Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP Draw) 2026

Ontario, home to over 15 million residents, is Canada’s most populous province and the county’s largest economic hub. With 10 provinces and 3 territories, each of the Canadian provinces attracts skilled professionals, international students, and longing families through their individual Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), enabling them to immigrate, live, work, and stay as permanent residents of Canada. 

Among these Provincial Nominee pathways, the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP Program) is one of the most sought after pathways, designed to address Ontario’s labour market needs while enabling overseas skilled workers to live, work and settle permanently in Ontario, Canada. Well, if you are a skilled professional, an international student, a young budding entrepreneur or skilled physician from India, planning to secure Canada PR, then this comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the entire process of ONIP pathways and its application process. 

What is the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program?

With a strong labour market, world-class educational institutions, and diverse employment opportunities, the province remains one of the top destinations for skilled professionals, international students seeking to live, work and build a long term future in Canada. Administered by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the pathway enables the province to nominate eligible applicants who have the skills and experience needed to support Ontario’s accelerating economy. 

Why Immigrate to Ontario?

Across all the provinces and territories of Canada, Ontario has remained one of the most desirable destinations for professionals because of its strong economy, healthier lifestyle, and world class educational facilities. Being recognised as the economic powerhouse, Ontario generates abundant employment opportunities for professionals seeking better career opportunities in Canada. Here are some of the benefits that makes Ontario one of the preferred destination amongst professionals: 

❖  Strong Economy

Ontario, recognised as Canada's largest economic hub, offers  employment opportunities across various industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades. Being home to various multinational companies, innovative startups, and small businesses, the province drives economic growth and creates a stable labour market. Its diversified economy not only provides excellent career prospects but also offers long-term job security and opportunities for professionals. 

❖  Abundant Employment Opportunities

Over the past few years, the province has faced acute demand for skilled professionals, making it easier for qualified immigrants to find rewarding employment and advance their careers. With thousands of job openings and a growing labour market, qualified immigrants have greater opportunities to secure rewarding employment, gain valuable work experience, and achieve long-term career growth in the province. 

❖  World Class Education

Ontario is home to some of Canada's leading universities and colleges, providing internationally recognized education and excellent opportunities for international students and their families. The province provides students with access to high-quality academic programs, modern learning facilities, and industry-focused training that enhance career prospects. With excellent educational opportunities for both students and their families, Ontario is an ideal destination for those seeking academic excellence and long-term personal and professional growth. 

❖  High Quality of Life

 modern infrastructure, quality healthcare, safe communities, efficient public transportation, and access to a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. The province also offers a vibrant cultural scene, diverse recreational activities, and numerous parks and natural attractions, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for individuals and families alike. 

❖  Pathway to Permanent Residency

Through the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP), eligible candidates can receive a provincial nomination that strengthens their application for Canadian permanent residence. Several Ontario PNP streams are aligned with the Express Entry system, allowing nominated candidates to receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, greatly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. 

❖  Excellent Settlement and Career Support

Newcomers have access to language training, employment assistance, settlement services, and community programs that help them successfully establish their lives in Ontario. From language training and job search assistance to career counselling, credential recognition, and community integration programs, newcomers receive the guidance and resources needed to adapt to their new environment. 

With the above-mentioned benefits, prospective immigrants from India who are planning to immigrate to Canada can confidently choose Ontario as their preferred destination for provincial nomination, gaining access to strong economic opportunities, diverse communities and a high quality of life while building a successful future in Canada. 

Following the phased closure of all existing OINP streams — beginning May 30, 2026 and completed June 26, 2026 — Ontario launched the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream with three new pathways effective June 26, 2026.

On June 26, 2026, Ontario introduced regulatory amendments detailing how foreign workers can qualify for provincial nomination for permanent residence under the newly launched Ontario Workforce Priority Stream which includes three new pathways.

To be effective from June 26, 2026, Ontario’s newly launched Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is an employer driven immigration pathway designed to address the province’s labour market needs by facilitating the recruitment of skilled workers. 

The processing for the entire Ontario PNP program will be done under two phases. At present, the first phase known as the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is being conducted by the immigration department of Ontario. In 2026, Ontario received its largest ever PNP allocation — 14,119 nomination spaces, signalling significant opportunity for skilled professionals under the new Workforce Priority Stream. Thus, this pathway is divided into three distinct pathways to address specific workforce needs which are as follows: 

❖  TEER 0 – 3 Pathway – for workers in higher skilled occupations

❖  TEER 4 – 5 Pathway – for workers in lower skilled occupations

❖  Self employed physicians – for registered physicians eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) 

According to Ontario’s immigration department, these above-mentioned streams will remain available for provincial nomination, but eligible foreign workers will only be able to apply for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) reopens its Expression of Interest (EOIs) system, which is anticipated later in the summers.

