Short answer: In 2026 Ontario closed its eight existing OINP streams and replaced them with the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, which requires a permanent, full-time job offer from an Ontario employer. Express Entry is the federal system that ranks candidates by points. If you have an Ontario job offer, the OINP may fit; if you do not, Express Entry is usually the route to look at first.
What changed in the OINP in 2026
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program stopped accepting new registrations under its existing streams on May 30, 2026. On June 26, 2026, Ontario replaced them with a single stream, the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The closed streams were:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker
- Employer Job Offer: International Student
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills
- Master's Graduate
- PhD Graduate
- Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
- Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker
- Express Entry Skilled Trades
Ontario published the scoring factors for the new stream on July 22, 2026, and opened the expression of interest system on August 4, 2026. Further reforms are expected in later phases, so check the current program rules before you register.
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream
The stream is employer-driven: an Ontario employer submits a job offer, and candidates are selected by invitation. It has three pathways:
- TEER 0 to 3 occupations: a permanent, full-time Ontario job offer, qualifying work experience, language ability of at least CLB 6 (CLB 5 for some occupations) and a post-secondary diploma or degree.
- TEER 4 and 5 occupations: a permanent, full-time Ontario job offer, nine months of recent experience with that employer, at least CLB 4 and a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.
- Self-employed physicians: eligible physicians who meet registration and billing requirements, without a standard employer job offer.
Employers in smaller rural areas face lower revenue thresholds. A provincial nomination lets the candidate apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
How Express Entry works
Express Entry is the federal system for the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades programs. Candidates create a profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score based on age, education, language, work experience and other factors. IRCC invites the top scoring candidates in general and category based draws. A job offer is not required for most candidates.
Side by side
| Ontario Workforce Priority stream | Express Entry | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | Ontario | Government of Canada (IRCC) |
| Job offer | Required (except the physician pathway) | Not required for most candidates |
| Occupations | TEER 0 to 5 | Mainly TEER 0 to 3, plus listed trades |
| Selection | Invitation based, employer driven | Points based draws |
| Where you live | Must intend to live and work in Ontario | Anywhere in Canada outside Quebec |
Which one fits you
- You have a permanent, full-time offer from an Ontario employer: the Workforce Priority stream may fit, including for some lower-skilled occupations that Express Entry does not cover.
- You have a strong Express Entry score: Express Entry may be faster and does not tie you to one employer.
- You are an international graduate: the former graduate streams are closed, so you will generally need either an Ontario job offer or an Express Entry profile.
- You were in the middle of an old stream application: get advice on how the transition affects your file.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ontario PNP still open in 2026?
Yes, through the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, which replaced the previous eight streams on June 26, 2026.
Do I need a job offer for the Ontario PNP?
For the Workforce Priority stream, yes, a permanent, full-time offer from an Ontario employer, except in the self-employed physician pathway.
Did Ontario close the Masters and PhD Graduate streams?
Yes. Both closed to new registrations on May 30, 2026 along with the other existing streams.
Is Express Entry better than the Ontario PNP?
Neither is better in general. Express Entry suits candidates with high scores and no job offer; the Ontario stream suits candidates with a qualifying Ontario job offer.
Can lower-skilled workers apply to the Ontario PNP?
Yes. The Workforce Priority stream has a pathway for TEER 4 and 5 occupations with nine months of recent experience with the offering employer.
Talk to our team
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, see our immigration lawyer in Toronto page. To book a paid consultation (30 minutes, $150 plus HST, paid when you book), book online or call (647) 271-1646. The phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and office meetings are by appointment. Civitas Law is a team of legal professionals under the leadership of lawyer Nasibeh Mehrpouyan, serving clients in English, French, Farsi, Russian and Serbian.