Ontario unveils scoring system for new permanent residence pathways
Ontario has released details on how it will score and rank candidates applying for permanent residence through three new pathways under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), with the highest-scoring applicants prioritized for nomination under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream.
Key points
✓Candidates under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream can earn up to 130 points based on multiple criteria
✓Regional location matters: Northern Ontario offers up to 15 points, while Toronto offers 0 points
✓Occupation skill level, compensation, work experience, education, and language proficiency are all scored factors
✓Candidates must have a valid work or study permit and legal immigration status to qualify
✓Those nominated through OINP can pursue Canadian permanent residence via the Provincial Nominee Program
What this means for you
If you're a temporary resident in Ontario seeking permanent residence, your chances of being nominated depend on a combination of factors: where you work in the province, your job's skill level and pay, your education and language abilities, and your work experience in Canada. The scoring system rewards applicants working in Northern Ontario and in higher-skill, higher-paying positions, so understanding these criteria can help you assess your competitiveness for nomination.
Full detail
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has announced the scoring methodology for its Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS), one of three new permanent residence pathways. Candidates earning the highest scores will be prioritized to receive invitations to apply for provincial nomination, which can lead to Canadian permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program.
The scoring system allocates up to 130 points across multiple categories. These include work region (up to 15 points, with Northern Ontario rewarded most heavily), occupation skill level under Canada's National Occupation Classification (up to 9 points), hourly wage (up to 15 points), occupational category (up to 10 points), and Ontario work experience in the specific job offer position (up to 18 points).
Additional scoring categories include Canadian income tax history (up to 8 points), level of education (up to 10 points), Canadian educational credentials (up to 10 points), official language proficiency (up to 15 points), official language bilingualism (up to 10 points), and temporary resident status such as holding a valid work permit (up to 10 points). To be eligible, candidates must have legal immigration status in Canada.
The OWPS is one of three new permanent residence pathways introduced by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. High-scoring candidates are invited to apply for provincial nomination, which can lead to Canadian permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program.
Does working in Toronto help my score?
No. Working in Toronto results in 0 points for the work region category, while Northern Ontario offers the maximum 15 points. Areas outside Toronto within the Greater Toronto Area offer 5 points.
What temporary resident status is accepted?
Candidates can score up to 10 points for holding a valid work permit, or 5 points for holding a study permit. Candidates with neither must still have legal immigration status to qualify for the OWPS.
How important is language proficiency?
Language proficiency can earn up to 15 points based on your highest official language score, plus an additional 10 points if you demonstrate advanced intermediate proficiency in both English and French, making it a significant scoring component.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often — confirm details on the official source above and, for your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.