Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

Ontario is transitioning from its previous nomination streams to the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS). As part of this transition, changes are being made to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) system to support Expression of Interest (EOI) registration under the new stream.

According to current program updates referenced in this article, the EOI system is expected to become available in summer 2026. Once implemented, qualifying employers will be able to create authenticated job offers and link their Job Offer IDs to applicants’ registered EOIs.

What Is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An Expression of Interest is an important step in the Ontario immigration selection process. An applicant creates an EOI profile and provides information that is used to calculate a score.

The applicant’s score is based on the information provided in the EOI profile. Applicants who meet the applicable program requirements and are selected from the EOI pool may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for provincial nomination.

How Does an Applicant Register an Expression of Interest?

The EOI process involves creating the appropriate online account and accessing the applicable OINP portal. The OINP system contains different functions for applicants, employers, and authorized legal representatives.

Once the appropriate account and profile have been established, the required information can be entered into the EOI system. The information provided is then used to determine the applicant’s EOI score.

Under an employer-driven immigration pathway, the employer’s authenticated job offer and Job Offer ID may form an important part of connecting the employer and applicant within the OINP system.

How Is an EOI Score Used?

An EOI score allows Ontario to assess and rank candidates within the applicable applicant pool. Scoring factors may consider characteristics relevant to Ontario’s immigration and labour-market priorities.

Candidates selected through the EOI system may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Receiving an ITA allows the applicant to proceed to the next stage of the OINP application process.

How Can an Applicant Improve Their EOI Score?

Depending on the scoring criteria applicable to the immigration pathway, applicants may be able to strengthen factors used in their EOI profile. Areas that may affect an applicant’s competitiveness can include language proficiency, work experience, wages, and education.

1. Improve Language Proficiency

An applicant may consider retaking an accepted general language examination to obtain a higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level. Examples of language tests may include:

• IELTS General Training
• CELPIP General
• TEF Canada
• TCF Canada
• PTE Core

Improving English or French proficiency may strengthen an applicant’s profile where language ability is included as a scoring or eligibility factor. Developing French-language proficiency may also provide additional opportunities under immigration programs that recognize French-language ability.

2. Gain Additional Work Experience

Additional relevant work experience may strengthen an applicant’s immigration profile where the applicable program awards points or otherwise considers employment experience.

Applicants should maintain accurate documentation of their employment, including job titles, duties, dates of employment, hours worked, wages, and supporting employer records.

3. Increase Employment Wages

Where wages are included as an EOI scoring factor, an increase in the applicant’s qualifying wage may potentially affect the applicant’s score. Any wage information declared in an EOI should accurately reflect the applicant’s genuine employment and supporting documentation.

4. Obtain Additional Education or Credentials

Completing additional education or advancing professional qualifications may strengthen an applicant’s profile where education is considered under the applicable scoring system.

Examples of educational or professional advancement could include progressing from Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Nurse, Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacist, or completing an advanced business qualification such as an MBA.

Applicants should consider whether additional education is recognized under the applicable immigration pathway before undertaking a program primarily for immigration purposes.

Preparing for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream

Applicants interested in the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream should prepare their documentation in advance and ensure that information relating to their employment, education, language proficiency, immigration status, and job offer is complete and accurate.

Employers participating in an employer-driven pathway should also ensure that their job offer information is properly submitted and that the appropriate Job Offer ID is available for the applicant’s OINP process.

Get Professional Assistance With Your OINP Application

Ontario immigration programs can involve multiple stages, including employer participation, Expression of Interest registration, scoring, an Invitation to Apply, document preparation, and submission of the provincial nomination application.

Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility, EOI information, job offer, or supporting documentation may wish to obtain advice from an authorized Canadian immigration representative before submitting their information.