• An eligible level of education (typically, post-secondary qualifications related to the role)
• Proof of language ability (English or French)
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience

Pathway 2: Semi-Skilled Occupations (TEER 4–5)

For roles requiring less formal training, such as agricultural workers, food processing workers, hospitality staff, and certain support occupations. Eligible candidates must have:

• A valid job offer from an Ontario employer in a TEER 4–5 occupation
• High school education or equivalent
• Proof of language ability at a lower threshold than Pathway 1
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience (in some cases, less)

Pathway 3: Self-Employed Physicians

A dedicated stream for physicians who plan to work in Ontario on a self-employed or independent practice basis. This pathway has different eligibility requirements focused on medical credentials and practice setup.

The Application Process: What’s Different

The new process involves two key steps:

Step 1: Employer Registration

Your employer registers a job position in the OINP Employer Portal and receives a position ID. Ontario reviews the job offer to confirm it’s legitimate and meets OINP requirements. This happens before you submit your application.

Step 2: Candidate Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once your employer’s position is registered and approved, you submit an Expression of Interest in the OINP e-Filing Portal. Your EOI is linked to your employer’s position ID and your specific job offer.

From there, Ontario reviews your EOI. If you’re deemed eligible, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once invited, you have a set timeframe to submit your full permanent residence application, including documents like credential evaluations, police certificates, and medical exams.

Important: Unlike the old system, EOIs are no longer submitted independently. Your employer’s job offer registration is the foundation of your entire application. No employer registration = no valid EOI.

Who Qualifies? Key Changes in Eligibility

The new stream has tightened eligibility in some areas:

• Education requirements are stricter. Graduates of programs shorter than two years may not qualify in some cases. This affects certain college diploma holders and short-form certificate programs.
• Work experience is now required. Unlike some old streams, all pathways now require documented work experience (either 2 years for TEER 0–3, or 1 year for TEER 4–5).
• Your employer must register first. You cannot apply independently; your job offer and employer registration are the entry point.
• Occupational categories matter. Your job role must fall into a TEER 0–5 classification. Some roles may not qualify.

If you were unsuccessful under the old OINP because you didn’t meet specific stream criteria (e.g., you weren’t exactly a healthcare professional or skilled tradesperson), the new consolidated stream *might* offer a fit—but only if your employer’s position qualifies.

What It Means for Your Ontario Immigration Plan

The redesign has pros and cons:

The Good News

• Clearer pathways. One stream means fewer confusing eligibility rules and less guesswork about which stream fits your profile.
• Faster invitations. Ontario is processing new EOIs and issuing invitations as of August 2026. The consolidated system should reduce processing delays.
• Employer focus. If your employer is genuinely hiring and willing to register, this signals Ontario’s trust in the job offer—which strengthens your case for permanent residence.

The Challenges

• You’re dependent on your employer. Your employer must register their job position, and the registration must be approved. This is now a mandatory step—there’s no workaround.
• Stricter education thresholds. If your education is from a short-form program or doesn’t clearly match your job description, you may face barriers.
• Work experience is non-negotiable. Unlike some old streams that accepted candidates with minimal experience, the new stream requires documented, relevant work experience.
• Phase 2 is not yet open. Ontario has announced plans for additional streams (Priority Healthcare, Exceptional Talent, Entrepreneurs), but these are not yet open. If you don’t fit the current Workforce Priority pathways, you may need to wait.

Your Action Steps Right Now

If you’re currently working in Ontario on a work permit, or if a Canadian employer has offered you a job, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Confirm that your job role fits a TEER 0–5 occupation. You can check the NOC (National Occupational Classification) system on the Government of Canada website to find your job’s TEER level.
• Verify that your education qualifies (typically, post-secondary for TEER 0–3; high school or equivalent for TEER 4–5).
• Confirm you have the required work experience (2 years for TEER 0–3; 1 year for TEER 4–5).
• Ensure your language ability is documented (English or French test results if required).

