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Direct Answer: On July 20, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) published the full Expression of Interest (EOI) scoring grid for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) — Ontario’s single active provincial nomination stream as of June 26, 2026. Job-offer candidates under the TEER 0–3 and TEER 4–5 pathways are scored out of a maximum of 130 points across 11 factors: work region (up to 15 pts), occupation skill level (up to 9 pts), compensation (up to 15 pts), occupational category (up to 10 pts), Ontario work experience (up to 18 pts), Canadian income tax history (up to 8 pts), education (up to 10 pts), Canadian educational credentials (up to 10 pts), language proficiency (up to 15 pts), bilingualism (up to 10 pts), and temporary resident status (up to 10 pts). The highest-ranked candidates will be invited to apply when the EOI system reopens — expected later in summer 2026.
At a Glance
- Scoring published: July 20, 2026 — scores out of 130 points for job-offer candidates
- EOI system: currently closed — expected to reopen summer 2026
- Three pathways: TEER 0–3 (skilled), TEER 4–5 (essential workers), self-employed physicians
- Largest single factor: work region (15 pts) — Northern Ontario earns the maximum; Toronto earns 0
- Work experience in job offer position: up to 18 pts — the highest earnable on the experience factor
- Language: up to 15 pts for highest official language + 10 pts for bilingualism = 25 pts total from language
- Canadian education: up to 10 bonus points for Canadian post-secondary credentials
- Work permit holders earn 10 pts; study permit holders earn 5 pts for temporary resident status
- A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points — making Express Entry PR effectively guaranteed
- EOI registration is NOT yet open — candidates should prepare now so they are ready to register immediately
Why Ontario Published the Scoring Grid Now
The July 20 scoring publication is a significant step in Ontario’s 2026 immigration overhaul. The overhaul was made by Ontario Regulation 204/26, which amended Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015. The amendments came into force on June 25, 2026, and the eight former OINP streams closed to new profiles on June 26, 2026.
The July 20 publication serves two purposes: it gives candidates the specific information needed to assess their position in the new system before the EOI portal reopens, and it signals that the reopening is approaching. The scoring criteria were published on the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream webpage, which went live on the OINP website on July 20, 2026. The OINP also published a document checklist for OWPS applicants on a separate web page on July 20.
For candidates who had profiles or applications under the former OINP streams: candidates who submitted applications for provincial nomination to the OINP under the retired streams are continuing to be assessed on the basis of the criteria that were in place at the time their applications were received. The scoring grid published July 20 applies to new EOI profiles under the OWPS — not to legacy applications in progress.
The Three OWPS Pathways
| Pathway | Who It Is For | Job Offer Required? | Max Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEER 0–3 | Skilled workers in management, professional, technical, and supervisory roles | Yes — from eligible Ontario employer | 130 points |
| TEER 4–5 | Essential workers in intermediate and support roles — typically requiring a high school diploma or short-term training | Yes — at or above median wage for the occupation in the region | 130 points |
| Self-Employed Physicians | Licensed physicians with valid CPSO registration and OHIP billing number (or eligibility for one) | No | Different maximum — wage factor not applicable |
Key eligibility requirement for both job-offer pathways: At least 6 months of experience in the job-offer position within the last 12 months is required for the TEER 0–3 pathway. TEER 4–5 similarly requires current employment in an eligible occupation. Candidates without a valid work permit or study permit must still have legal immigration status to qualify. See our full guide to the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream for complete eligibility details.
The Complete 130-Point Scoring Tables
The following tables reproduce the official OINP scoring criteria as published on July 20, 2026, sourced from the official OINP Ontario Workforce Priority Stream page. Confirm the current version at ontario.ca before submitting an EOI — scoring criteria may be updated.
Factor 1: Work Region (Maximum 15 Points)
Work region is the highest single-factor point value in the system. Where you will be working in Ontario directly affects your competitive score — candidates in Northern Ontario receive the maximum; Toronto candidates receive zero.
