Ontario Proposes Two-Phased Revamp of PR Nominee Selection

Kritika Pandey

Updated On Dec 5, 2025

Ontario’s government has proposed to launch a two-phase plan to change how candidates are nominated for PR. Phase 1 will merge three Employer Job Offer streams into one, while Phase 2 will replace all other streams with three new ones.

Ontario Proposes Two-Phased Revamp of PR Nominee Selection

To incorporate major changes, Ontario’s provincial government has launched a two-phased approach to select nominees for permanent residence. In phase one, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) would combine its three “Employer: Job Offer streams” into a single stream. Phase two is designated to OINP’s elimination of all its other existing streams and introduction of three brand new streams: the priority health care stream, the entrepreneur stream, and the exceptional talent stream.

Before we know further, we know that OINP is currently seeking feedback from stakeholders on these substantial planned changes.

Phase 1: The New Employer Job Offer Stream

In the first stage, the OINP focuses on consolidating its three existing "Employer: Job Offer streams" into a single, new Employer Job Offer stream. Based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC), the new stream will further be segmented into two distinct pathways based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibility (TEER) categories.

1. TEER 0-3 Pathway (Skilled Workers)

This pathway is made for skilled workers (preferred for candidates already residing in Canada and holding advanced qualifications).

Applicants would need to meet the following requirements across three areas:

Meet the median wage for that occupation in Ontario. Job offers with low wages will only be considered if the candidate is a recent graduate from an eligible Ontario institution (within the past two years).
Applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Six months of work experience in Ontario in the job offer NOC with the same employer; or
- Two years of experience in the job offer NOC within the past five years; or
- Possess a valid license and be in good standing with the relevant regulatory body for regulated occupations.
A post-secondary credential is required, unless the applicant has already accumulated six months of Ontario work experience in the job offer occupation with their employer.

2. TEER 4-5 Track (Addressing Labor Shortages)

This track is focused on supporting Ontario employers facing persistent labor shortages in roles that require a high school diploma or on-the-job training, including fields like manufacturing, service, and frontline occupations.

All TEER 4 and 5 NOCs would be eligible, with selection focused on occupations known to be facing shortages.
The Ministry would employ targeted draws based on labor market needs and program priorities, focusing on specific worker profiles or occupations.
A minimum language standard (a specific Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, to be determined in regulation) and at least nine months of work experience in the job-offer NOC with the same Ontario employer would be required.
The proposal notes potential flexibilities, including a construction pathway allowing construction trades workers with union support to qualify without a permanent, full-time job offer, and the ability to use the stream for targeted regional and sector-specific invitations

Also Read: New PR Pathways Coming Up for Canada in 2026

Phase 2: Introducing Three New Pathways

The second phase eliminated all other existing OINP streams and replaced them with three completely new streams:

1. Priority Healthcare Stream

This pathway would focus on recruiting healthcare workers, particularly those in regulated professions.

Applicants with valid professional registration in a regulated healthcare profession could apply without a job offer.
Recent graduates who are in the final stages of getting their licence or registration with a regulatory body may also be eligible.

2. Entrepreneur Stream

This stream provides a pathway to newcomers who commit to investing in the province, creating jobs, and supporting the economy. It would target foreign nationals who either:

Have actively established and are operating a new business in Ontario; or
Have purchased and are actively operating an existing Ontario business (business succession).

3. Exceptional Talent Stream

This route is designed to capture highly valuable candidates whose contributions do not fit within traditional employment or job-offer models. It would focus on individuals in fields like innovation, academia, science, technology, and the creative sectors.

Candidates must have proven achievements and recognition in their field (e.g., prestigious international awards, significant academic publications, groundbreaking innovations, or notable artistic works).

The stream would rely on a qualitative assessment of each individual’s potential impact on Ontario's economic, social, and cultural life, moving away from a solely points-based evaluation.

How Will GetGIS Help in Ontario’s New Immigrant Nominee Program?

With immigration policies constantly adapting to meet labor market demands and economic priorities, Ontario is taking bold steps to streamline and enhance its Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re exploring immigration opportunities in Ontario and want up-to-date insights on program eligibility, application processes, or impact on your career plans, connect with

GetGIS for expert guidance tailored to your unique profile.

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