Ontario has introduced an important change to its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that could benefit foreign workers with strong Canadian earnings.
Effective October 5, 2026, candidates in the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) who earned $80,000 or more in a qualifying year can now receive 10 points under the Canadian work experience – earnings history factor of Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) ranking system. Ontario announced the change on October 7.
For people planning their Canada permanent residency (PR) journey, the update makes it particularly important to understand how Canadian employment history, earnings and other EOI factors may affect their prospects.
What Changed in the Ontario PNP?
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is part of Ontario’s redesigned immigration system. Ontario introduced the stream in 2026 as part of a broader restructuring of the OINP to better target labour-market needs.
The latest change creates a new top earnings category:
| Canadian annual earnings | EOI points |
|---|---|
| $80,000 or more | 10 points |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 8 points |
| $50,000–$69,999 | 6 points |
| $30,000–$49,999 | 4 points |
| Under $30,000 | 0 points |
The earnings are assessed using income reported on a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the relevant period. The new top bracket therefore relates to documented Canadian earnings, rather than simply the salary stated in a current job offer.
Who Could Benefit From the New OINP Points?
The change may be relevant to foreign workers who already have Canadian work experience and are considering permanent residence in Ontario.
If your qualifying Canadian earnings reached $80,000 or more in a year within the applicable five-year period, the new earnings-history factor could provide additional points in your OINP EOI score.
Importantly, these 10 points are part of the EOI ranking system. They do not automatically mean that an applicant will receive an invitation, provincial nomination or permanent residence.
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream itself is designed for eligible skilled foreign workers with qualifying Ontario job offers, as well as eligible self-employed physicians. Ontario requires applicants to satisfy the applicable stream requirements in addition to being competitive in the EOI system.
Existing OINP Profiles May Be Updated Automatically
One important detail for current candidates is that the earnings-scoring change has been applied automatically to affected existing expressions of interest.
Candidates therefore do not need to create a new EOI simply because of this particular scoring adjustment. However, anyone invited to apply should still be prepared to provide documentation supporting the information and points claimed in their profile.
Does a Higher OINP Score Guarantee Canada PR?
No.
A stronger OINP score can improve a candidate’s position in Ontario’s selection system, but applicants must still meet the program’s eligibility requirements and receive an invitation before proceeding with a provincial nomination application.
If Ontario nominates a candidate through an Express Entry-linked PNP pathway, the nomination can provide 600 additional CRS points in Express Entry. The federal government then makes the final decision on the permanent residence application.
This is why candidates should look at their complete immigration profile rather than focusing on one scoring factor.
What Should Ontario Workers Do Now?
If you are working in Ontario and planning your Canada PR application, this is a good time to review:
- Your Canadian work experience
- Your CRA Notices of Assessment
- Your current employment and job offer
- Your OINP EOI profile
- Your occupation and NOC/TEER classification
- Your language test results
- Your Express Entry eligibility
- Other Ontario PNP and Canada immigration pathways
Immigration programs can change quickly, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
How ICC Immigration Can Help With Your Canada PR Journey
Choosing the appropriate Canada immigration pathway can be complicated, particularly as Ontario continues to redesign its provincial nominee system.
ICC Immigration can assess your circumstances and help identify potential routes toward Canadian permanent residence, including:
Permanent Residency Applications: Assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other applicable PR pathways.
Work Permits and Study Permits: Guidance for individuals who need a temporary immigration option while building Canadian work experience, education or eligibility for future PR pathways.
Family Sponsorship: Support for eligible applicants seeking to reunite with family members in Canada through applicable sponsorship programs.
Professional Immigration Guidance: Canadian immigration rules can be complex and frequently change. Professional guidance can help applicants understand requirements, prepare documentation and avoid preventable mistakes.
Rather than making major immigration decisions based on uncertainty or incomplete information, it is important to identify a pathway that fits your circumstances and long-term goals.
Whether you are already working in Canada, planning to come to Ontario, or exploring your Canada PR options, ICC Immigration can help you understand the available pathways and prepare for the next stage of your immigration journey.
Important: Immigration rules, eligibility criteria and selection systems can change. Always verify the latest requirements through official government sources or obtain professional advice before submitting an application.