Ontario permanent residence programme opens for foreign workers
By: Abudu Olalekan
Ontario has opened applications for its new Workforce Priority Stream, which offers another route to permanent residence for eligible foreign workers in Canada.
Eligible foreign nationals may apply through the e-Filing Portal with an Expression of Interest (EOI) from August 4, 2026, linked to a valid job offer from an eligible employer in Ontario.
Reportersroom obtained this information from an update on Canada Visa’s X concerning the new stream. Ontario’s Workforce Priority Stream initially had three categories, including the higher-skilled worker category, the lower-skilled worker category, and self-employed physicians registered in Ontario and entitled to bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
To apply, candidates must first submit an EOI connected to a qualifying job offer made by an authorized employer in the OINP Employer Portal.
The Workforce Priority Stream was launched on June 26, 2026, but applicants could only submit their requests this week after the online portal’s opening.
According to Ontario’s update, applicants with active EOIs will be evaluated based on a points grid unveiled on July 20, 2026, and invitations to apply for immigration will be sent out in regular draws.
It is worth noting that the EOI is not a guarantee of selection because the process is highly competitive; thus, meeting the job offer requirements is not enough.
“An EOI is valid for 12 months from the date of submission. If you are not invited to apply for permanent residence during this time, you will need to submit a new EOI to reactivate your application,” reads the official note.
Those whose EOI is selected will have 17 calendar days to submit a fully completed application for permanent residence. At the same time, their employers must apply for authorization of the job offer within 14 calendar days.
Successful nominees under the job-offer category will receive a provincial support letter to apply for a federal work permit to enable them to start working while their permanent residence application is processed.
It is noteworthy that individuals who apply under the higher-skilled worker category and self-employed physician category have the advantage of accessing the Enhanced Provincial Nominee Program and Express Entry to fast-track their permanent residency applications.
Workforce Priority Stream is the first immigration stream under the newly launched Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Recall that Ontario closed its doors to various immigration pathways on May 30, 2026.
However, more streams will be launched as the province rolled out a complete overhaul of the OINP. Apart from the Workforce Priority Stream, the Priority Healthcare Worker Stream, Entrepreneur Stream, and Exceptional Talent Stream will be available in the second phase.
Olalekan A. Abudu is a seasoned and dedicated News Journalist at REPORTERS ROOM, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial issues. Committed to accuracy and balanced reporting, Olalekan exemplifies the principles of public-interest journalism.
