Ontario has increased the points available to higher earners under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s (OINP) Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS). As of October 7, 2026, registrants who earned at least CAD $80,000 in one year during the past five years can receive 10 points for the Canadian work experience: earnings history scoring factor. Earnings must be verified through a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment.
This change announced by the OINP on October 5, 2026, means that high earners may have a higher chance of being selected for a provincial nomination from the OINP to apply for Canadian permanent residence. The previous top earnings bracket was CAD$70,000 or more, worth 8 points. Under the updated scale, annual earnings of CAD$70,000 to CAD$79,999 are worth 8 points, while earnings of CAD $80,000 or more are worth 10 points. The remaining earnings brackets are unchanged.
Read OINP’s update here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2026-ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-updates
Updated Canadian Work Experience Earnings History Scoring Factor Points
The Canadian work experience: earnings history scoring factor points is based on a CRA Notice of Assessment issued within the past five years. The Ontario notice posted on the OINP website on October 5, 2026, mentions the qualifying amount must have been earned in a single year; it does not require that the CAD$80,000 threshold be reached in every year of that five-year period.
What This Means for Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) Candidates
The OWPS uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to rank registrants. A higher EOI score may improve a candidate’s position when Ontario selects profiles, but the earnings points alone do not guarantee an invitation or a provincial nomination. Ontario assesses candidates using multiple scoring factors, and candidates must still meet the stream’s separate applicant stream requirements.
For applicants with a job offer, those requirements include having an eligible employer and meeting applicable work experience or authorization, licensing, language, education, legal-status (if applicable), and intention to live and work in Ontario requirements. Candidates must also provide documents supporting the claims made in their EOI if invited to apply. Self-employed physicians have a separate route and requirements.
For candidates interested in the OWPS, it is important to note the distinction between EOI scoring factors and stream eligibility criteria. Earning enough to receive the 10 points does not by itself make someone eligible for the stream. Likewise, meeting the minimum applicant stream requirements does not guarantee receiving a nomination from the OINP.
Ontario Workforce Priority Stream
As of October 2026, the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is the only province’s economic immigration program that offers eligible skilled foreign workers with a qualifying job offer and work experience in any National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupation a pathway to apply to permanently live and work in Ontario.
In the proposed second phase OINP streams, the remaining streams would be replaced by three new pathways:
Official launch date and details for the second phase is to be announced by the Ontario province.
Candidates should review their CRA Notices of Assessment issued within the past five-year period and confirm that the earnings they report match the official records. They should also review all Ontario Workforce Priority Stream criteria and ensure that their EOI information is accurate and supported by sufficient combination of documents. Ontario may require proof of the scoring factors claimed in an EOI when a candidate is invited to apply.
This recent update announced from the OINP concerns the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream’s Canadian work experience earnings history scoring factor points only. It does not change the federal permanent residence application process after receiving a provincial nomination. After receiving a nomination from the Ontario province, candidates can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
Get in Touch with Rothe International Canada
For personalized guidance on evaluating your eligibility and options for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, contact Rothe International Canada today. Our professional team can help you understand the program requirements and prepare for your next steps. Contact us today to discuss your Canadian immigration options. We have represented many candidates and would be delighted to assist you.
For further enquiries, please contact us at 2868 3780 or email [email protected]
Disclaimer
The information provided above is for general private reference purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive explanation of Canadian immigration laws or a substitute for professional legal advice. Rothe International Canada is not responsible for any losses caused by the use of the above information.
If you have any specific questions, you are welcome to contact Rothe International Canada directly at (852) 2868-3780 or fill in our online enquiry form.