Ontario revoked all nine former OINP streams in June 2026. This archive explains what closed, what happened to applications already in the system, and — most importantly — which routes are open today. If you were pursuing one of the closed streams, the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream is the current path forward for most profiles.
All nine closed OINP streams at a glance
Former stream | Who it served | Status | Where to go now |
|---|---|---|---|
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | Skilled workers (TEER 0–3) with an Ontario job offer | ❌ Closed June 2026 | |
Employer Job Offer: International Student | Ontario graduates with a job offer | ❌ Closed June 2026 | |
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | TEER 4–5 essential workers | ❌ Closed June 2026 | |
Masters Graduate Stream | Ontario master’s graduates, no job offer required | ❌ Closed June 2026 | Job-offer routes under OWP; federal options (PGWP → CEC) |
PhD Graduate Stream | Ontario PhD graduates, no job offer required | ❌ Closed June 2026 | Job-offer routes under OWP; federal options (PGWP → CEC) |
Human Capital Priorities Stream | Express Entry candidates with high CRS scores | ❌ Closed June 2026 | Express Entry; PNP vs Express Entry comparison |
Skilled Trades Stream | Trades workers (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) | ❌ Closed June 2026 | OWP job-offer pathways (trades occupations qualify under TEER 0–3 or 4–5) |
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream | Francophone skilled workers | ❌ Closed June 2026 | OWP job-offer pathways; federal francophone-focused Express Entry categories |
Entrepreneur Stream | Business owners investing in Ontario | ❌ Closed June 2026 | No provincial business stream open; monitor Ontario’s 2026 updates page for Phase 2 |
What happened in June 2026
- May 30, 2026 — the legal basis of all nine OINP stream categories was revoked under O. Reg. 47/26. The OINP portal stopped accepting new applications under any closed stream.
- June 25–26, 2026 — amendments to O. Reg. 422/17 (amending regulation O. Reg. 204/26) came into force, removing the eight remaining streams and creating the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream as Ontario’s “Redesign Phase 1”.
- August 4, 2026 — the OWP Expression of Interest system opened. It is the only OINP stream accepting new candidates.
What happened to applications already in the system
- Submitted applications: Ontario assesses applications that were already submitted under the rules in effect at the time of submission — they are not void. Processing continues to a decision.
- Unactioned EOIs and job offers: Expressions of Interest and job offers registered under the former streams that never led to an invitation were automatically withdrawn after the June 26, 2026 redesign, with direct notice to registrants. Nothing carries over.
- Nominations already issued: remain valid for their validity period; you apply to IRCC for permanent residence as normal.
Which routes are open today
- Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream — the single open OINP stream, with three pathways: TEER 0–3 job offer, TEER 4–5 job offer (any occupation), and self-employed physicians. See the full OWP guide.
- Federal programs — Express Entry (including the Canadian Experience Class after a PGWP), and other IRCC pathways. See Ontario PNP vs Express Entry.
- Monitoring Phase 2 — Ontario has signalled additional streams (including business immigration) in a later phase; no criteria are published yet. We track official announcements and publish dated updates within 48 hours of material changes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OINP completely closed?
No. All nine former streams are closed, but the OINP continues through the single Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream, which opened its EOI system on August 4, 2026.
What happened to my Masters Graduate or PhD Graduate EOI?
If your EOI under any former stream never led to an invitation, it was automatically withdrawn after June 26, 2026. The job-offer-free graduate routes no longer exist; today you need an Ontario employer to start an OWP job offer, or you can pursue federal options. See our OINP draws and status page.
I already applied under a closed stream. Is my application cancelled?
No. Applications submitted before the closure are assessed under the rules in effect at submission and processed to a decision. Only unactioned EOIs and job offers were withdrawn.
Is the Entrepreneur Stream coming back?
Ontario has signalled a Phase 2 redesign that may include business immigration, but no criteria or dates are published. Treat any “Entrepreneur Stream is open” claim as false until Ontario publishes official criteria.
Related pages
- Ontario Workforce Priority stream — the current path
- Stranded EOIs & grandfathering
- OINP draws & application status
- OINP refusal — options after a refusal
- Ontario PNP hub — 2026 guide
Official sources
- 2026 OINP updates — Redesign Phase 1 (Ontario, accessed 2026-10-27)
- Ontario OINP main page (updated 2026-10-20)
- Ontario Workforce Priority stream (accessed 2026-10-27)
- O. Reg. 422/17 — GENERAL (e-Laws currency 2026-10-22)
- Archived former-stream pages on ontario.ca, stamped “closed as of May 30, 2026” (updated 2026-07-27)
Eligibility is individual. Requirements on this page summarize official sources as of the review date above; verify against the official pages or speak with our RCIC before making decisions.