Ontario Releases Full Scoring Factors for New Workforce Priority Stream 2026 – OINP Phase One Updates Take Shape
- Xavi
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
TORONTO — July 22, 2026 — The Ontario Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has released full eligibility criteria and scoring factors for the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, a key component of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) overhaul that took effect on June 26, 2026 .
The ministry updated the OINP website on July 20, 2026 with a dedicated Ontario Workforce Priority stream webpage, outlining complete applicant requirements, employer requirements, scoring factors, and steps to apply. An Expression of Interest (EOI) system for the new stream is expected to launch later this summer .
Quick Facts: Ontario Workforce Priority Stream 2026
Feature | Details |
Effective Date | June 26, 2026 (Phase One) |
Updated Guidance | July 20, 2026 |
EOI System Launch | Expected later summer 2026 |
New Stream | Ontario Workforce Priority (replaces 8 previous streams) |
Scoring Factors | Employment, education, language, regionalization |
Employer Requirements | Business history, location, compliance, revenue, recruitment efforts |
Official Webpage | Available on OINP website |
Employer Requirements
To qualify under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream, employers must meet the following criteria:
Requirement | Details |
Business History | In business for at least three years prior to applying |
Business Location | Must have a business location in Ontario |
Compliance | No outstanding orders under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 or the Occupational Health and Safety Act |
Revenue Requirements | Meet revenue requirements based on the job offer's location |
Employee Minimum | Employ a minimum number of Canadian citizens or permanent resident full-time employees based on the job offer's location |
Recruitment Effort | Demonstrate effort made in recruiting a Canadian citizen or permanent resident prior to offering the position to a foreign national (only applicable if the applicant is currently living outside Canada or working outside Ontario) |
"It is recommended that employers consult the OINP employer guide for comprehensive requirements. — Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Scoring Factors for Applicants
Applicants will be assigned points based on several factors and will be required to submit supporting documents for each scoring factor claimed.
1. Employment and Labor Market Factors
Factor | Details |
Occupational Category | Points based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER category |
Hourly Wage | Higher wages receive more points |
Ontario Work Experience | Previous work experience in Ontario |
Legal Status in Canada | Current legal status in Canada (e.g., work permit, study permit) |
2. Education Factors
Factor | Details |
Highest Level of Education | Degree, diploma, or certificate |
Credentials | Canadian or foreign educational credentials (with ECA) |
3. Language Factors
Factor | Details |
English Proficiency | CLB level (Canadian Language Benchmark) |
French Proficiency | French language skills |
4. Regionalization Factors
Factor | Details |
Work Location | Points based on where the job offer is located in Ontario |
Regional Incentives | Higher points for job offers in rural or northern communities |
"Applicants and employers can review the full scoring factors, points allotted for each category and steps to apply on the Ontario Workforce Priority stream webpage." — Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
What This Means for Applicants
Key Takeaways
Aspect | Details |
Points-Based System | Applicants are scored on employment, education, language, and location |
Supporting Documents | Must provide proof for each scoring factor claimed |
EOI System | Expected to launch later summer 2026 |
Employer Role | Employers must meet strict eligibility requirements |
Regional Focus | Higher points for job offers in rural or northern Ontario |
Practical Advice
Action | Why It Matters |
Review the OINP employer guide | Ensure employer meets all requirements |
Prepare supporting documents | Documentation required for each scoring factor |
Monitor EOI system launch | Expected later summer 2026 |
Check regional eligibility | Higher points for certain locations |
Verify language test results | CLB levels must be documented |
Confirm occupational category | TEER classification affects points |
Related Articles
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Overhaul 2026: Introduction of New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream — Comprehensive overview of the OINP redesign, including the elimination of eight previous streams and the launch of the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream.
Quebec Reopens Popular PEQ Program Temporarily from July 2026 — Quebec's PEQ program reopens for skilled workers and graduates, offering an alternative pathway to permanent residence.
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