Ontario Workforce Priority StreamComplete Reference Guide
By Shivangi — Everything French
Ontario's most sweeping immigration overhaul ever. Eight streams replaced by one. Here is everything you need to know — verified against official Ontario sources.
Key takeaway
On June 26, 2026, Ontario replaced all eight legacy OINP streams with the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) Stream — one stream with three pathways covering all NOC TEER 0–5 workers and self-employed physicians.
10 Facts Every Practitioner Must Know
- 1
Eight streams closed, one replaced them — the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
- 2
One stream, three pathways: TEER 0–3, TEER 4–5, and Self-Employed Physicians.
- 3
Uninvited EOIs under old streams were withdrawn. Only submitted applications (pre-May 30) remain protected.
- 4
No universal one-year experience rule. Requirements vary by pathway and route.
- 5
The employer initiates everything — candidates cannot register an EOI without a Job Offer ID.
- 6
OINP EOI score and CRS score are completely separate. A nomination adds 600 CRS points — it does not convert EOI points.
- 7
Nomination does NOT guarantee PR — federal invitation, eligibility and admissibility remain independent.
- 8
GTA employer revenue minimum is $1,000,000, not $3 million.
- 9
LMIA is not a universal OINP prerequisite — it is one of several domestic recruitment exemptions.
- 10
French remains a significant advantage — bilingualism points (up to 10), higher language scores, and federal French-category draws at NCLC 7+.
One Stream. Three Pathways.
TEER 0–3 (Higher-Skilled)
- Job offer
- Required (full-time, permanent)
- NOC
- Professionals, managers, technicians
- Language
- CLB/NCLC 6 (CLB 5 for specified trades)
- Express Entry
- Yes (if independently FSW/CEC/FST eligible)
TEER 4–5 (Lower-Skilled)
- Job offer
- Required (full-time, permanent)
- NOC
- Trades helpers, service workers
- Language
- CLB/NCLC 4
- Express Entry
- Not established by official evidence
Self-Employed Physicians
- Job offer
- NOT required — CPSO + OHIP eligibility instead
- Requirements
- CPSO standing, eligible certificate (independent/academic/provisional), OHIP billing eligibility
- Express Entry
- Yes (if independently EE eligible)
EOI Scoring — How Ontario Ranks You
These points decide your rank in Ontario's pool. They are completely separate from your federal CRS score.
| Factor | Maximum Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Work Location | 15 pts | Northern Ontario = highest; Toronto = 0 |
| Occupation Skill Level (TEER) | 10 pts | TEER 0–1 = 10 pts; TEER 2–3 = 8 pts; TEER 4–5 = 0 pts |
| Hourly Wage | 15 pts | $40/hr+ confirmed; intermediate bands advisory |
| Broad Occupational Category | 10 pts | Health/STEM occupations score highest |
| Ontario Work Experience | 18 pts | In-role experience scores more than other Ontario experience |
| Canadian Income Tax | 8 pts | Based on highest annual income (Notice of Assessment) |
| Education | 10 pts | PhD/MD = 10 pts; Bachelor's = 6 pts |
| Field of Study | 12 pts | STEM/Health/Trades score highest |
| Canadian Education | 10 pts | 2+ qualifying Canadian credentials = 10 pts |
| Official Language Proficiency | 10 pts | NCLC/CLB 9+ = 10 pts; CLB 8 = 6 pts; CLB 7 = 4 pts |
| Bilingualism | 10 pts | Both English CLB 6+ AND French NCLC 6+ required |
| Valid Immigration Status | 10 pts | Valid work permit = 10 pts; study permit = 5 pts |
Important: The maximum EOI score is approximately 130 points (advisory). Your EOI score and federal CRS score are separate systems — never add them together.
French: Your Strategic Edge
French creates value at four distinct levels in the new OWP + Express Entry framework.
Level 1
Meets Language Threshold
French (TEF/TCF) results can satisfy the OWP mandatory language minimum — NCLC 4 for TEER 4–5; NCLC 6 for TEER 0–3.
Level 2
Higher EOI Points
NCLC 7 = 4 pts · NCLC 8 = 6 pts · NCLC 9+ = 10 pts. A stronger French score directly improves your Ontario pool ranking.
Level 3
10-Point Bilingual Bonus
Qualifying results in BOTH English (CLB 6+) AND French (NCLC 6+) earn an additional 10 EOI points — one of the largest single point blocks available.
Level 4
Federal French-Language Category
NCLC 7 in all four abilities qualifies you for federal category-based Express Entry draws — completely separate from and independent of Ontario.
Accepted French tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada only. Results must be within 2 years of your application date.
The +600 CRS Nomination Boost
An accepted Ontario enhanced nomination adds exactly 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile. This typically puts you among the highest-scored candidates in any subsequent federal draw. However, nomination does NOT guarantee PR — federal invitation, documentation and admissibility remain independent requirements.
Your base CRS + 600 = Enhanced CRS
Ontario nominations go to TEER 0–3 and Physician pathway candidates who are independently eligible for FSW, CEC or FST. TEER 4–5 nominees use the direct provincial nomination route (non-EE stream).
Fees & Critical Deadlines
Inside GTA
$2,000
Outside GTA
$1,500
| Party | Deadline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | 14 calendar days from candidate invitation | File position-approval documents through Employer Portal |
| Candidate | 17 calendar days from candidate invitation | Submit complete OWP application and pay fee |
Warning: The employer's 14-day deadline expires 3 days before yours. Both parties must act immediately — an employer delay causes the candidate's file to fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the 8 old OINP streams?+
Ontario replaced all eight legacy streams with one: the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) Stream, launched on June 26, 2026. It has three pathways — TEER 0–3 (higher-skilled), TEER 4–5 (lower-skilled), and Self-Employed Physicians.
How much does an OINP nomination boost my CRS score?+
An accepted Ontario enhanced nomination adds exactly 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, regardless of your original score. This typically puts you among the top-ranked candidates in any subsequent federal draw.
Does OINP require an LMIA?+
LMIA is not a universal OINP prerequisite. It is one of several domestic recruitment exemptions. Holding a positive LMIA is one way to satisfy OINP's recruitment requirement, but it is not the only way.
Does French help with the new OINP?+
Yes — French creates value at four distinct levels in the new OWP: it can satisfy the language minimum, earn higher EOI ranking points (up to 10 for NCLC 9+), unlock a 10-point bilingual bonus when combined with qualifying English results, and qualify you for the federal French-language Express Entry category at NCLC 7+.
What are the OINP application fees for 2026?+
OINP application fees are $2,000 for positions inside the GTA and $1,500 for positions outside the GTA. Fees are based on the job location, not the candidate's home address, and are payable upon invitation to apply.
Related Guides
5 Pathways for French Speakers
Beyond OINP — all five federal routes for French speakers to Canada compared for 2026.
French Express Entry Draws 2026
Every 2026 French-language draw — CRS cut-offs and ITA volumes.
TEF PRO — 1:1 Coaching
Build your French score for OINP bilingualism points and federal French-category draws.
Informational only — not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change frequently. Verify all details on official Ontario and Government of Canada websites before acting. Consult a regulated RCIC or immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.