Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS)

For skilled foreign workers who want to live and work in Ontario. A Job offer and the job meeting any noc type are requirements for the OWPS. Nocs range from Teer 0 – 5 and cover predefined occupation types. Similarly, a job offer is created in the employer portal, then switching to the e-Filing portal the job id provided from the previous step is used to create an EOI for the applicant, thereby linking the employer to the EOI.

Software Competency

The employer must be comfortable with registering for online accounts and using dashboard style menus to change settings, update information, and initiate actions for the system. The employer must be confident in data entry tasks and verification of data accuracy. The employer must be able to use an email account to verify identity and ensure the integrity of authorized access.

Points of Confusion

The registering of an EOI and linking it to an employer is still the method of applying for the OWPS. IRCC did not close down OINP in Canada in 2026. Instead, they are swapping out the 9 streams for the OWPS. The OWPS has been launched. In terms of not being active, OINP is closed. Meaning that the EOI and employer portal are down until summer 2026. An applicant still requires an invitation to apply. The job and employer are still vetted for accuracy and quality control. This is a work-based pathway to permanent residence.