Canada’s Ontario opens new permanent residence programme for foreign workers

Ontario, a province in Canada, has launched a new Workforce Priority Stream within its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, offering eligible foreign workers a new path to permanent residence. The stream, which opened for applications on August 4, 2026, features three pathways: one for higher-skilled workers, one for lower-skilled workers, and another for self-employed physicians who can bill Ontario's public health insurance plan, OHIP.

Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) linked to a job offer from an eligible Ontario employer through the province's e-Filing Portal to be considered. Points-based scoring will be used to rank candidates, with invitations to apply issued through periodic draws. Successful applicants can receive a provincial support letter to apply for a federal work permit while their permanent residence application is processed.

Ontario plans to introduce additional streams, including a Priority Healthcare Worker Stream, an Entrepreneur Stream, and an Exceptional Talent Stream, in the program's second phase.

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