Ontario Raises OINP Points for Workers Earning $80,000+

Ontario has increased the points awarded to higher-income candidates under its provincial immigration program, potentially improving their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced the change on October 7, 2026. Candidates who earned at least $80,000 in a qualifying year can now receive 10 points under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS).

The new scoring system took effect on October 5, and the province has automatically updated existing candidate profiles.

Higher Earnings Now Bring More Points

The adjustment affects the Canadian work experience earnings-history category, which forms part of Ontario's system for ranking immigration candidates.

Previously, applicants earning $70,000 or more received a maximum of eight points in this category. Under the revised system, those earning at least $80,000 can receive 10 points.

Ontario uses annual income information verified through a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) within the previous five years.

The updated earnings categories are:

The change gives eligible higher-income candidates two additional points compared with the previous maximum.

What the Change Means for PR Applicants

Candidates with stronger scores may have a better chance of receiving an invitation from Ontario to apply for provincial nomination.

However, earning 10 points in this category does not guarantee selection. Ontario considers candidates' overall scores when issuing invitations.

Those who receive provincial nominations can subsequently submit applications for permanent residence to the federal government.

Candidates who already have profiles in the system do not need to make changes to receive the updated earnings-history points.

Ontario Continues Immigration Program Overhaul

The scoring adjustment comes as Ontario continues restructuring its provincial immigration system.

The province launched the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream on June 26, 2026, following major changes to its immigration pathways.

Ontario introduced the stream's candidate-ranking system on July 20 and began accepting registrations from eligible employers, workers and self-employed physicians on August 4.

Earlier, on May 30, Ontario had removed its previous provincial immigration pathways as part of a broader restructuring announced in December 2025.

At the time of the latest announcement, the Workforce Priority Stream remained the province's only available pathway for foreign nationals seeking provincial nomination.

Three Additional Immigration Streams Planned

Ontario is also preparing a second phase of its immigration program redesign.

The province plans to introduce three additional pathways:

• Priority Healthcare Stream: Intended for healthcare professionals working in occupations facing labour shortages.
• Entrepreneur Stream: Designed for business owners operating Ontario companies, including founders and successors.
• Exceptional Talent Stream: Targeting individuals with outstanding achievements in academia, science, technology and creative or performing arts.

Ontario has not announced when these additional pathways will become available.

For now, the latest adjustment gives qualifying higher-income candidates a stronger position within the existing selection system while the province continues implementing its immigration reforms.