Step 2: Talk to Your Employer

• Inform your employer that you’re interested in applying for Ontario permanent residence through the OINP.
• Provide them with information about employer registration. They can visit the OINP Employer Portal to learn about the registration process.
• Ask your employer if they’re willing to register your job position. This is a commitment on their part—they’ll need to confirm the legitimacy of the job offer and meet OINP employer requirements (e.g., being in good standing with Ontario tax authorities).

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

While your employer registers, prepare your application documents:

• Credential evaluation assessment (if your education was outside Canada)
• Language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, TCF, etc., depending on your language of choice)
• Work experience letters from previous employers, detailing your roles and responsibilities
• Police certificates from every country where you’ve lived
• Medical exam results (you can get a list of approved doctors from IRCC)
• Proof of your job offer and employment status in Ontario

Step 4: Submit Your EOI (Once Your Employer Registers)

• Once your employer’s position is registered and approved, you’ll create an account in the OINP e-Filing Portal.
• You’ll fill out your Expression of Interest, linking it to your employer’s registered position and job offer.
• Submit your EOI. Ontario will review it and notify you of the outcome.
• If you’re invited to apply, you’ll have a set timeframe to submit your full permanent residence application with all supporting documents.

What If You Don’t Fit the New Stream?

If your role is in TEER 6 or higher (very low-skill occupations), or if your education or experience doesn’t meet the new thresholds, you’re not eligible for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream right now. However, keep these options in mind:

• Phase 2 of the OINP redesign is planned to introduce additional streams for healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent. These may launch later in 2026 or in 2027. Watch Ontario’s immigration website for announcements.
• Express Entry (federal) remains open, and IRCC is now prioritizing category-based draws by occupation. If you qualify for Express Entry in a prioritized field (healthcare, trades, STEM, etc.), you may have faster chances federally.
• Other provincial nominee programs like Alberta, BC, or Saskatchewan may have streams that fit your profile.
• Other federal pathways like the Start-Up Visa or Self-Employed pathway may be options depending on your background.

Key Takeaways

• The OINP is now one consolidated stream: the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, effective June 26, 2026.
• The new stream has three pathways: Skilled Occupations (TEER 0–3), Semi-Skilled Occupations (TEER 4–5), and Self-Employed Physicians.
• Your employer must register your job position first; you cannot apply independently.
• Eligibility is stricter on education and work experience.
• If you don’t fit this stream, Phase 2 may open new pathways in late 2026 or 2027.
• The process is now clearer and faster—but it hinges entirely on your employer’s willingness and ability to register.

What’s Next?

The Ontario Workforce Priority stream is live and actively accepting applications. If you have a valid job offer in Ontario and meet the eligibility criteria, now is the time to move forward. The earlier you start—especially ensuring your employer registers their position—the sooner you can submit your Expression of Interest and move toward permanent residence.

However, the OINP is complex, and every application is unique. Your education credentials may need evaluation, your work experience may need documentation in a specific way, and your employer’s registration process may raise questions that require expert guidance.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, or if you need help navigating the new process and preparing your application, we’re here to help. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question about your Ontario immigration plan.

Ontario just redesigned its provincial nominee program, and the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream is now accepting applications. If you have a job offer from an Ontario employer, you could move from Expression of Interest to a permanent residence invitation within weeks—but only if you navigate the process correctly.

What Is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

On August 4, 2026, Ontario consolidated its eight former OINP streams into one unified pathway: the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. This stream is designed to quickly nominate international workers and recent Ontario graduates who have job offers from registered employers.

Unlike the old system, the new stream is occupation-neutral. Whether you work in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, or hospitality, you can apply—as long as your employer is registered and your job meets Ontario’s urgency and wage requirements.

The key change: Ontario has not held a draw since April 30, 2026. That five-month gap means the next draw could come anytime, and when it does, the speed of processing will reward candidates who are ready. Your Expression of Interest needs to be submitted and in the pool before Ontario opens its invitations.

Who Can Apply to the Workforce Priority Stream?

