Ontario is proposing a sweeping transformation of its immigration system through a two-phase plan to overhaul the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), Maple News reports. The initiative aims to streamline the existing pathways and better align the program with the province’s labour market priorities, particularly targeting critical sectors like healthcare and entrepreneurship.
In the first phase, the province intends to merge three existing Employer Job Offer streams—currently separated by categories such as Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills—into one consolidated stream. This single stream would be divided into two distinct pathways based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER system: one designed for higher-skilled occupations (TEER 0–3), and another for lower-skilled jobs (TEER 4–5).
The TEER 0–3 pathway will focus on skilled workers with advanced credentials who are already residing in Canada. Eligibility will be assessed on three key factors: job offer wage, work experience, and education. Generally, job offers must match or exceed the median wage for the occupation in Ontario. However, recent graduates from recognized Ontario institutions (within the last two years) may qualify with job offers at the low-wage threshold.
The second phase of reform represents a more radical shift. Ontario proposes to eliminate all other current OINP streams and replace them with three new pathways:
– A dedicated Priority Healthcare stream, targeting critical shortage areas in the province’s healthcare system.
– An Entrepreneur stream aimed at attracting global business leaders and innovative startups.
– An Exceptional Talent stream, designed to fast-track high-achieving individuals with outstanding skills in sectors such as technology, research, and creative industries.
Ontario is currently inviting public feedback on the proposed changes, particularly from stakeholders and industry experts. However, details on how ongoing applications under the existing streams will be processed or transitioned have not yet been clarified.
These changes come as the province looks to modernize its immigration strategy to address evolving demographic and economic challenges. With healthcare staffing shortages and a growing need for global talent and entrepreneurship, the proposed OINP redesign signals Ontario’s commitment to using immigration as an economic development tool.
According to Maple News, while no official implementation timeline has been confirmed, the province’s proactive approach offers applicants, employers, and immigration professionals an early opportunity to adapt to Ontario’s new immigration landscape.