| Region | Points | Census Divisions Included |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Ontario | 15 | Muskoka, Haliburton, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Greater Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River, Kenora |
| Eastern Ontario | 10 | Frontenac, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Northumberland, Ottawa, Peterborough, Prescott and Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Stormont Dundas and Glengarry |
| Central Ontario (outside GTA) | 10 | Dufferin, Grey, Simcoe, Waterloo, Wellington |
| Southwestern Ontario | 10 | Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Elgin, Essex, Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Oxford, Perth |
| Outside Toronto, within GTA | 5 | Durham, Halton, Peel, York |
| City of Toronto | 0 | City of Toronto |
Factor 2: Occupation Skill Level (Maximum 9 Points)
| NOC TEER | Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| TEER 0 | 9 | Management positions |
| TEER 1 | 9 | Jobs typically requiring a university degree |
| TEER 2 | 6 | Supervisory roles, or jobs requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship of at least 2 years |
| TEER 3 | 6 | Jobs requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship under 2 years, or 6+ months on-the-job training |
| TEER 4 | 0 | Jobs requiring a high school diploma or several weeks of on-the-job training |
| TEER 5 | 0 | Jobs requiring only short-term work demonstration |
Factor 3: Compensation / Hourly Wage (Maximum 15 Points)
Not applicable to self-employed physicians. Physicians have an alternate scoring method for Ontario work experience.
| Hourly Wage | Points |
|---|---|
| ≥ $40/hour | 15 |
| $35.00–$39.99/hour | 12 |
| $30.00–$34.99/hour | 10 |
| $25.00–$29.99/hour | 8 |
| $20.00–$24.99/hour | 5 |
| Less than $20/hour | 0 |
Factor 4: Occupational Category (Maximum 10 Points)
| Broad Occupational Category | NOC Major Group | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Health | 3 | 10 |
| Trades, transport and equipment operators and related | 7 | 8 |
| Natural and applied sciences and related | 2 | 6 |
| Legislative/senior management; Business/finance/admin; Education/law/social; Natural resources; Manufacturing | 0, 1, 4, 8, or 9 | 4 |
| Art, culture, recreation and sport; Sales and service | 5 or 6 | 2 |
Factor 5: Ontario Work Experience (Maximum 18 Points)
Ontario work experience has two scoring tiers. Candidates who have at least 6 months of experience specifically in the job-offer position earn more points than those with general Ontario work experience outside that position.
Tier A — Candidates working 6+ months in the job-offer position:
| Experience in Job Offer Position | Points |
|---|---|
| More than 24 months | 18 |
| 13–24 months | 15 |
| 6–12 months | 12 |
Tier B — All other candidates (general Ontario work experience):
| Ontario Work Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| More than 24 months | 12 |
| 13–24 months | 9 |
| 6–12 months | 6 |
| Less than 6 months | 0 |
Factor 6: Canadian Income Tax History (Maximum 8 Points)
Points are based on the highest annual income reported within the past five years, as determined by a Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
| Highest Annual Income (Past 5 Years) | Points |
|---|---|
| ≥ $70,000 | 8 |
| $50,000–$69,999 | 6 |
| $30,000–$49,999 | 4 |
| Less than $30,000 | 0 |
Factor 7: Education (Maximum 10 Points)
| Highest Level of Education | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 10 |
| Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or optometry | 10 |
| Master’s degree | 8 |
| University certificate or diploma above bachelor’s level | 6 |
| Bachelor’s degree or equivalent | 6 |
| Ontario College Graduate Certificate | 5 |
| University certificate or diploma below bachelor’s level | 5 |
| College, CEGEP, or other non-university certificate or diploma | 5 |
| Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma | 5 |
| Lower than college or trade certificate | 0 |
Factor 8: Canadian Educational Credentials (Maximum 10 Points)
Candidates earn bonus points for Canadian post-secondary credentials. To count, a credential must be from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution and from a program that takes at least one year to complete on a full-time basis.
| Canadian Post-Secondary Credentials | Points |
|---|---|
| Two or more eligible Canadian credentials | 10 |
| One eligible Canadian credential | 5 |
| None | 0 |
Factor 9: Official Language Proficiency (Maximum 15 Points)
Points are based on the minimum CLB score across all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in the candidate’s highest official language. Scores must be from a government-approved language test completed within the past two years.
| Minimum CLB (All 4 Abilities) | Points |
|---|---|
| CLB 9 or higher | 15 |
| CLB 8 | 12 |
| CLB 7 | 8 |
| CLB 6 | 4 |
| CLB 5 or lower | 0 |
Factor 10: Official Language Bilingualism (Maximum 10 Points)
Candidates who demonstrate at least an advanced intermediate level of proficiency in both official languages earn additional points. This is a powerful differentiator for candidates who have even moderate French proficiency.