You’re eligible if you meet ALL of these criteria:

Job and Employer Requirements

• Your employer must be registered with the Ontario OINP and have applied for approval of your specific job position.
• Your job must be full-time and permanent, with a competitive wage for your occupation in Ontario.
• Your employer must have been in active business for at least three years with a physical premises in Ontario where you’ll work.
• The job must be urgently needed—Ontario must confirm that the position addresses a genuine workforce gap.
• If you’re self-employed, you can only apply if you’re a physician with an OHIP billing number and a qualifying College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario certificate.

Your Qualifications

Ontario uses TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories to set eligibility. Here’s what you need:

For TEER 0–3 occupations (skilled, management-track roles):

• 6 months of consecutive full-time experience in this specific job within the past 12 months, OR 2 years of cumulative full-time experience in the same NOC occupation within the past 5 years
• English or French at CLB 6 in all four skills (CLB 5 if you’re in a listed skilled trade)
• A postsecondary credential of at least one year, or high school diploma if in skilled trades
• If educated outside Canada: an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report less than 5 years old
• If you’re a recent Ontario graduate: 3 months of work experience instead of 6

For TEER 4–5 occupations (entry-level support roles):

• 9 months of cumulative full-time experience within the past 2 years
• English or French at CLB 4
• High school diploma (or foreign equivalent with ECA)

All applicants must also:

• Hold any licenses or certifications your job legally requires (e.g., a professional license, driver’s license)
• Have legal status in Canada if applying from within Canada (work permit, study permit, or visitor status is acceptable)
• Intend to live and work in Ontario after becoming a permanent resident

Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your EOI

Step 1: Your Employer Submits a Job Offer (Days 1–7)

Your Ontario employer registers with the OINP Employer Portal and submits an approved job offer for your position. They’ll receive a unique job offer ID and must provide it to you within their timeline (they are not legally required to share it, but reputable employers will).

What you need from them:

• Your job offer ID (a reference number from the Employer Portal)
• Written confirmation of the job offer (role, wage, start date, permanent/full-time status)
• The job description and TEER classification

Step 2: You Register Your Expression of Interest (Days 8–30)

Once your employer has submitted their offer, you have 30 calendar days to register your EOI. This is a critical deadline—if you miss it, your application window closes and your employer must resubmit.

To register your EOI, you’ll need:

• Your job offer ID
• Personal information (passport details, date of birth, email)
• Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, TEF, or equivalent) dated within two years
• Your TEER category and work experience dates
• Education credentials (diplomas, degrees, transcripts)
• If applicable: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report

Ontario’s EOI portal will walk you through the submission. Keep your reference number—you’ll need it if Ontario invites you.

Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply

After you submit your EOI, you enter Ontario’s candidate pool. The province holds draws on its own schedule and does not announce dates in advance. When Ontario holds a draw, it will invite candidates from the pool who meet their selection criteria.

If you receive an invitation:

• Your employer has 14 days to submit a formal application for approval
• You have 17 days to submit your full application and pay the application fee (Ontario has not yet announced the 2026 fee, but it’s typically $500–$1,500 CAD)
• Your employer must submit first; you can only apply after they do

What Happens After You Apply?

If Ontario approves your application, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate (PNC). You can then use this certificate to apply for permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through Express Entry or the regular PR process, depending on your eligibility.

With a provincial nomination in hand, your PR application typically processes faster than candidates without one. Many recent applicants have moved from Ontario nomination to PR approval within 6–12 months, though timelines vary based on IRCC’s workload and the completeness of your application.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Missing the 30-day EOI deadline. Mark your calendar the day your employer submits their offer. If you miss the deadline, the opportunity closes.
• Submitting outdated language test scores. IELTS, TOEFL, and TEF scores are only valid for two years from the test date.
• Overlooking the ECA requirement. If you were educated outside Canada and applying for a TEER 0–3 role, an Educational Credential Assessment is mandatory.
• Assuming EOI submission = PR approval. An EOI is just the first step. You must be invited to apply, your employer must apply, and then you must submit your full application within the 17-day window.

