Ontario Boosts Points for $80,000+ Earners Under Workforce Priority Stream

On October 7, 2026, Ontario announced an update to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The province added a 10-point score for candidates earning $80,000 or more per year under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS).

The change took effect on October 5, 2026. Provincial officials applied this update automatically to all affected profiles.

What changed

The update adds a higher bracket to the Canadian work experience earnings history factor. Prior to this change, the highest bracket was $70,000 or more, which yielded 8 points.

How the earnings factor is scored

The OINP scores earnings based on annual income reported on a Notice of Assessment. The Canada Revenue Agency must have issued this document within the past five years.

What it means for candidates

Candidates earning at least $80,000 receive a two-point increase, moving from 8 to 10 points. Candidates earning under $80,000 remain unaffected by this adjustment.

Candidates with higher scores are more likely to receive an invitation to apply for provincial nomination. Once nominated by Ontario, they can apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

While higher points improve selection prospects, they do not guarantee an invitation.

Where the OWPS stands

As of October 7, 2026, the OWPS is the only available pathway to pursue Ontario provincial nomination.

Ontario launched the OWPS on June 26, 2026, and published the ranking system on July 20, 2026. Intake opened on August 4, 2026, for eligible Ontario employers, workers, and self-employed physicians.

What comes next

Phase 2 of the program overhaul will introduce three new streams: Priority Healthcare, Entrepreneur, and Exceptional Talent.

Priority Healthcare will invite healthcare workers in in-demand occupations. The Entrepreneur stream will include owner-operators of Ontario businesses, either as founders or successors.

Exceptional Talent will be for foreign nationals with exceptional achievements in fields such as academia, science, technology, and the creative or performing arts. The province has not announced a launch date for Phase 2.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer about their own specific situation.