| Official Languages with Minimum CLB 6 (All 4 Abilities) | Points |
|---|---|
| Both English and French at CLB 6+ | 10 |
| One official language at CLB 6+ | 5 |
Factor 11: Temporary Resident Status (Maximum 10 Points)
| Current Status | Points |
|---|---|
| Valid work permit | 10 |
| Valid study permit | 5 |
| Neither (but must have legal immigration status) | 0 |
Score Maximization Strategy: Where Most Candidates Win and Lose
Understanding the scoring grid is the first step. Knowing which factors are controllable — and which are not — determines where to focus preparation before the EOI system reopens.
| Factor | Max Points | Controllable Before EOI? | Strategy Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work region | 15 | Partially — if job search is still in progress | A job offer outside Toronto in any eligible region earns at least 5 more points than one within Toronto |
| Compensation | 15 | Partially — via promotion or employer negotiation | Each wage tier jump adds 2–5 points; crossing $40/hr earns the maximum 15 points |
| Language proficiency | 15 | Yes — retesting is always possible | Moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9+ adds 7 points — one of the highest-yield controllable improvements |
| Ontario work experience | 18 | Yes — accumulating more experience in the job-offer position adds points | 24+ months in the specific job-offer role earns the maximum 18 pts; under 6 months earns 0 in Tier B |
| Bilingualism | 10 | Yes — adding French proficiency at CLB 6+ earns 5–10 points | Even basic French at CLB 6 earns 5 bonus points; this is one of the most accessible point gains for English-dominant candidates |
| Temporary resident status | 10 | Yes — ensure permit is valid before EOI opens | A work permit earns 10 pts; a study permit earns 5; ensure status is valid and renewed before registering |
| Canadian education | 10 | Yes — if time permits before EOI opens | A completed 1-year Canadian program earns 5 pts; two or more earn 10 pts — significant for candidates already in Canada on study permits |
| Occupation skill level | 9 | Fixed — set by NOC TEER of job offer | Verify your correct NOC code — an incorrect code can reduce or eliminate points in this category |
| Occupational category | 10 | Fixed — set by NOC major group | Health (group 3) earns 10 pts; Trades (group 7) earns 8 pts — confirm correct NOC major group |
| Education | 10 | Fixed — foreign credentials require ECA | Complete your ECA before EOI opens — unassessed foreign credentials score 0 |
| Canadian income history | 8 | Partially — based on historical CRA assessments | Based on Notice of Assessment — ensure your most recent tax return has been filed and processed |
Highest-yield improvements before the EOI opens:
- Language retest — moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9+ adds 7 points; most actionable single improvement
- Add French proficiency — TEF Canada or TCF Canada at CLB 6+ adds 5–10 bilingualism points
- Continue in job-offer position — reaching 24+ months in the specific job offer earns the maximum 18 experience points
- Renew work permit — ensure permit is valid and will remain valid through registration and draw
- Complete ECA — foreign education credentials must be assessed before they earn points
What the Scoring Means for GTA and Toronto Candidates
The zero-point work region for the City of Toronto is the most discussed element of the OWPS scoring system. It is important to understand what it means — and what it does not mean.
Toronto candidates earn zero points for work region. This places them at a structural disadvantage of 15 points relative to Northern Ontario candidates, and 10 points relative to candidates working in Eastern, Central (outside GTA), or Southwestern Ontario. This gap is real and matters in a competitive pool.
However, the zero-region-points rule does not mean Toronto candidates cannot be competitive. A Toronto candidate with strong language scores (CLB 9+ = 15 pts), French bilingualism (10 pts), long Ontario experience in the job-offer position (18 pts), high wages ($40+/hour = 15 pts), high Canadian income history ($70,000+ = 8 pts), and Canadian education (10 pts) can score well into the 80s and 90s — which may be highly competitive depending on the draw.
The region factor creates an incentive for candidates who have flexibility in where they accept a job offer to consider opportunities in the GTA’s surrounding regions (Durham, Halton, Peel, York = 5 pts) or beyond (Eastern, Central outside GTA, Southwestern = 10 pts). Candidates with strong scores in other factors may find that shifting their job search slightly outside the City of Toronto makes a material difference to their OWPS position.
