Ontario Updates Earnings-Based Scoring for Workforce Priority Stream Expressions of Interest
On October 5, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) updated the Canadian work experience earnings history scoring factor under the Ontario Workforce Priority (OWP) stream’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Under the revised scoring rules, registrants who earned at least $80,000 in a single year within the past five years, as verified by a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment, will receive 10 points for this factor. The change was applied automatically to all existing EOIs, so registrants do not need to take any action to have their scores updated.
Key Points
- Updated Earnings Threshold: Registrants who earned $80,000 or more in a single year during the past five years are eligible to receive 10 points under the Canadian work experience earnings history factor. Earnings must be verified through a CRA Notice of Assessment.
- Automatic Score Updates: The OINP automatically applied the revised scoring factor to all existing EOIs in the system. Registrants do not need to submit a new expression of interest or request a manual score adjustment.
- Effective Date: The change took effect on October 5, 2026. It applies to the earnings history scoring factor within the OWP stream’s EOI system.
What Employers Need To Know
- Potential Impact on Candidates: The revised scoring factor may improve the EOI scores of eligible candidates who meet the earnings threshold. Employers supporting prospective nominees should understand how this change may affect candidates’ positions in the selection process.
- Earnings Verification: Eligibility for the 10 points depends on earnings documented in a CRA Notice of Assessment. Employers should be aware that candidates may need to rely on their personal tax documentation to establish eligibility under this factor.
- No Immediate Employer Action Required: Because the OINP automatically updated existing EOIs, employers and registrants do not need to take action solely to apply the revised scoring rule. Registrants also do not need to log into the OINP e-Filing Portal for their scores to be updated.
Looking Ahead
- Potential Changes in Candidate Rankings: The updated scoring factor may affect the relative competitiveness of candidates in the OWP stream. Eligible registrants may receive higher EOI scores, although the change does not guarantee selection or nomination.
- Importance of Earnings History: The revised rule highlights the role of documented Canadian earnings in the EOI scoring process. Prospective applicants should review their earnings history and relevant CRA documentation to understand whether they qualify for the additional points.
- Continued Monitoring of OINP Updates: Employers and prospective nominees should monitor future OINP announcements for further changes to scoring criteria or selection procedures. Any additional changes could affect how candidates assess their eligibility and competitiveness under the program.
The OINP’s October 5, 2026, update provides 10 points under the Canadian work experience earnings history factor to eligible OWP stream registrants who earned at least $80,000 in a single year within the past five years, as verified by a CRA Notice of Assessment. Because the change was applied automatically to existing EOIs, registrants do not need to take any action to receive updated scores. Employers and candidates should nevertheless remain informed about the program’s scoring criteria and how these factors may influence selection prospects.