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Gather your documents: Collect your passport, language test scores, education credentials, work experience letters, and any applicable ECA report. Have these ready so you can submit within the 30-day window if your employer provides a job offer ID.
2. Check your eligibility: Review the TEER categories and work experience requirements for your occupation. If you’re unsure whether your job meets Ontario’s wage and urgency standards, ask your employer to confirm with the OINP.
3. Plan your timeline: If your employer is about to submit their offer, mark your personal calendar for the 30-day EOI deadline. Set a reminder for day 25.
4. Get professional help if needed: If you’re uncertain about any requirement or your eligibility, speaking with a licensed immigration consultant now can prevent costly mistakes later.

Next Steps

Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream is open, the pool is building, and the next draw could come any week. If you have a job offer and meet the eligibility requirements, don’t delay. Submitting your EOI positions you to move quickly once Ontario opens its invitations.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, or if you need help preparing your documents or understanding the requirements, we’re here to help. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question.

Ontario Just Made Your Income Count More — If You’re Earning $80K+, Here’s Why That Matters

On October 5, 2026, Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) made a quiet but significant change to how it scores candidates applying through the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. If you earn $80,000 or more annually, you’re now getting 10 points toward your selection score instead of 8. That might not sound like much, but in a competitive provincial nominee program, those extra 2 points could be the difference between a nomination invite and waiting another round.

If you’re considering a pathway to permanent residence through Ontario, or you’re already in the OINP process, this change affects you directly — and not necessarily in ways you might expect. Let’s break down what changed, why it matters, and what you should do about it right now.

What Changed in October 2026?

The Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream, which replaced eight separate OINP programs in June 2026, evaluates candidates on multiple factors: your job offer, your work experience, your language ability, and your earnings history. The earnings component of your score just shifted in favour of higher earners.

Under the old scoring structure (pre-October 2026):

• $70,000 or more per year = 8 points
• $50,000–$69,999 = 6 points
• $30,000–$49,999 = 4 points
• Below $30,000 = 0 points

Under the new scoring structure (effective October 5, 2026):

• $80,000 or more per year = 10 points
• $70,000–$79,999 = 8 points
• $50,000–$69,999 = 6 points
• $30,000–$49,999 = 4 points
• Below $30,000 = 0 points

That $80,000 threshold is now the target. And here’s the key: if you’ve already submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the OWP stream, this change applies automatically to your profile. You don’t need to log in, re-enter data, or resubmit anything. Ontario’s system updated your score for you.

What This Means for Your Permanent Residence Chances

Ontario is receiving 14,119 provincial nominee spots for 2026 — the most of any province in Canada. That’s good news for candidates applying to Ontario; bad news is that it’s still a competitive process. Every point in your score matters because OINP draws candidates in batches, and each draw has a cutoff score. If you’re sitting just below that cutoff, 2 extra points could move you into the next draw round.

The earnings bonus also signals something important about Ontario’s immigration priorities: the province is actively seeking higher-earning workers. This likely reflects Ontario’s focus on attracting talent to industries and regions where labour shortages exist in the skilled and professional sectors. If you’re earning $80,000 or more — whether in Toronto, rural Ontario, or already working abroad for an Ontario employer — you’re now worth more to OINP’s selection algorithm.

The change also created a new gap in the scoring tiers. Candidates earning $70,000–$79,999 now receive only 8 points, while those earning $80,000+ get 10 points. That’s a 2-point jump at a specific threshold, which might motivate some candidates to negotiate for that extra $10,000 in salary with their employer. If you’re in an active job offer negotiation with an Ontario employer, this is worth mentioning.

What You Should Do Right Now

1. Check your current earnings documentation. Your score is based on a Notice of Assessment (NOA) issued by the Canada Revenue Agency for the past five years. If you’re earning $80,000+ and have an NOA to support it, you’re eligible for the new 10-point bonus. Make sure your most recent NOA is in your file.

2. If you haven’t submitted an EOI yet, submit now. If you’ve been sitting on the decision to apply to Ontario’s PNP, this change makes the program more attractive for high earners. The scoring boost is real, and it could accelerate your timeline to selection. Don’t wait for the next program update — your profile benefits from this change immediately.

