Major Change: From Eight Pathways Down to One
On June 26, 2026, Ontario closed eight former relocation pathways and launched a unified program called Ontario Workforce Priority Stream with three pathways. This is not a minor adjustment. Foreign nationals previously had eight different options, each with distinct requirements. Now there is only one program, but divided into three pathways based on skill level.
Official online intake opens August 4, 2026, after Ontario announces full requirements in late July.
Three Pathways: Who Qualifies?
Pathway 1: Skilled Workers (TEER 0-3)
This pathway is for workers with permanent, full-time employment contracts in skilled occupations. Requirements: post-secondary credential, CLB 6 in all four English or French language skills.
Key point: Recent graduates typically need a valid job offer to enter this pathway.
Pathway 2: Essential Workers (TEER 4-5)
Requirements: employment contract, CLB 4 in all four language skills, high school diploma or equivalent, minimum 9 months of accumulated work experience within the past 2 years.
This pathway is for workers in occupations such as care services, retail, and food service.
Pathway 3: Self-Employed Physicians
This is the only pathway that does not require an employment contract. Physicians must hold a license to practice in Ontario and meet OHIP eligibility requirements.
Employer Requirements: High Bar
Not every company can hire a foreign worker through this program. The employer must have operated in Ontario for at least three years, have a physical workplace location, and have no orders for violations of labor standards or workplace health and safety.
Revenue requirements vary by region: Greater Toronto Area requires a minimum of 1 million CAD, regions such as Ottawa, Waterloo, Hamilton, and Niagara require 500,000 CAD, and other areas require 250,000 CAD in revenue during the past two fiscal years.
Important Caution: EOI Not Yet Open, Grandfathering Has Limits
Ontario confirms the Expression of Interest system is expected to launch in late summer, but has not announced a specific date. This means that while online intake has opened, foreign nationals must still wait to submit applications.
Another critical point: Grandfathering protection applies only to applicants who received an ITA and submitted a complete application before June 26, 2026. An EOI alone — even with a high score — is not protected. Only submitted applications are protected.
In other words: if you have an old EOI with a high score, it holds no value. You must resubmit when the new system opens.
Phase 2: Unclear Status
Ontario proposes Phase 2 could include a redesigned Priority Healthcare Stream, Exceptional Talent Stream, and Entrepreneur Stream, but these have not launched, have no confirmed rules or start dates. Any relocation plan based on Phase 2 is premature.
Do not rely on Phase 2 for your relocation planning.