Self-Employed Physicians: How the Scoring Differs
Self-employed physicians applying through the OWPS physician pathway are assessed on all factors except hourly wage. Their work experience is scored differently:
| Cumulative Medical Practice in Ontario | Points |
|---|---|
| 24 months or more | 18 |
| 13–24 months | 15 |
| 6–12 months | 12 |
| Less than 6 months | 0 |
Physicians must hold valid CPSO (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) registration in good standing and an OHIP billing number or be eligible to obtain one. Intent to serve an under-resourced community in Ontario is a meaningful consideration — physicians practising or committing to practice in Northern or rural Ontario benefit from both the physician pathway specifically and the regionalization factor in the scoring.
Our dedicated guide to the TEER 4–5 pathway for essential workers and the full OWPS stream overview cover eligibility requirements in detail.
How OWPS Connects to Express Entry and Federal PR
A provincial nomination from Ontario through the OWPS has a powerful impact on a candidate’s federal permanent residence application through Express Entry. Candidates will receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination, bringing greater transparency to Ontario’s redesigned immigration program.
The pathway from OWPS to federal PR is sequential:
- Create an EOI profile in the OINP system when it reopens
- Be selected by OINP and receive an Invitation to Apply for provincial nomination
- Submit a complete application to OINP for provincial nomination
- Receive a provincial nomination certificate from OINP
- Apply to IRCC for federal permanent residence as a provincial nominee
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
At step 4, when a provincial nomination is confirmed and added to the candidate’s Express Entry profile, IRCC adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This makes the nominated candidate effectively guaranteed to receive a federal Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next PNP round of Express Entry draws — which in 2026 have had cutoffs at approximately CRS 708–744. A candidate with a base CRS of 140 plus a 600-point nomination receives 740 — within the range of recent PNP draws.
The EOI Process: What Happens When the System Reopens
Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system is currently closed. According to the OINP, the system is expected to reopen later in summer 2026. Once it reopens, eligible candidates can create or maintain an active EOI profile, after which Ontario is expected to conduct draws and invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for provincial nomination.
The OWPS EOI operates as a competitive ranking pool:
- Candidates submit a profile once the system reopens and employer initiates the EOI for job-offer pathways
- OINP ranks all active profiles using the 130-point scoring grid
- OINP conducts draws — general or targeted — inviting the highest-scoring candidates to apply
- An invitation to apply is not permanent residence — it is an opportunity to submit a complete OINP nomination application
- No fixed cutoff score has been announced — the threshold depends on how many profiles are registered and how many invitations OINP issues in each draw
Important: Ontario has not published a fixed cut-off score; it will invite the top-ranked profiles based on the number of positions available in each draw. This means there is no guaranteed minimum score for an invitation — the actual threshold will emerge from the pool once draws begin.
What to Do Before the EOI Opens
- Verify your NOC code and TEER level — your NOC determines your pathway eligibility, occupation skill level points, and occupational category points. An incorrect NOC is one of the most consequential and most common errors in OINP applications
- Estimate your score — apply the scoring tables above to your actual profile. Identify which factors are below maximum and whether they are improvable before the system opens
- Book a language retest if below CLB 9 — moving from CLB 7 to CLB 9 is the single highest-yield controllable improvement available to most candidates
- Consider French language testing — TEF Canada or TCF Canada at CLB 6+ earns 5–10 bilingualism points, accessible to candidates with even basic French ability
- Complete your ECA if needed — foreign credentials must be assessed by a designated organization before they earn education points
- Renew your work permit — ensure your work permit will remain valid through the EOI registration period and the draw timeline
- File your most recent tax return — income history points are based on your CRA Notice of Assessment; ensure your most recent tax year has been filed and processed
- Consult with a licensed RCIC — the correct pathway, NOC code, and score calculation depend on the specific facts of your job offer, work history, and immigration status
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Matters | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Using the wrong NOC code | Affects pathway eligibility, occupation skill level, and occupational category — up to 19 points of scoring depend on a correct NOC | Verify your NOC using the official NOC database, matching your actual duties — not just job title |
| Assuming Toronto candidates cannot be competitive | Zero region points is a disadvantage — not disqualification; strong scores on other factors can compensate | Calculate your full score across all factors before assuming you cannot compete |
| Not testing French | The bilingualism factor offers up to 10 points — one of the most accessible score improvements for English-dominant candidates with any French ability | Take TEF Canada or TCF Canada; even CLB 6 across all abilities earns 5 bilingualism points |
| Waiting to file a tax return | Income history points require a Notice of Assessment from CRA — an unfiled return produces no evidence | File your most recent return and allow time for CRA to process it before EOI opens |
| Not having an ECA for foreign credentials | Foreign education earns 0 points without an Educational Credential Assessment from a designated organization | Complete your ECA now — processing can take weeks to months |
| Letting work permit expire before EOI | A valid work permit earns 10 points; no permit earns 0 — a gap in status also affects eligibility | Apply for a work permit extension before expiry and confirm maintained status |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum score in the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) ranks candidates seeking a provincial nomination based on a maximum score of 130 points for job-offer candidates. The 130 points are distributed across 11 factors: work region (15), occupation skill level (9), compensation (15), occupational category (10), Ontario work experience (18), Canadian income tax history (8), education (10), Canadian educational credentials (10), language proficiency (15), bilingualism (10), and temporary resident status (10). Self-employed physicians have a different maximum as the compensation factor does not apply to them.
