Need help with your Canadian immigration matter?
Our immigration team can help with applications, refusals, appeals, and next steps. Contact us today for a consultation.
Yes. As of June 26, 2026, Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream includes a dedicated pathway for workers in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations.
If you have worked with the same Ontario employer for at least nine months, hold a full-time permanent job offer, meet CLB 4 in language, and have at least a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent, you may be eligible — even if your CRS score is not competitive in Express Entry draws.
At a Glance
- Ontario replaced all eight former OINP streams with the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream on June 26, 2026.
- The TEER 4–5 pathway is designed for workers in occupations that do not qualify for Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class.
- Minimum requirements include nine months of same-employer experience, a full-time permanent job offer, CLB 4, and a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent.
- The Expression of Interest system is not yet open, but Ontario expects it to reopen in summer 2026.
- A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, making an Express Entry profile competitive regardless of its base score.
- Now is the right time to gather documents and confirm eligibility because the registration window may open with limited notice.
Why This Pathway Matters for TEER 4 and TEER 5 Workers
If you work in food processing, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, construction support, health support services, or similar sectors in Ontario, you may have been told that permanent residence through Express Entry is not realistic. CEC draws in 2026 have required CRS scores of 507 to 518 — well above what many TEER 4 and TEER 5 workers can achieve based on their occupation, age, education, and language combination.
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream changes that. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a dedicated pathway for TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations. This gives Ontario greater flexibility to nominate workers in jobs that may not qualify easily through federal economic immigration programs but remain essential to the province’s economy.
A provincial nomination from Ontario adds 600 points to your CRS score. With 600 additional points, a candidate with a base CRS score of 100 becomes competitive in PNP-specific Express Entry draws. Your base score stops being the main barrier.
Why this matters:
The TEER 4–5 pathway creates a realistic permanent residence option for workers whose occupations, education, or CRS scores make the Canadian Experience Class difficult to access.
What the TEER 4–5 Pathway Requires
The following is a summary of the published eligibility requirements for the TEER 4–5 pathway under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. Confirm current requirements at ontario.ca and with a licensed RCIC before relying on any summary, as OINP program instructions can be updated.
| Requirement | TEER 4–5 Pathway Details |
|---|---|
| Job offer | A full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer in a TEER 4 or TEER 5 occupation. The position must be urgently needed for the employer’s business. |
| Work experience | At least nine months of cumulative experience in the last two years in the job-offer position with the same job-offer employer. |
| Language | A minimum of CLB 4 in all four abilities — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — in English or French. A valid IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada result is required. |
| Education | A Canadian secondary school diploma or an equivalent credential from outside Canada. |
| Employer eligibility | The employer must be registered in the OINP Employer Portal and have submitted an approved employment position application. Rural employers may benefit from lower gross annual revenue thresholds. |
Not sure whether your occupation qualifies?
Your NOC code — not your job title — determines your TEER level and eligibility. Our Ontario PNP consulting team can review your occupation before you begin the process.
How This Compares to Express Entry CEC — Why PNP May Be the Better Option
| Factor | Express Entry CEC | OINP TEER 4–5 Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 4–5 occupation eligible? | No — CEC generally requires TEER 0–3 work experience. | Yes — dedicated pathway. |
| CRS score needed | CEC cutoffs have ranged from 507–518 in 2026. | Base score is less important because a nomination adds 600 points. |
| Canadian work experience | One year of eligible skilled work experience in Canada. | Nine months with the same Ontario employer. |
| Language minimum | Varies by TEER, with higher thresholds generally applying. | CLB 4 in all four abilities. |
| Education minimum | Varies by program and profile. | Secondary school diploma or equivalent. |
| Employer required | No. | Yes — an eligible Ontario employer with an approved position. |
| Path to PR | Direct federal PR application after receiving an ITA. | Provincial nomination followed by the federal permanent residence process. |
The OINP TEER 4–5 pathway is specifically built for the situation CEC cannot serve: workers in essential Ontario occupations with strong employment relationships and Canadian work history, but CRS scores that will not reach CEC draw thresholds without significant profile improvements.