3. If you’ve already submitted an EOI, verify your updated score. Log into the OINP e-Filing Portal and check that your profile reflects the new 10-point earnings bonus if you’re eligible. Ontario’s system should have updated it automatically, but it’s worth confirming.

4. Understand how this fits into your overall application. The earnings bonus is only one component of your OINP score. Your job offer, your role’s TEER classification (skill level), your language proficiency, and your Canadian work experience all matter too. A high earnings score doesn’t guarantee a nomination if your job offer is in a lower-demand field or region.

5. Consider the bigger picture. Ontario’s Workforce Priority stream consolidated eight separate programs into one in June 2026. The program is now focused on full-time, permanent job offers in TEER 0–3 occupations (management, professional, and technical roles), plus self-employed physicians. If you’re not in one of these categories, the earnings bonus might not apply to you. Verify that you’re eligible for the stream first.

What’s Next for Ontario’s PNP?

This October update is part of Ontario’s ongoing effort to fine-tune its Provincial Nominee Program following the June 2026 consolidation. The province hasn’t announced further changes, but monitoring OINP announcements is smart if you’re in the process. Changes like this one — which happen quickly and apply retroactively — are the reason staying informed matters.

If Ontario’s permanent residence pathway is part of your immigration plan, now is the time to act. The earnings bonus is real, the program is active, and your score could improve without you doing anything. Make sure your profile is submitted, verified, and competitive.

Have questions about whether the Ontario Workforce Priority stream is right for you, or want to confirm that your profile reflects the new earnings scoring? Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question.

If you have a Canadian earnings history and a job offer that puts you in Ontario's new permanent residence stream, the province just gave high earners a bigger advantage. On October 7, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program confirmed a change to its Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS)

that rewards your past income more generously than before.

What Changed

The OWPS ranks each Expression of Interest profile on a points grid, and one of those factors is your earnings history. Under the update:

• Earning $80,000 or more in a single year now awards 10 points, the new top bracket
• Earning $70,000 to $79,999 awards 8 points
• Lower income bands continue to award fewer points on the same sliding scale

Before this change, the top bracket was $70,000 or more for 8 points. The province has now added a higher tier at $80,000 and moved the maximum from 8 points to 10.

How It Is Measured

The earnings figure is your income in a single year within the past 5 years, verified by your Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment. You do not need to have earned $80,000 every year. One qualifying year inside that five-year window is enough to claim the points, as long as your CRA Notice of Assessment supports it.

What the Update Means

The change was implemented on October 5, 2026 and applied automatically to every Expression of Interest already in the system. If your profile is active and your earnings history already shows a qualifying year, your score has already been adjusted. There is no form to submit for the recalculation itself.

What This Means for You

This rewards candidates with a strong Canadian income record, so it helps to have your Notices of Assessment in order and to know which year gives you the best result. Two extra points can be the difference between sitting below a draw cut-off and being invited, so it is worth confirming your profile reflects your highest qualifying year.

Please note: The information provided is for general purposes only. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel on your specific immigration matter.

Have questions about how this applies to you? Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com.

If you’re a skilled worker with a job offer in Ontario—or planning to get one—you’re looking at a very different process than you were six months ago. In June 2026, Ontario closed eight legacy OINP streams and replaced them with a single, unified pathway: the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. The Expression of Interest portal opened in August, and the first nominations under this new system are expected any day now.

Here’s exactly how to apply.

What Changed, and Why It Matters

Ontario’s old OINP had separate streams for skilled trades, healthcare workers, international graduates, entrepreneurs, and more. Each stream had its own rules, point systems, and processing timelines. The government consolidated all of that into one employer-led stream that uses a single scoring framework.

What this means for you: if you have a valid Ontario job offer, you’re now competing against a broader pool of applicants using the same eight scoring factors. It’s simpler, but you need to understand exactly how Ontario ranks your profile.

The Three Pathways

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream has three routes:

• TEER 0–3 (Skilled): Professional, technical, and skilled trades roles
• TEER 4–5 (Semi-Skilled): Service and manual labor roles
• Self-Employed Physicians: Self-employed medical doctors

TEER stands for “Trade, Education, Experience, Responsibility”—Canada’s occupational classification system. Most applicants fall into the first two categories.

