Ontario Reveals New Ranking System for Permanent Residence Candidates

July 29, 2026
CIC News Update
Ontario, PNP
0

Ontario has released the new ranking criteria it will use to select candidates for provincial nomination under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS).

The new system will help the province identify high-ranking candidates from its Expression of Interest (EOI) pool. Those selected will be invited to apply for an Ontario provincial nomination, which can then support an application for Canadian permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program.

The scoring details provide potential applicants with a clearer picture of what could make their profile more competitive.

Also Read Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Ranking Formula 2026

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Candidates Can Earn Up to 130 Points

Job-offer candidates under the OWPS can receive a maximum of 130 points based on several factors.

These include:

Location of employment
NOC TEER skill level
Hourly wage
Occupational category
Ontario work experience
Canadian income history
Education
Canadian post-secondary credentials
English or French language skills
Bilingual ability
Temporary resident status

Ontario will use these factors to rank candidates, with higher-scoring profiles expected to receive priority during future selections.

Jobs Outside Toronto Could Offer an Advantage

The location of a candidate’s employment can contribute up to 15 points.

Northern Ontario provides the highest score of 15 points.

Eligible jobs in Eastern Ontario, Central Ontario outside the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario can earn 10 points.

Employment elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area can provide 5 points, while jobs located in Toronto receive no points under this factor.

The regional scoring system could encourage newcomers to consider employment opportunities beyond Ontario’s largest urban centre.

Occupation, Salary and Industry Also Matter

Candidates in NOC TEER 0 and 1 occupations can receive 9 points, while TEER 2 and 3 positions can earn 6 points. No points are awarded under this particular factor for TEER 4 and 5 occupations, although Ontario has created a separate OWPS pathway for eligible workers in these categories.

Salary is worth up to 15 points. Candidates earning at least $40 per hour receive the maximum score, while those earning below $20 per hour receive no points.

The province also gives additional points to certain occupational groups. Healthcare occupations receive 10 points, followed by trades, transportation and equipment-related occupations with 8 points. Natural and applied sciences can earn 6 points.

Ontario Work Experience Can Boost Ranking

Previous work experience in Ontario can significantly improve a candidate’s score.

Those who have worked for more than 24 months in the same position as their qualifying job offer can earn 18 points. Candidates with 13 to 24 months can receive 15 points, while six to 12 months provides 12 points.

General Ontario work experience outside the job-offer position is also considered, although it receives fewer points.

Candidates can also earn points based on their highest annual income in Canada during the previous five years. Those earning at least $70,000 can receive 8 points, with lower scores available for income between $30,000 and $69,999.

Ontario will use Canada Revenue Agency Notices of Assessment to verify income.

Education and Canadian Credentials Add Points

Education is another important component of the ranking system.

Candidates with a doctorate or eligible professional degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry can receive 10 points. A master’s degree is worth 8 points, while other eligible university, college and trade credentials can provide additional points.

Canadian education is scored separately. Candidates with two or more eligible Canadian post-secondary credentials can receive 10 points, while one qualifying credential provides 5 points.

Ontario has also published information on eligible Canadian institutions and credentials.

Strong Language Skills Can Improve a Profile

Candidates can earn up to 15 points based on their highest official language proficiency.

A minimum CLB 9 across all four language abilities provides the maximum score. CLB 8 earns 12 points, CLB 7 provides 8 points and CLB 6 gives 4 points.

Language results must come from an approved immigration test completed within the previous two years.

Candidates who demonstrate at least CLB 6 in both English and French can receive another 10 points for bilingualism.

Work Permits Receive the Highest Status Score

Candidates holding a valid work permit can receive 10 points, while those with a study permit can earn 5 points.

Applicants without either permit receive no points under this factor but must maintain legal immigration status where required by their pathway.

Ontario Has a Separate Route for Self-Employed Physicians

Self-employed physicians will be assessed differently under the OWPS.

They are not ranked according to the standard hourly wage factor. Instead, Ontario will consider their cumulative medical practice experience in the province.

Physicians with at least 24 months of qualifying Ontario practice can earn 18 points, while those with 13 to 24 months can receive 15 points.

The pathway is designed for eligible physicians who can bill the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Three Pathways Are Available Under the OWPS

Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream includes three pathways:

TEER 0–3: For eligible workers in higher-skilled occupations.
TEER 4–5: For eligible workers in lower-skilled occupations.
Self-Employed Physicians: For qualifying physicians eligible to bill OHIP.

Candidates must meet the requirements of their relevant pathway. For job-offer routes, the employer is involved in initiating the EOI process.

EOI System Expected to Reopen Later This Summer

Ontario’s online EOI system is currently closed but is expected to reopen later this summer.

Once it becomes available, eligible candidates can create profiles and wait for the OINP to select high-ranking applicants.

Those who receive an invitation can submit a provincial nomination application. Successful candidates can then apply to the federal government for permanent residence as provincial nominees.

Ontario Continues Its Immigration Program Overhaul

The OWPS is part of Ontario’s broader restructuring of its provincial immigration system.

The province retired its previous immigration pathways on May 30, 2026, and announced the eligibility requirements for the three new OWPS pathways on June 26.

Ontario also plans to introduce three additional streams:

Priority Healthcare
Entrepreneur
Exceptional Talent

Launch dates for these programs have not yet been announced.

The proposed healthcare stream is expected to target workers in healthcare occupations and may not require a job offer. The Exceptional Talent stream is expected to focus on individuals with achievements in areas such as science, academic research, literature and the creative and performing arts.

Applicants who submitted applications under Ontario’s former streams will continue to be assessed under the rules that were in place when their applications were received.

With the new EOI system expected to reopen soon, candidates interested in Ontario’s permanent residence pathways should review their work experience, education, language results and employment details to understand how competitive their profiles could be under the new ranking system.

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