The OINP Overhaul (June 26, 2026)

Ontario just eliminated its entire immigration stream system. 8 streams = GONE. Replaced with a single streamlined approach: the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.

This is the biggest OINP change in 5 years. Here's what you need to know.

What Changed?

Old OINP (Pre-June 2026):

Employer Job Offer Stream
International Mobility Program Stream
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Master's Graduate Stream
PhD Graduate Stream
+ 3 other specialized streams

New OINP (June 2026+):

Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (single unified pathway)
Self-Employed Physicians Option (separate category)

The New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

Two Pathways:

Pathway 1: TEER 0-3 (Skilled Workers)

Who qualifies: Managers, engineers, healthcare professionals, trades (TEER 0-3 occupations)

Requirements:

Job offer from Ontario employer (full-time, minimum 1 year)
6 months consecutive work in the same position (OR 3 months if recent Ontario graduate)
CLB 6+ minimum in language (CLB 5 for select occupations)
Post-secondary degree/diploma (Canadian or foreign with ECA)
+25 bonus points if French: CLB 6+ English + NCLC 7+ French

Pathway 2: TEER 4-5 (Other Workers)

Who qualifies: Administrative, service industry, retail workers (TEER 4-5 occupations)

Requirements:

Job offer from Ontario employer (full-time, minimum 1 year)
9 months cumulative work in the last 2 years (in same field)
CLB 4+ minimum language
Canadian secondary diploma or equivalent

Special: Self-Employed Physicians Option

No job offer required if you have:

Valid Ontario College of Physicians & Surgeons registration
Proof of self-employment practice

Key Changes Impact

What this means:

✅ Faster processing: One stream instead of 8 = simpler system
✅ More flexible: Graduates + experienced workers both fit TEER 0-3
❌ Stricter language: CLB 6 for skilled (was CLB 5 for many)
❌ Work experience required: No more nomination without local job history

How to Apply

Timeline:

June 26, 2026: Old system closes
Summer 2026: New e-filing portal opens
August+ 2026: Applications accepted

Steps:

Secure Ontario job offer (TEER 0-3 or TEER 4-5)
Work in role for required months (6 or 9)
Gather: ECA credential assessment, language test (CLB/NCLC), job offer letter
Apply on new OINP portal (summer 2026)
Receive provincial nomination (+600 CRS for Express Entry)

French Speakers Benefit (+25 Bonus)

If you speak French + English at CLB 6+, you get +25 OINP recognition points (informally helps prioritization).

This makes OINP nomination even more valuable when combined with Express Entry's +50 French CRS bonus.

Processing Time Expectations

Old system: 30-60 days average

New system: Unknown (system is brand new), expect 45-90 days

Bottom Line

OINP 2026 is simpler but stricter. You need: Ontario job offer + work experience + CLB 6 English minimum. French speakers have a +25 edge. If you're in Ontario with an employer willing to sponsor you—apply immediately when the portal opens summer 2026.

Curious how this affects your own score? Run the numbers with our free CRS calculator.

OINP 2026 Redesign: Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Complete Guide