01/07/2026
Ontario Overhauls Immigration Program with Three New Permanent Residence Pathways
Ontario has officially kicked off Phase 1 of its massive immigration overhaul, introducing the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream. The province retired its old pathways back in May, and these three brand-new streams are live now, though candidates will have to wait for the Expression of Interest (EOI) portal to re-open later this summer to apply.
Here is a quick breakdown of the three new pathways to permanent residence:
TEER 0–3 Pathway (Higher-Skilled Workers) For professionals, managers, and skilled trades. Requires a full-time, permanent job offer, at least a one-year post-secondary credential (or skilled trade exemption), and CLB 5 or 6 language proficiency. Candidates need either two years of experience or a few months of consecutive work with their current Ontario employer.
TEER 4–5 Pathway (Lower-Skilled Workers) For essential workers. Requires a permanent job offer paying median wage, a high school diploma, and CLB 4 language skills. Crucially, applicants must already have nine months of work experience within the last two years with the same employer offering the job.
Self-Employed Physicians: A dedicated pathway for registered physicians who are licensed in Ontario and eligible to bill through OHIP.
Important Note for Employers: The rules for businesses sponsoring workers have tightened. Sponsoring employers must have operated in Ontario for at least three years, meet specific gross annual revenue targets (ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000 based on location), and maintain a minimum headcount of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
What's Next? Phase 2 is coming down the pipeline, which will introduce a Priority Healthcare Stream (no job offer required), an Entrepreneur Stream, and an Exceptional Talent Stream.
Are you planning to apply under Ontario's new system? Let's discuss in the comments.