Step 1: Your Employer Must Register First

You cannot apply until your employer has submitted an eligible job offer through the OINP Employer Portal. This is the critical first gate. Your employer needs to:

• Register with the OINP Employer Portal
• Provide proof of active business in Ontario (typically 3+ years of operation)
• Document the permanent, full-time position they’re offering you
• Confirm you will work at a physical location in Ontario

Once your employer submits the job offer and Ontario accepts it, you can move to Step 2. Ask your employer for confirmation that the offer has been registered. Don’t assume—verify it before you proceed.

Step 2: Create an Expression of Interest

After your employer’s job offer is accepted into the system, you will file an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Ontario OINP portal. Your EOI will include:

• Personal and contact information
• Details of your job offer (the one your employer registered)
• Your work experience in Ontario (if any)
• Your education and language proficiency
• Your current legal status in Canada

Ontario uses your EOI to calculate your score. Every claim you make must be supported by documents you keep on file. If Ontario asks for proof later and you can’t provide it, your application can be refused. Keep everything: pay stubs, letters from employers, educational transcripts, language test results, proof of Canadian work experience.

Understanding the Scoring System

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream scores you out of a possible 130 points. Here’s how the points break down:

Job Offer Factors (up to 49 points):

• TEER category: 0–9 points (TEER 0 and 1 earn 9; TEER 2 and 3 earn 6; TEER 4 and 5 earn 0)
• Occupational category: 0–10 points
• Hourly wage: 0–15 points (higher wage = more points; $40/hour or above = 15 points)
• Job location: 0–15 points (Northern Ontario = 15; outside Toronto = 5; Toronto = 0)

Work Experience (up to 18 points): Experience in Ontario, Canada, or related to your occupation adds points.

Other Factors (up to 63 points): Language proficiency, education level, age, legal status in Canada, and other criteria contribute.

A higher score improves your chances, but there’s no published “cutoff” score—Ontario reviews applications in batches and selections depend on the overall pool of applicants.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI score is competitive, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. This typically happens after Ontario conducts a selection draw. You then have a set number of days (usually 60 days) to submit a complete PR application with full documentation.

What Happens After You’re Nominated?

Once Ontario nominates you for permanent residence, you have two options:

1. Apply directly to IRCC as a provincial nominee: You file a separate PR application with the federal government. This process takes several months.
2. Add the nomination to an existing Express Entry profile: If you already have an Express Entry account and profile, Ontario’s nomination adds 600 CRS points to your score. This typically leads to a faster federal processing time and an ITA from IRCC.

The second option is usually faster, so if you’re eligible for Express Entry, consider getting your profile submitted before your OINP nomination arrives.

Timeline: When to Apply

The OINP Expression of Interest portal is open now. Ontario’s first selection draw under the new system is expected in October 2026. If you meet the basic requirements (a job offer from a registered employer, legal work authorization in Canada, and the educational or experience credentials for your role), you should submit your EOI as soon as possible.

Do not wait for the draw schedule to be announced. The sooner your EOI is in the system, the sooner you’ll be ranked and eligible for selection.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Incomplete documentation: Ontario can refuse applications if your supporting documents don’t match your EOI claims. Start collecting proof today: employment letters, tax returns, educational credentials, test results.

Assuming a job offer is registered: Ask your employer to confirm. Don’t assume they’ve submitted it.

Providing inconsistent information: Your EOI must align exactly with the job offer your employer submitted. Any mismatch creates a red flag.

Omitting prior work experience: Even if it’s not in Ontario or Canada, related work experience adds to your score. Don’t leave it out.

Next Steps

The Ontario OINP Workforce Priority Stream is now your clearest employer-sponsored route to permanent residence in Ontario. The process is streamlined, the scoring is transparent, and draws are imminent. If you have a job offer in hand, begin your EOI today.

Questions about eligibility, scoring, or the application process? Every profile is different, and the details matter. Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com to get started or ask a question.