Ontario has proposed three additional Phase 2 streams but no launch date, eligibility requirements, or application procedures have been confirmed.

❖  Ontario Healthcare Pathway

❖  Entrepreneur Stream

❖  Exceptional Talent Stream 

Note: the OINP EOI system is currently closed (as of June 26, 2026) while the new Workforce Priority Stream portal is being set up. Applications will open later in upcoming months of 2026. 

TEER 0 – 3 Pathway

As stated above TEER 0 – 3 pathway is for those foreign nationals who have job offers in occupations that typically require at least some level of post-secondary education or training. Prospective immigrants planning to qualify under this pathway, must have certain requirements such as: 

1.  Valid Job Offer

Having a valid job offer means:

●    Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer

●    The job must fall under the TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations 

2.  Language or Ontario Graduate Requirement

Language proficiency plays a crucial role during visa application. In order to qualify, applicants must have:

●    Meet the English or French language level requirement which is

➔  CLB 6 for most occupations

➔  CLB 5 for certain eligible skilled trade occupations 

●    OR be a recent graduate from an eligible Ontario post secondary institution 

3.  Meet one of the following:

In order to qualify applicants must meet either of the following requirements:

●    Licensing: Be licensed to work in Ontario if the occupation is regulated

●    Education and Work Experience: meet the required education and work experience criteria 

4.   Educational Requirement

Some of the educational requirements are:

●    A post-secondary degree or diploma from a program of at least one year of full-time study or

●    A foreign credential supported by a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or

●    Qualify under one of these exemptions:

➔  Nurse Aid Exemption: an Ontario college certificate of at least one year for NOC 33102

➔  Skilled Trade Exemptions: only a secondary school diploma is required for certain eligible skilled trade occupations 

5.   Work Experience Requirements

Applicants applying under this stream must meet one of the following requirements: 

Option A: Occupational Work Experience

●   Have at least 2 years of cumulative full-time work experience within the past 5 years

●   The experience must be:

➔  In the same occupation as the Ontario job offer

➔  In a related occupation under an approved exemption 

Option B: Job Offer Work Experience

To be eligible under this, applicants must have worked in the same job with the same Ontario employer while living in Ontario:

●    6 months of consecutive full-time work experience or

●    3 months of consecutive full-time work experience if they are a recent Ontario graduate 

How is Work Experience Counted?

Work experience is undoubtedly considered an indispensable part of Canada immigration policies. The newly launched stream and its dedicated pathways require work experience in a specified occupation and manner which is as following:

●    Full time work: at least 30 hours per week

●    Part time work: (only for the 2 year occupational experience option):

➔  Counts one-for-one if working 30+ hours/week across multiple jobs

➔  Counts two-for-one if working 15+hours/week in one job 

Who Qualifies as a Recent Graduate?

In order to qualify under this stream, applicants are required to meet “recent graduate” criteria. By recent graduate means, the applicant’s credentials must have been earned within the last 3 years from an eligible Ontario institution and be one of the following:

●    A 2 year (or longer) diploma or degree

●    An Ontario graduate certificate

●    A Master’s degree

●    A Ph.D 

Skilled Trades Education Exemption

While assessing educational requirements to qualify under this pathway, applicants are required to qualify under one of the exemptions. For this, applicants only need a secondary school diploma (or equivalent) if the job offer is in an eligible occupation. Under this exempted occupations applicants with CLB 5 language proficiency may also qualify. Here is a list of occupations listed under skilled trades education exemptions which are as follows:

●    Technical trades

●    General trades

●    Natural resource occupations

●    Process operators

●    Cooks

●    Butchers

●    Bakers

●    Chefs 

Special Work Experience Rules

The immigration department of Ontario has also listed some of the special work experience rules through which eligible foreign nationals can apply for provincial nomination. The rules are:

●    Applicants with job offers as Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300) or Bus Drivers / Transit Operators (NOC 73301) must have at least 6 months of consecutive work experience with the Ontario employer. The two year work occupational experience does not apply. 

Occupation-Specific Work Experience Exemptions

Applicants can use related work experience in these cases:

●    Pharmacy Assistant (NOC 33101): Experience as a Pharmacist counts (NOC 31120)

●    Nurse Aid (NOC 33102): Experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (NOC 32101) or Registered Nurse (NOC 31301) counts

●    Engineering Technicians (NOC 223): Experience in Professional Engineering occupations (NOC 213) counts 

Licensing Requirements

Applicants applying under an occupation that requires a valid license or legal authorization under Ontario or federal law, the applicant must hold the required license before application. 

