The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream now awards 10 points to candidates earning $80,000 or more, up from a previous top bracket of 8 points, CIC News reports. The change took effect on 5 October 2026 and was announced publicly on 7 October.
Quick guide
The new earnings scoring
Under the “Canadian work experience: earnings history” factor, annual earnings score as follows: $80,000 or more, 10 points (new); $70,000 to $79,999, 8; $50,000 to $69,999, 6; $30,000 to $49,999, 4; under $30,000, 0. Income comes from a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment issued within the past five years, and the change was applied automatically to affected profiles.
How the stream works
The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) is currently the only route for foreign nationals to seek Ontario provincial nomination for permanent residence. The province revoked all previous pathways on 30 May 2026, launched OWPS on 26 June, unveiled its ranking system on 20 July and opened intake on 4 August.
What is still to come
A second phase will add Priority Healthcare, Entrepreneur and Exceptional Talent streams, with no launch date announced. CIC News cites Ontario’s update page at ontario.ca; check it before acting. Not sure where you stand? Try our visa eligibility checker. Our earlier explainer on Canada work permit processing times may also help.
Ontario OWPS: common questions
What changed in the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream?
A new top earnings bracket: $80,000 or more now scores 10 points instead of 8.
When did it take effect?
5 October 2026, announced on 7 October.
How is income verified?
By a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment issued within the past five years.
Are other Ontario streams open?
Not yet. OWPS is the only one currently available; three more are planned without dates.
Related reading: the Canada PRRA waiver.