BREAKING: Ontario opens intake for new permanent residence pathway
Ontario has opened intake for its new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS), a provincial nominee program pathway launched on August 4, 2026, that includes streams for higher-skilled workers, lower-skilled workers, and self-employed physicians.
Key points
✓The OWPS opened for intake on August 4, 2026, after launching on June 25, 2026 without an active portal
✓Three pathways are available: higher-skilled workers, lower-skilled workers, and self-employed physicians registered with Ontario's health insurance program
What this means for you
If you are a foreign worker, lower-skilled worker, or self-employed physician with a job offer in Ontario, you may now apply for provincial nomination through the new OWPS. You'll need to create an Expression of Interest in Ontario's online portal and have your employer register a job offer. If selected, you could receive a provincial nomination that supports your application for a work permit or permanent residence through Express Entry.
Full detail
Ontario's new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) officially opened for intake on August 4, 2026. The stream is part of the province's overhaul of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and offers three pathways: one for higher-skilled workers, one for lower-skilled workers, and one for self-employed physicians registered to practice in Ontario and eligible to bill the provincial health insurance program (OHIP).
To apply, eligible foreign nationals must create an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Ontario's e-Filing Portal, linked to a qualifying job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. Self-employed physicians must first submit a webform as an initial step. EOIs remain valid for 12 months; if candidates are not invited to apply within that period, they must re-register. The OINP periodically selects candidates from the pool and invites them to submit full applications, with 17 calendar days to respond.
Candidates are evaluated using a points-based scoring system published by the province on July 20, 2026. High-skilled workers and self-employed physicians who receive nominations have the option to apply to the federal government through the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (EPNP) via Express Entry, which may enable faster processing of permanent residence applications. Job offer nominees receive a provincial support letter to use when applying for a work permit.
The OWPS is the first stream to launch under Ontario's planned OINP overhaul. The province previously sunset all its prior pathways on May 30, 2026, without replacements. Ontario plans to launch three additional streams in a second phase: a priority healthcare worker stream, an entrepreneur stream, and an exceptional talent stream focused on foreign nationals with significant achievements in academia, innovation, science, technology, and the arts. Full details and a launch date for the second phase have not yet been announced.
When did the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream open for intake?
The OWPS opened for intake on August 4, 2026, though the program was initially announced on June 26, 2026 before the online portal became available.
What are the three pathways under the OWPS?
The three pathways are for higher-skilled workers, lower-skilled workers, and self-employed physicians registered to practice in Ontario and eligible to bill OHIP (Ontario's public health insurance program).
How long is an Expression of Interest valid?
An EOI remains valid for up to 12 months. If a candidate does not receive an invitation to apply within 12 months, they must submit a new EOI to remain under consideration.
What happens after I receive a provincial nomination?
Job offer nominees receive a provincial support letter to use when applying for a work permit. High-skilled workers and self-employed physicians can also apply to the federal government through the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program (EPNP) via Express Entry for potentially faster permanent residence processing.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — confirm details on the official source above and, for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.