Ontario has introduced new “Ontario Workforce Priority Streams” to replace the old Employer-based Streams. These streams are expected to be open later this summer when the criteria for the new EOI points will be released.
Here are some of the key changes announced so far:
Existing Streams Closed
All of the previous Employer-based streams and Masters/PhD student streams are now closed. Applications that have been already filed will continue to be assessed under the rules in place at the time of submission. Further EOIs are no longer being accepted under these previous streams and existing EOIs that have not received invitations will be withdrawn over the coming weeks. Employers who have previously registered in the Employer Portal will not need to re-register but they must submit new job offers under the redesigned system.
New Eligibility Pathways
The new Ontario Workforce Priority Streams are as follows:
TEER 0-3 Pathway
Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer and meet the following requirements:
- Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate either 6 consecutive months in the past 12 months in the job offer position, OR 2 years cumulative in the past 5 years in the NOC (certain exceptions apply), OR for recent graduates, 3 months consecutive in the past 12 months in the job offer position. Those who have Ontario licensing may be exempt from the work experience requirements.
- Language Requirement: CLB 6 OR, for certain occupations, CLB 5.
- Minimum Education: one-year post-secondary degree or diploma OR, for certain occupations, Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.
TEER 4-5 Pathway
Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer and meet the following requirements:
- Work Experience: Applicants must demonstrate 9 consecutive months in the past 2 years in the job offer position.
- Language Requirement: CLB 4.
- Minimum Education: Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.
Self Employed Physician Pathway
Self-employed physicians who hold the relevant license to practice in Ontario from the CPSO and are able to receive payment for their services from OHIP.
What This Means for Employers
The general criteria for employers remain the same as in the previous Employer-based streams. However, for employers located in rural communities, the minimum revenue requirements have been reduced to $250,000 in each of the two previous fiscal years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
It replaces the old Employer-based Streams and is expected to open later this summer, once the criteria for the new EOI points system are released.
What happened to my existing EOI under the old streams?
Further EOIs are no longer being accepted under the previous streams, and existing EOIs that have not received invitations will be withdrawn over the coming weeks. Applications already filed will continue to be assessed under the rules in place at the time of submission.
Do employers need to re-register in the Employer Portal?
Employers who have previously registered in the Employer Portal will not need to re-register, but they must submit new job offers under the redesigned system.
Are the revenue requirements different for rural employers?
Yes. For employers located in rural communities, the minimum revenue requirements have been reduced to $250,000 in each of the two previous fiscal years.
Get Help Navigating the New OINP Framework
Our team is actively monitoring the rollout of the new OINP framework. If you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers to review your options, please contact us at inquiries@lmlawgroup.com.
