Ontario has tweaked the scoring grid of its new Workforce Priority stream—part of this year’s overhaul of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)—to reward candidates who can prove at least one year of Canadian income of C$80,000 or more. The change, posted 7 October 2026 and confirmed by OINP on 8 October, adds a 10-point top bracket to the “earnings history” factor used to rank Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Applicants need only one qualifying tax year within the past five years, verified through a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment. OINP says the adjustment has been automatically applied to all EOIs already in the system; no action is required from registrants. The Workforce Priority stream consolidated eight former employer-job-offer streams this summer, making it the sole pathway for most foreign workers seeking Ontario nomination. Because invitations are issued strictly in order of EOI score, the bonus could significantly improve the chances of candidates in high-demand sectors—particularly IT, finance and engineering—who command upper-tier salaries. For employers, the move aligns with Ontario’s stated goal of using the PNP to retain proven, higher-value talent rather than simply filling vacancies. Consultants caution, however, that lower-income workers may find it harder to obtain nomination unless future rounds are segmented by occupation or region. The next Workforce Priority invitation round is expected later this month. Observers will be watching whether cut-off scores jump as a result of the new high-income points.
Source: IRCC.com
