Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) Applicants - What You Need to Know Before Applying
Learn what Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) Applicants need to know before applying, including job offer requirements, TEER pathways, employer eligibility, and practical next steps under Ontario's redesigned OINP.
POLICY INSIGHTSIMMNEWS
7/9/20264 min read
Ontario redesigned its immigration program on June 26, 2026. Phase 1 introduces the new Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) framework. Here's what you need to know if you're planning to apply under the new framework.
Looking for a deeper analysis of the Phase 1 redesign? Read our companion article, Beyond the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) Framework: Understanding Phase 1 of Ontario's OINP Redesign.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Your next steps depend on your current situation:
No job offer: Focus on securing a qualifying job offer from an Ontario employer that meets the program's eligibility requirements.
Have a job offer: Confirm your TEER category and review whether both you and your employer meet the eligibility requirements before the EOI system reopens.
Already working in Ontario: Check whether you meet the required work experience (6 months for TEER 0–3 or 9 months for TEER 4–5) and discuss the application with your employer.
Recent Ontario graduate: Secure employment before you graduate. The reduced 3-month work experience requirement is only available if you have a qualifying job offer.
Waiting for Human Capital Priorities: That pathway is no longer available under Phase 1. Consider securing a qualifying job offer or monitoring future OINP announcements for additional pathways.
Don't Have a Job Offer?
For many applicants, this is the biggest change introduced by Phase 1. Phase 1 is built around employer-supported pathways. With the exception of physicians, every pathway requires a qualifying job offer.
Unless you qualify under the physician pathway, you will generally need a qualifying job offer to be eligible under the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) framework at this stage.
Your priority should be securing a qualifying job offer from an eligible employer. Before investing time in an opportunity, confirm that the employer meets the program's eligibility requirements, including the applicable revenue, employee, and location requirements.
Already Working in Ontario?
If you are already employed in Ontario and your employer is willing to support you, you may be well positioned under the redesigned program.
Before the new EOI system opens, confirm two things:
Your occupation's TEER category. Your eligibility depends on whether your occupation falls within TEER 0–3 or TEER 4–5. You can look up your NOC code and TEER category using the Government of Canada's Job Bank.
Your employer's eligibility. Employer eligibility depends on several requirements, including where the nominee will work. Review the applicable requirements before submitting an application.
When the new EOI system opens, everyone will need to submit a new Expression of Interest, as previous EOIs have been withdrawn.
Applicants who may be well positioned include:
Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 6 months (TEER 0–3) or 9 months (TEER 4–5).
Recent Ontario graduates who have worked at least 3 months in the job offer position.
Healthcare workers, including nurses and nurse aides, who benefit from targeted provisions.
Working in a TEER 4–5 Occupation?
The new TEER 4–5 pathway may provide additional opportunities for some workers.
Previously, eligibility depended on whether an occupation appeared on a prescribed list. Under the redesigned framework, the pathway is organized around the broader TEER 4–5 category.
This broader framework may expand eligibility beyond the former occupation list, although invitations will continue to be managed through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. A qualifying job offer and at least 9 months of work experience in the job offer position remain required.
Depending on where the position is located, different employer eligibility requirements may apply. Review your employer's eligibility before planning an application.
Graduating Soon?
The closure of the Master's Graduate and PhD Graduate streams represents one of the most significant changes for Ontario graduates.
If your plan was to apply through one of those pathways, that option is no longer available.
Instead, recent Ontario graduates may qualify under the TEER 0–3 pathway, which offers a reduced work experience requirement of 3 months instead of 6, provided they have a qualifying job offer.
If you are graduating soon, begin looking for employment before graduation. Your job offer must be full-time, permanent, and in a TEER 0–3 occupation.
Waiting for Human Capital Priorities?
The Human Capital Priorities stream is no longer available under Phase 1.
If you were waiting for a Notification of Interest through that stream, you will not receive an invitation under the former program.
At this stage, your options are to secure a qualifying job offer and apply through one of the OWP pathways, or monitor future OINP announcements as additional streams are expected in Phase 2.
Who May Need Another Plan?
Applicants who do not have a qualifying job offer may find that Phase 1 does not provide a clear pathway.
This includes many individuals who previously planned to apply through pathways that did not require employer support. Depending on your circumstances, monitoring Phase 2 announcements or exploring other immigration options may be appropriate.
Looking Ahead: Phase 2
The Ontario government has stated that three additional streams are expected later in 2026:
Priority Healthcare Stream – expected to provide a pathway for eligible regulated healthcare professionals without a job offer.
Entrepreneur Stream – expected to support business owners establishing or operating businesses in Ontario.
Exceptional Talent Stream – expected to recognize individuals with outstanding achievements in areas such as research, innovation, technology, and the arts.
What to Do Next
Look up your NOC code and TEER category using the Government of Canada's Job Bank.
Review your employer's eligibility if you already have a job offer.
Talk to your employer about their willingness to support an OINP application.
Monitor the official OINP updates for the reopening of the EOI system and future Phase 2 announcements.
Every applicant's circumstances are unique. If you're unsure how Ontario's redesigned OINP may affect your eligibility or next steps, you can start an assessment below to receive guidance tailored to your situation.
This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and policies may change. Applicants and employers should consult the applicable legislation, official Ontario government publications, or a qualified immigration professional regarding their individual circumstances.
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