OINP’s new scoring system for enhanced PNP streams — what you need to know
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) published its candidate scoring framework on July 20, 2026. Job-offer candidates can score up to 140 points. Ontario also confirmed the online Expression of Interest (EOI) system is expected to re-open later this summer, and the three new streams’ eligibility criteria were announced on June 26. These details will affect how competitive applicants are when invitations to apply are issued.
How the score is calculated (key categories)
– Work region (points): Northern Ontario 15; Eastern Ontario 10; Central Ontario (outside GTA) 10; Southwestern Ontario 10; Within GTA but outside City of Toronto 5; City of Toronto 0.
– Occupation skill level (NOC TEER): TEER 0 = 9; TEER 1 = 9; TEER 2 = 6; TEER 3 = 6; TEER 4 = 0; TEER 5 = 0.
– Compensation (hourly wage): ≥ $40 = 15; $35–$39.99 = 12; $30–$34.99 = 10; $25–$29.99 = 8; $20–$24.99 = 5; below $20 = 0. (Self‑employed physicians are not scored on hourly wage.)
– Occupational category: Category 3 = 10; 7 = 8; 2 = 6; 0, 1, 4, 8 or 9 = 4; 5 or 6 = 2.
– Ontario work experience:
– In the job-offer position (minimum six months): >24 months = 18; 13–24 = 15; 6–12 = 12.
– Other Ontario experience: >24 months = 12; 13–24 = 9; 6–12 = 6.
– Self‑employed physicians use an alternate cumulative practice scale (same points as job-offer experience).
– Canadian income tax history (highest annual income in past five years): ≥ $70,000 = 8; $50,000–$69,999 = 6; $30,000–$49,999 = 4; less than $30,000 = 0.
– Education (highest level): Doctorate or medical/dental/veterinary/optometry degree = 10; Master’s = 8; university credential above bachelor’s = 6; Bachelor’s = 6; Ontario College Graduate Certificate = 5; university credential below bachelor’s, college/CEGEP, apprenticeship/trades certificate = 5; lower than college = 0.
– Canadian post‑secondary credentials: Two or more eligible Canadian credentials = 10; one = 5; none = 0 (each credential must be from an eligible institution and at least one year full‑time).
– Official language proficiency (minimum CLB across four abilities): CLB 9 = 15; CLB 8 = 12; CLB 7 = 8; CLB 6 = 4; CLB ≤5 = 0.
– Official language bilingualism (CLB 6 across all abilities): both languages = 10; one language = 5.
– Temporary resident status: work permit = 10; study permit = 5; neither = 0.
Who may gain an advantage
– Skilled workers in TEER 0–1 roles with higher wages (especially ≥ $40/hour) outside the City of Toronto.
– Candidates with strong Ontario ties: months of Ontario work, Canadian tax filings and a current work permit.
– Applicants with Canadian post‑secondary credentials (two or more), high language scores (CLB 9), and bilingual ability.
– Self‑employed physicians (scored on cumulative Ontario practice rather than hourly wage).
Practical implications for applicants and employers
– Location and wage carry clear weight: offers outside Toronto, and higher hourly wages, improve scores.
– Canadian experience, tax history, language results and Canadian credentials are measurable ways to boost competitiveness.
– Employers recruiting foreign nationals may consider region and wage relative to OINP thresholds.
Key dates and notes from OINP
– Scoring framework published: July 20, 2026.
– Streams announced: June 26, 2026.
– Maximum score for job-offer candidates: up to 140 points.
– Candidates must meet at least one stream’s requirements and create an EOI when the portal re-opens later this summer.
– Self‑employed physicians are exempt from the hourly wage factor and follow alternate Ontario work-experience scoring.
What applicants should prepare
Gather documentation that aligns with the scoring categories:
– Proof of job offer showing location and hourly wage.
– Employment records (pay stubs, letters, contracts) showing months in the job-offer role or other Ontario work.
– Canadian tax records for the past five years.
– Educational credentials and proof a Canadian credential meets the one‑year full‑time requirement, if claiming Canadian credentials.
– Official language test results for English or French (and both languages if claiming bilingualism).
– Current immigration status documents (work or study permit) if in Canada.
Limitations and missing details
The published table does not include invitation cutoffs, full mapping of occupational categories to specific NOC codes, quotas, processing times, fees or exact EOI reopening date. Do not assume invitation thresholds or program capacity from the scoring alone.
Final reminders
The OINP scoring framework will be used to prioritize invitations under the new streams. Prepare records that match the scoring categories and watch OINP for updates, including the EOI reopening date and any additional guidance.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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