Ontario has published the much-awaited Expression of Interest (EOI) scoring grid for its new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS), part of the sweeping redesign of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Released on July 27, 2026, the framework replaces most employer-driven categories with three pathways—Higher-Skilled, Lower-Skilled and Self-Employed Physicians—and ranks candidates on factors such as occupation, wage, work location, Canadian experience, education and language proficiency. The province says the new points allocation gives it greater flexibility to react to real-time labour shortages, particularly outside the Greater Toronto Area. Extra points are awarded for job offers in priority sectors and for employment in northern or rural communities—an explicit attempt to spread immigration benefits beyond major urban centres. Wage offered now carries heavier weight, signalling Ontario’s intention to attract higher-earning talent that can integrate quickly and contribute more tax revenue. For employers, the redesign means fewer, broader streams but more transparent selection. Companies hoping to recruit foreign workers should review the scoring grid to gauge competitiveness and may need to adjust wage levels or support language upgrading to boost candidates’ points. Mobility advisers should also note that Ontario intends to introduce additional pathways—Priority Healthcare, Entrepreneur and Exceptional Talent—later this year, potentially widening options for intra-company transfers and start-ups. From a federal standpoint, provincial nominations remain the surest route to permanent residence for many temporary foreign workers. Ontario’s overhaul therefore has national implications: with Express Entry draws increasingly favouring provincial nominees, a more data-driven Ontario program could shift the composition of Canada’s overall immigration intake. Prospective applicants are urged to gather documents and monitor the OINP portal; once the EOI system reopens, invitations will likely target candidates who score well under the new grid. Those already in Ontario with valid work permits may have a first-mover advantage.
Source: Canada Immigration Global
