Question 1

What are the new Ontario PNP streams in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Ontario launched three new streams on June 26, 2026 under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream: the TEER 0–3 pathway for higher-skilled workers, the TEER 4–5 pathway for lower-skilled workers, and the Self-Employed Physician pathway. Ontario retired all previous OINP streams on May 30, 2026 as part of a full overhaul announced in December 2025.

Question 2

How do I know which Ontario immigration pathway I qualify for?

Accepted Answer

Your pathway is determined primarily by your NOC occupation's TEER level. If your job falls under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3, you apply through the TEER 0–3 pathway. If your job is TEER 4 or 5, you apply through the TEER 4–5 pathway. Self-employed physicians have their own dedicated stream. Use the Ontario PR Checker above to find out exactly where you stand.

Question 3

What is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?

Accepted Answer

It's Ontario's new provincial immigration program, replacing all previous OINP streams. It has three pathways — for higher-skilled workers (TEER 0–3), lower-skilled workers (TEER 4–5), and self-employed physicians — each with specific job offer, work experience, education, and language requirements.

Question 4

Do I need a job offer for Ontario PNP in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All three pathways under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream require a full-time, permanent (indeterminate) job offer from an eligible Ontario employer who meets minimum requirements around years in operation, annual revenue, and number of Canadian employees.

Question 5

How much work experience do I need for Ontario PNP?

Accepted Answer

For TEER 0–3: either 6 consecutive months with your current Ontario employer (last 12 months), 3 months if you're a recent Ontario graduate, or 2 cumulative years in the same occupation over the last 5 years. For TEER 4–5: 9 months with your current employer in Ontario within the past 2 years.

Question 6

What language score do I need for Ontario PNP?

Accepted Answer

TEER 0–3 requires Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 in all four abilities. Skilled trades workers (Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 93, cooks, and chefs) may qualify with CLB 5. TEER 4–5 requires CLB 4. Tests must be from an IRCC-approved institution taken within the past 2 years.

Question 7

Can I apply for OINP with a CLB 5 language score?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. CLB 5 meets the requirement for the TEER 0–3 pathway if your occupation falls under specific skilled trades groups including Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 93, minor group 6320 (cooks, butchers, bakers), or unit group 62200 (chefs). For most other TEER 0–3 occupations, CLB 6 is required.

Question 8

What are the employer requirements for Ontario PNP 2026?

Accepted Answer

Employers must have been operating for at least 3 years, maintain a place of business in Ontario, meet minimum gross annual revenue ($1M in GTA, $500K in major cities, $250K in smaller areas), and employ at least 5 Canadian citizen or PR employees full-time in GTA locations or 3 elsewhere.

Question 9

Can a small business sponsor someone for Ontario PNP?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the business has been operating for 3+ years and meets the revenue and headcount minimums. Outside the GTA and major cities, the minimum revenue threshold is $250,000 in each of the last two fiscal years and at least 3 full-time Canadian/PR employees at the work location.

Question 10

What is the difference between TEER 3 and TEER 4 for Ontario PNP?

Accepted Answer

TEER 3 occupations typically require a college diploma, apprenticeship of less than two years, or at least 6 months of on-the-job training. TEER 4 occupations typically require only a secondary school diploma. TEER 0–3 requires CLB 6 language and post-secondary education (with trades exceptions); TEER 4–5 requires only CLB 4 and secondary school, but needs 9 months of work experience with the same Ontario employer.

Question 11

When does the OINP EOI system open in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The OINP's Expression of Interest (EOI) system is anticipated to open in late summer 2026. The Employer Portal is also expected to reopen at the same time. Ontario has not announced a specific date as of late June 2026. Monitor ontario.ca/OINP for updates.

Question 12

How do I apply for Ontario PNP after the EOI opens?

Accepted Answer

The process is employer-initiated. Your employer must first submit a new job offer and apply for position approval through the Ontario Employer Portal. You then create an EOI profile in the OINP online system. If selected from the EOI pool, you'll receive an invitation to apply for provincial nomination. After receiving a nomination, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Question 13

Can I get Ontario PNP as a recent graduate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recent Ontario graduates get a reduced work experience requirement under the TEER 0–3 pathway — 3 consecutive months with your current Ontario employer instead of 6 — and qualify at the lower wage threshold. To count as a recent Ontario graduate, you must have obtained a degree, diploma (2+ year program), Ontario college graduate certificate, master's, or PhD from an eligible Ontario institution within the last 3 years.

Question 14

What NOC occupations have special rules under the new OINP?

Accepted Answer

Several occupations have specific exemptions or restrictions. Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300) and bus drivers (NOC 73301) can only use the job offer work experience minimum, and the employer must hold a valid CVOR certificate with an Excellent or Satisfactory safety rating. Nurse aides (NOC 33102) can substitute an Ontario college certificate for the post-secondary requirement. Pharmacy assistants (NOC 33101) can count pharmacist experience. Engineering technicians can count professional engineer experience.

Question 15

What is the Ontario PR Checker?

Accepted Answer

Ontario PR Checker is a free eligibility tool by ImmigrateAI Global that helps foreign nationals understand whether they qualify for Ontario's new Workforce Priority Stream launched in June 2026. It covers occupation, job offer, work experience, education, language scores, and employer criteria — and delivers a personalized result in under 3 minutes.

Find out if Ontario's new PR pathways are open to you.

Common questions about Ontario's new PR pathways