What “Same Employer” Means — And Why It Matters
The nine-month experience requirement is employer-specific, not just occupation-specific. Your nine months of experience must be with the same employer who is making the job offer. Experience with a previous employer in the same occupation does not count toward this requirement.
This has two practical implications. First, if you recently changed employers, your experience clock restarts with the new employer. Second, your current employer must be both willing to support your OINP application and eligible under the program’s employer registration requirements.
If your employer is not yet registered in the OINP Employer Portal, they will need to register and have an employment position approved before your Expression of Interest can be submitted. This process takes time. Beginning the conversation with your employer now, before the EOI system opens, is one of the most practical steps you can take.
Employer participation is essential.
This is not a worker-only application. Your employer must be willing and able to complete the employer-side registration and position-approval process.
The EOI System Is Not Open Yet — But Preparation Starts Now
The Ontario Workforce Priority stream Expression of Interest system is anticipated to open later in the summer of 2026. When it opens, eligible candidates will need to register a new EOI under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. Former EOIs under the old streams will not carry over and are expected to be withdrawn automatically.
The EOI system can open at any time. Ontario has not committed to a specific date. Candidates who are prepared when it opens have a meaningful advantage over those who begin gathering documents after the announcement.
Documents to gather now — before the EOI system opens:
- Valid language test results showing at least CLB 4 in all four abilities.
- An employment letter confirming your position title, NOC code, start date, hours per week, wages, and that the role is full-time and permanent.
- Pay stubs or T4 documents covering the nine-month experience period.
- Your secondary school diploma or credential, with a certified translation if it is not in English or French.
- An Educational Credential Assessment if your diploma was obtained outside Canada and one is required.
- A copy of your work permit confirming authorization to work for the employer.
- Confirmation that your employer is registered or willing to register in the OINP Employer Portal.
- A passport valid for the expected duration of the application process.
What Sectors TEER 4 and TEER 5 Occupations Cover
TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations are those that typically require a secondary school diploma, short-term job-specific training, or on-the-job training. This pathway may help some workers in sectors such as health support, transportation, food processing, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and other labour-shortage areas.
Examples of TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations commonly found in Ontario include:
- Personal support workers and home support workers.
- Transport truck drivers and delivery drivers.
- Food and beverage processing workers.
- Agricultural workers and greenhouse workers.
- Construction helpers and labourers.
- Security guards and related occupations.
- Retail sales associates and service workers in certain NOC categories.
- Custodians, janitors, and building service workers.
Eligibility depends on your specific NOC code, not just your job title or sector. Some occupations within these sectors may fall under TEER 3 and qualify under a different pathway with different requirements. Confirming your exact NOC classification before beginning the process prevents wasted effort and reduces the risk of an inaccurate application.
Not sure whether your role is TEER 4, TEER 5, or something else?
NOC classification is based on your duties, not your job title. Our Express Entry and PNP strategy team can confirm your TEER level and identify which pathway applies before you invest time in gathering documents.
What Happens After a Provincial Nomination
If you receive an Ontario provincial nomination under the TEER 4–5 pathway, the process continues through the provincial and federal immigration systems:
- Expression of Interest submitted: Once the EOI system opens, you register your profile.
- OINP reviews and ranks EOIs: Eligible candidates are selected and invited to apply.
- Application for provincial nomination submitted: You provide full documentation to the OINP.
- Provincial nomination certificate issued: OINP approves your nomination.
- Express Entry profile updated: If the pathway is Express Entry-aligned, 600 CRS points are added to your profile.
- ITA issued in a PNP draw: The additional points make your profile competitive.
- Federal PR application submitted: You submit a complete permanent residence application within the applicable deadline.
The full process from EOI to federal permanent residence approval can take many months and depends on provincial and federal processing volumes. Current estimates are available through IRCC’s official processing-time tool.
Common Questions About the TEER 4–5 Pathway
My Employer Is a Small Business — Do They Qualify?
Employer eligibility includes registration in the OINP Employer Portal and an approved employment position application. For Ontario Workforce Priority pathways, lower gross annual revenue requirements may apply to employers located in rural communities, defined by provincial criteria. If your employer is in a smaller Ontario community, the revenue threshold may be lower. Confirm the current employer requirements at ontario.ca or with a licensed RCIC.
