Ontario Reveals Scoring for New PR Immigration Stream

Ontario has published the scoring system it will use to rank candidates under the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, a key part of the province’s redesigned immigration program.

Eligible candidates can receive up to 130 points. Ontario will use those scores to decide who receives an invitation to apply for a provincial nomination. A nomination can support a later application for permanent residence through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program.

Location, Occupation and Pay Matter

The scoring system gives more points to candidates whose jobs are outside Toronto. A position in Northern Ontario can receive 15 points, while jobs in Eastern, Central or Southwestern Ontario can earn 10.

Candidates working elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area receive five points. Those with job offers in Toronto receive no location points.

Occupation skill level is worth up to nine points. Management jobs and occupations that usually require a university degree receive the highest score.

Candidates in health occupations can earn 10 points under the occupational category factor. Trades, transport and equipment roles receive eight points.

Pay is also important. Job offers paying at least $40 an hour receive 15 points. Offers paying between $35 and $39.99 earn 12 points, while wages below $20 receive no points.

Experience, Education and Language Rewarded

Candidates can earn up to 18 points for Ontario work experience. The score depends on whether they already work in the offered position and how long they have held it.

Canadian income tax history is worth up to eight points. Ontario will use the highest annual income shown on a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment from the past five years.

Education can add up to 10 points. Doctoral degrees and professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry receive the maximum.

Candidates may also receive 10 points for having at least two eligible Canadian post-secondary credentials.

Official language ability is worth up to 15 points. Candidates must submit results from an approved English or French immigration test completed within the past two years.

A Canadian Language Benchmark score of nine or higher in speaking, listening, reading and writing earns the maximum. Bilingual candidates can receive another 10 points if they reach at least CLB 6 in both English and French.

A valid work permit adds 10 points, while a study permit adds five.

Three Immigration Pathways Available

The stream includes pathways for workers in TEER 0 to 3 occupations, workers in TEER 4 and 5 occupations, and eligible self-employed physicians.

Self-employed physicians will not receive wage points. Instead, Ontario will award up to 18 points for cumulative medical practice in the province.

Applicants must first create an eligible expression-of-interest profile. Ontario will then invite selected candidates to apply for nomination. Successful nominees may apply to the federal government for permanent residence.

Ontario’s online expression-of-interest system is currently closed but is expected to reopen later this summer. Once it reopens, the province is expected to begin holding draws and issuing invitations.

Ontario replaced its former eight immigration streams as part of changes introduced on June 26, 2026. The province has also announced plans for Priority Healthcare, Entrepreneur and Exceptional Talent streams, although launch dates have not been released.