When will the Ontario OWPS EOI system reopen?
Ontario’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system is currently closed. According to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, the system is expected to reopen later in summer 2026. No specific date has been announced. Candidates should monitor the official OINP updates page at ontario.ca and prepare their documentation and score in advance so they are ready to register the moment the system opens. Being among the first to register does not provide any advantage — what matters is your score, not your registration date.
How much does work location affect OWPS points?
Work region accounts for up to 15 points — the largest single factor. Candidates working in Northern Ontario earn 15 points; candidates working in Eastern Ontario, Central Ontario outside the GTA, and Southwestern Ontario earn 10 points; candidates working within the GTA but outside the City of Toronto earn 5 points; and candidates working in the City of Toronto earn 0 points. A candidate with a GTA-adjacent job offer (Durham, Halton, Peel, York) earns 5 more points than a Toronto candidate on this factor alone.
Does Toronto work experience earn OWPS points?
Not for the work region factor — the City of Toronto earns 0 points on that dimension. However, Ontario work experience gained in Toronto does count fully for the Ontario work experience factor (up to 18 points), the Canadian income tax history factor (up to 8 points), and all other factors. Toronto candidates are at a 15-point structural disadvantage versus Northern Ontario candidates on the region factor but can close that gap through strong language, experience, wage, and education scores.
What is the minimum language requirement for the OWPS?
The minimum language threshold depends on the pathway. TEER 0–3 candidates require a minimum CLB 6 across all four abilities. TEER 4–5 candidates require a minimum CLB 4. However, meeting the minimum earns only 4 points (CLB 6) or 0 points (below CLB 6) on the language scoring factor. Candidates who achieve CLB 9 or higher earn the maximum 15 points — a difference of 11 points from the minimum threshold, making language improvement one of the highest-yield pre-EOI strategies.
How does a provincial nomination affect Express Entry?
A provincial nomination from Ontario through the OWPS adds 600 CRS points to the candidate’s Express Entry profile. This effectively guarantees the candidate an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC in the next federal PNP Express Entry draw, as recent PNP draw cutoffs have been in the 708–744 range. A candidate with a base CRS of 140 plus a 600-point nomination scores 740 — well within the range of recent draws. This makes the OWPS nomination the most powerful single event in a skilled worker’s Canadian PR pathway.
Can I apply to the OWPS if I work in the City of Toronto?
Yes. Working in the City of Toronto does not disqualify a candidate — it earns 0 points for the work region factor. The remaining 115 points are all still available. Toronto candidates with strong profiles in language, work experience, wage, education, and bilingualism can be highly competitive. The question is not whether you can apply from Toronto, but whether your overall score positions you well relative to the rest of the pool in a given draw.
What is the difference between the OWPS and the former OINP streams?
The eight former OINP streams (Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Worker, Skilled Trades, Masters Graduate, PhD Graduate, Foreign Worker, In-Demand Skills, and the Employer Job Offer stream) were all closed on May 30 / June 26, 2026. The OWPS is the single replacement stream, consolidating all employer-sponsored provincial nomination under one 130-point EOI scoring framework. The fundamental difference is transparency — instead of processing applications in order of receipt, the OWPS ranks all profiles by score and invites the highest-ranked candidates.
Do I need a Canadian educational credential assessment (ECA) for OWPS?
Yes — foreign educational credentials must be assessed by a designated organization to earn education points under Factor 7. Without an ECA, foreign credentials are treated as unassessed and receive 0 points. ECAs can take weeks to months to process. Candidates with foreign credentials should initiate their ECA as soon as possible, before the EOI system reopens. Canadian credentials do not require an ECA and earn bonus points under Factor 8 (Canadian Educational Credentials) directly.