TEER 4 – 5 Pathway

TEER 4 – 5 pathway is applicable for those foreign nationals who have job offers in occupations that typically require a high school diploma / or on-the-job training. Well in order to qualify under this pathway, eligible skilled professionals are required to meet eligibility requirements which are as follows: 

1.   Valid Job Offer

Have a full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible employer in a TEER 4 or 5 occupation, paying at least the occupation’s median wage. 

2.   Work Experience

Have at least 9 months of cumulative work experience within the last 2 years in the same job, with the same employer that made the qualifying job offer. 

3.   Education

Hold at least a secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent qualification. 

4.   Language Proficiency

Demonstrate a minimum language level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in English or French across all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). 

Self-Employed Physicians Pathway

The self-employed physicians pathway is designed for internationally trained physicians who wish to settle permanently in Ontario while working as self-employed medical professionals. It allows eligible medical professionals who are authorised to practice and bill for publicly funded healthcare services in the province to apply for permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). 

To qualify under this pathway, applicants must meet the following requirements, which are as follows: 

●    Ontario Medical License

Be licensed and in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding a valid certificate of registration as an independent, academic or provincial practitioner. 

●    OHIP Billing Eligibility

Be eligible to bill for medical services through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 

●    Licensing Compliance

Meet all the licensing requirements established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to practice medicine in the province.  

Employer Requirements

The immigration department of Ontario has not only listed certain eligibility requirements for the eligible applicants but has also listed some of the eligibility requirements in order to qualify as a valid employer in the province. To support a foreign nationals under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, an employer must meet certain business and job offer requirements which are as follows: 

●   Operate a business in Ontario

●   Have been actively operating for the last 3 years

●   Meet the minimum annual revenue requirements based on business location, which is:

➔  Greater Toronto Area (GTA): at least $1 million in the most recent fiscal year

➔ Major Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs): at least $500,000 in the most recent fiscal year. CMAs means areas of Ontario such as Ottawa, Hamilton, Waterloo, Niagara, Windsor, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, etc.

➔ Outside GTA and major CMAs: at least $250,000 in each of the last two fiscal years.

●    Employ the minimum number of full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the work location, which is

➔  GTA – at least 5 employees

➔  Outside GTA – at least 3 employees

●    Have no outstanding violations or orders under Ontario’s major labour laws. 

Additional Employer Conditions

Apart from these above mentioned required, Ontario has listed some of the additional requirements, which are as follows:

●    Ontario may require employers to show they made reasonable efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before offering the position to a foreign worker

●    The applicant and their family members cannot own 10% or more of the employer’s business. The only exception is if the ownership was received as employee compensation and remains below the 10% limit.

●    The job offer must not negatively affect any ongoing labour dispute or employment of workers involved in one. 

Job Offer Requirements

The immigration department has also clearly demonstrated every minute detail about the eligibility requirements for both the employer and the employees. The department has also listed the job offer requirements to be fulfilled by the employer, which is as follows: 

The job offer must be:

●   Be full-time

●   Be permanent (not a temporary of fixed-term contract)

●   Be essential to the employer’s business operations

●   Be for work that will be performed mainly in Ontario (unless it qualifies under the transportation exemption)

●   Pay the applicant at least their current wage if they already work for the employer 

Wage Requirements

As the employer is supposed to pay the applicant at least their current wage, the immigration department has also provided clear data on the wage requirements to be paid to the employees for the work services. The offered wage must be: 

●  Be equal to or higher than the median wage for that occupation in the job’s region based on the Government of Canada’s job bank. 

●  For recent graduates applying under the TEER 0 – 3 pathway, the wage must be at least the regional low-wage level. 

Considerations for the Expression of interest (EOI) System

Eligible foreign workers seeking provincial nomination under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream are required to create a new EOI in the province’s online system after the EOI system reopens. However, once the EOI system opens, applicants can take certain further steps for positive nomination, which are discussed below. 

To support an eligible foreign national with a job offer, there is a systematic procedure such as:

●    The employer must submit a new job offer through the Employer portal

●    The foreign national must create a new EOI profile

●    Eligible candidates enter the EOI pool

●    The OINP invites selected candidates to apply

●    Invited applicants are required to submit a complete provincial nomination application

●    The OINP assess the application, and if approved, issues a provincial nomination 

Note: employers who already have an Employer Portal account will not need to register again