2026 OINP: Complete Guide to the OWPS & EOI Scoring Matrix

What is the 2026 OINP Overhaul?

Following initial policy announcements in late 2025, Ontario officially executed a complete overhaul of its provincial nomination system in 2026:

• May 30, 2026: Permanent retirement of legacy OINP pathways.
• June 26, 2026: Official announcement of eligibility criteria for the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS).
• July 20, 2026: Release of the comprehensive 130-point EOI scoring system and applicant document checklists.
• Late Summer 2026: Scheduled reopening of the online EOI portal for profile registrations and draws.

The 3 Pathways Under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS)

The new OWPS replaces several former streams, streamlining candidate selection into three defined pathways based on occupation skill levels and specialized professions:

TEER 0–3:Professional & Technical Workers

Targeted at management, professional, technical, and skilled trade occupations requiring university degrees, college diplomas, or formal apprenticeships.

TEER 4–5: Essential & Support Workers

Designed for service, hospitality, transport, and entry-level support positions requiring high school education or short-term job training.

Self-Employed Physicians

Dedicated to licensed medical doctors operating in Ontario who are eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

How the 2026 OINP EOI 130-Point System Works

Under the updated 2026 OINP points framework, candidates can earn up to 130 points across 10 selection factors, including work location, wage, occupation, Ontario work experience, earnings history, education, Canadian study credentials, language proficiency, and French-language ability. While all factors contribute to the total score, the new framework places greater emphasis on several high-impact criteria.

1. Regional Job Location (Max. 15 Points)

The OINP awards additional points to candidates with job offers located outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), supporting regional labour market needs and encouraging immigration across Ontario.

• Northern Ontario: 15 points
• Eastern, Central (outside the GTA), and Southwestern Ontario: 10 points
• Municipalities within the GTA (excluding Toronto): 5 points
• City of Toronto: 0 points

2. Canadian Educational Credentials (Max 10 Points)

Studying in Canada provides a direct competitive advantage under the new grid:

• 2 or more eligible Canadian post-secondary credentials: 10 points
• 1 eligible Canadian post-secondary credential: 5 points
• No Canadian credentials: 0 points

Browse Eligible Canadian Institutions

3. CRA Taxed Income History (Max 8 Points)

For the first time, Ontario evaluates verifiable earnings via your highest Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the last 5 years:

• ≥ $70,000 CAD: 8 points
• $50,000 – $69,999 CAD: 6 points
• $30,000 – $49,999 CAD: 4 points
• < $30,000 CAD: 0 points

4. Ontario Work Experience (Max 18 Points)

Longer tenure in the job offer position is heavily rewarded:

• > 24 months in job offer position: 18 points
• 13–24 months: 15 points
• 6–12 months: 12 points (Note: Other non-job offer Ontario work experience can also earn up to 12 points).

5. Priority Occupational Sectors & Wage (Max 25 Points combined)

• High-Demand Sectors: Healthcare occupations receive the maximum 10 points, followed by Trades & Transport (8 points) and STEM occupations (6 points).
• Hourly Wage Rates: Earnings of $40.00/hr or higher grant the full 15 points, scaling down to 0 points for wages under $20.00/hr.

Strategic Analysis: Key Takeaways for OWPS Applicants

Look Beyond Toronto: Establishing your career in Northern Ontario (15 points) or surrounding regions (10 points) significantly boosts overall competitiveness compared to Toronto (0 points).

Leverage Canadian Education: Holding a Canadian credential (or combining two) offers up to 10 dedicated points, helping international graduates offset lower scores in experience or wage.

Employer Loyalty Pays Off: Remaining with your employer for more than two years maximizes the work experience factor (18 points).