Ontario plans major changes to immigration pathways, i.e., Ontario’s provincial government has shared a proposal to completely change how it selects people for permanent residence. The plan has two phases and aims to make the system easier to understand, more focused on labour needs, and better aligned with Ontario’s economic goals.
In the first phase, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) would merge its three “Employer: Job Offer streams” into one single stream.
In the second phase, Ontario would remove all the remaining streams and introduce three brand-new ones:
- A healthcare priority stream
- An entrepreneur stream
- An exceptional talent stream
Ontario is currently collecting feedback from employers, newcomers, and other partners before moving ahead with these updates.
The province also did not explain how it will deal with applications already in progress once phase two begins.
Phase 1: New Employer Job Offer Stream
Under phase one, Ontario plans to create one new Employer Job Offer stream with two separate pathways: one for TEER 0–3 occupations and one for TEER 4–5 occupations.
TEER 0–3 Pathway
This pathway would focus on skilled workers. The goal is to prioritize people already in Canada who have strong work experience and education.
Applicants would need to meet minimum standards in three areas, i.e., wage, work experience, and education.
Job Offer Wage
The job offer must match the median wage for that occupation in Ontario.
However, recent graduates from approved Ontario schools (within the last two years) may qualify with a low-wage job offer.
Work Experience
Candidates must meet one of the following:
- At least 6 months of work experience in Ontario in the same job and with the same employer
- At least 2 years of experience in the same NOC within the last 5 years
- A valid licence in the occupation and good standing with the regulating body (for regulated fields)
Education
Applicants need a post-secondary credential unless they already have 6 months of Ontario work experience with the same employer in the same occupation.
Employer Job Offer – TEER 4–5 Track
This track is designed for employers who depend on workers in roles that need a high school diploma or on-the-job training. Many of these roles are in service, support, manufacturing, and frontline jobs. Ontario wants to help employers who struggle to fill these positions.
Key parts of the proposal include:
- Eligibility For All TEER 4–5 Occupations
Every TEER 4 and 5 job would be eligible. Draws would focus on occupations facing shortages.
- Targeted Draws
Ontario could run draws based on labour needs, occupations, regions, or specific skills.
- Minimum Language Requirement
Applicants would need to meet a minimum CLB language level (details coming later).
- Work Experience
Candidates must have at least 9 months of experience in the job-offer occupation with the same Ontario employer.
Extra Flexibility
Two special options were also mentioned:
- A possible construction pathway allowing construction workers to qualify with union support, even without a full-time permanent job offer
- Regional and sector-based invitations, similar to the OINP’s recent region-specific and occupation-specific draws
Phase 2: Three New OINP Streams
As Ontario plans major changes to immigration pathways, let us discuss Phase 2.
Well, in phase two, Ontario wants to replace all existing OINP streams with three new ones designed to meet long-term economic and social goals.
Priority Healthcare Stream
This new stream will help healthcare workers immigrate more easily, especially those in regulated medical occupations.
Key features:
- No Job Offer Needed: Applicants with valid registration from a regulatory body can apply without a job offer.
- Support For New Graduates: People finishing their licensing process may also qualify.
This aims to address Ontario’s ongoing healthcare worker shortage.
Entrepreneur Stream
Ontario plans to reopen and redesign its entrepreneur pathway. The goal is to attract newcomers who can start or grow businesses in Ontario.
The stream would focus on people who:
- Have created and are actively running a new business in Ontario
- Have bought and are actively operating an existing Ontario business
This stream supports job creation and helps local economies grow.
Exceptional Talent Stream
This stream is aimed at people with unique, high-level achievements who may not fit into traditional job-offer or points-based programs.
Ontario wants to attract individuals in fields such as:
- Science and innovation
- Academia and research
- Technology
- Arts and creative industries
Applicants must show strong achievements, such as:
- Important research publications
- Well-known innovations
- High-level national or international awards
- Creative or artistic works with wide recognition
Instead of points, Ontario would use a qualitative review based on the applicant’s impact and potential contribution to the province.
Ontario’s immigration minister, David Piccini, hinted earlier that such a stream was being planned.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