I Changed Jobs Six Months Ago — Does My Experience Still Count?
The nine-month experience requirement must be with the same employer who is making the current job offer. If you changed employers six months ago, you may not yet meet the experience threshold with the current employer. You would generally need to reach nine months of qualifying experience within the relevant period before registering an EOI.
My Language Score Is Below CLB 4 — What Should I Do?
CLB 4 is the minimum threshold for the TEER 4–5 pathway. If your current test result is below CLB 4 in any of the four abilities, you do not meet the language requirement. Retaking the test after targeted preparation is the most direct path. IELTS and CELPIP are accepted for English, while TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted for French.
What if My Employer Has Never Used the OINP?
Employers who are not yet registered in the OINP Employer Portal will need to register and submit an employment position application before your EOI can proceed. This is an employer-side process, but it takes time and requires active participation. Starting this conversation with your employer now is one of the most important steps you can take before the EOI system opens.
When to Get Professional Help
The TEER 4–5 pathway has specific requirements that interact in ways that are not always obvious from a short summary. Consider speaking with a licensed RCIC before registering your EOI if:
- You are unsure of your exact NOC code or TEER level.
- Your nine months of experience spans two different positions with the same employer.
- Your language test results are close to the CLB 4 threshold.
- Your employer is unsure of its eligibility or has not used the OINP before.
- You have prior refusals, overstays, or other immigration-history concerns.
- Your educational credential is from outside Canada and has not been assessed.
- You have a criminal record or another admissibility concern.
An error in your EOI or application — particularly around NOC classification, work experience, or employer eligibility — can result in an ineligibility finding that delays or ends the nomination process. A pre-submission review can confirm eligibility, identify document gaps, and help ensure your employer is prepared before the registration window opens.
Related Immigration Resources
Conclusion
Ontario’s new Workforce Priority stream creates one of the most significant permanent residence opportunities for TEER 4 and TEER 5 workers in recent years. While Express Entry remains difficult to access for many workers in these occupations, a provincial nomination can create a realistic pathway to permanent residence.
Because the Expression of Interest system is expected to reopen without much advance notice, now is the best time to confirm your eligibility, gather documents, and ensure your employer is ready. Preparing early can help you submit a stronger application when registrations begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TEER 4 and TEER 5 workers get permanent residence in Ontario in 2026?
Yes. The Ontario Workforce Priority stream, launched on June 26, 2026, includes a dedicated TEER 4–5 pathway for workers in occupations that typically require secondary school education or short-term training. Workers who meet the minimum eligibility requirements — including nine months of same-employer experience, a full-time permanent job offer, CLB 4 language, and a secondary school diploma or equivalent — may be eligible for provincial nomination.
What is the minimum language requirement for the TEER 4–5 Ontario PNP pathway?
The minimum language requirement is Canadian Language Benchmark 4 in all four abilities — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — in English or French. This must be demonstrated through an approved language test such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
When will the Ontario Workforce Priority stream EOI system open?
Ontario has indicated that the Expression of Interest system is anticipated to open later in summer 2026. No specific date has been announced. The system may open without extended advance notice, which is why preparing documents and confirming eligibility in advance is advisable.
Do I need to have worked in Canada for a full year to qualify?
No. The TEER 4–5 pathway requires nine months of cumulative work experience in the relevant period in the job-offer position with the job-offer employer. The experience must be with the same employer making the current offer.
Does my employer need to do anything for me to apply?
Yes. Your employer must be registered in the OINP Employer Portal and must submit the required job-offer and employment-position information. Employers that were previously registered may still need to submit a new position under the updated system. Employer participation is essential.
What is the difference between the TEER 4–5 pathway and the TEER 0–3 pathway?
The TEER 0–3 pathway targets workers in management, professional, technical, and skilled-trade occupations and generally applies higher language and education requirements. The TEER 4–5 pathway is intended for occupations that typically require secondary school education, short-term training, or on-the-job training. It has a lower minimum language threshold and a lower education requirement, while still requiring qualifying same-employer experience and a permanent Ontario job offer.
