Ontario Plans Major Rewrite of Paths to Permanent Residence

Ontario’s government plans major changes to how it selects newcomers for permanent residence. The proposal includes a two-phase overhaul of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Officials say the plan aims to build clearer pathways and support areas that struggle to find workers.

The province now invites feedback from employers, workers, unions, and other groups. It has not explained how it plans to manage applications already in progress once phase two begins.

Phase One: One New Employer Job Offer Stream

Ontario plans to merge its three current Employer Job Offer streams into a single stream. That new stream would include two pathways based on job type: one for TEER 0–3 jobs and one for TEER 4–5 jobs.

TEER 0–3 Pathway

The TEER 0–3 pathway targets skilled workers. The focus stays on people already in Canada who hold strong qualifications. Applicants must meet wage, work experience, and education rules.

Wage
Job offers must meet the median wage for the job in Ontario. Recent graduates from approved Ontario schools may qualify at the low-wage level.

Work Experience
Applicants must meet one of these conditions:

• Six months of Ontario experience in the same job with the same employer;
  
• Two years of experience in that job within the last five years;
  
• A valid licence in good standing for regulated jobs.
  

Education
Applicants need a post-secondary credential. Those with six months of Ontario experience in the job with the same employer do not need this requirement.

TEER 4–5 Pathway

This pathway supports employers who rely on jobs that often need only high school or on-the-job training. Many of these roles face chronic shortages.

Key features include:

• All TEER 4 and 5 jobs count.
  
• Draws may target roles with strong shortages.
  
• A minimum language level will apply.
  
• Applicants must hold nine months of Ontario experience with the same employer in the job offered.
  

Ontario also plans two flexible options:

• A possible construction route that allows union support instead of a full-time job offer.
  
• The ability to target certain regions or sectors when shortages become urgent.

Phase Two: Three Brand-New Streams

Ontario plans to close its remaining OINP streams and replace them with three new ones.

Priority Healthcare Stream

This stream creates a direct route for healthcare workers. Applicants with valid registration in regulated healthcare jobs may apply without a job offer. Recent graduates who near the end of their licensing steps may also qualify.

Entrepreneur Stream

The province plans a modern entrepreneur stream. It will invite newcomers who buy or build businesses and take an active role in daily operations. This includes buyers of existing businesses and founders of new ones.

Exceptional Talent Stream

This stream aims to welcome people whose work brings strong value to Ontario but does not fit standard job-offer models. It will consider individuals in fields like science, research, technology, and the arts.

Candidates must show clear achievements and recognition, such as major research work, well-known creative projects, or important awards. Officials plan to use a qualitative review rather than a points system. Ontario’s immigration minister, David Piccini, previously hinted at this new direction.