How to Score More Points Under Ontario’s New OWPS
Ontario Introduces a New Points System for the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS)
Recently, Ontario introduced a new points system under the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS). As a result, candidates are ranked based on factors such as work location, occupation, salary, education, language skills and work experience before receiving an invitation for provincial nomination.
What is the OWPS?
To begin with, the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream is a new immigration pathway under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Once nominated, eligible candidates can apply to the federal government for Canadian permanent residence. Simply put, a higher score means a better chance of receiving an invitation.
How Does the New Points System Work?
Overall, candidates can earn up to 130 points based on work location, occupation, hourly wage, occupational category, Ontario work experience, Canadian income, education, Canadian education, language ability and temporary resident status.
How Work Location Affects Your Score
Firstly,
- Northern Ontario – 15 points
- Eastern Ontario – 10 points
- Central Ontario (outside GTA) – 10 points
- Southwestern Ontario – 10 points
- Outside Toronto within GTA – 5 points
- Toronto – 0 points
Therefore, choosing to work outside Toronto can improve your ranking.
How Your Occupation Is Scored
Additionally,
- TEER 0 – 9 points
- TEER 1 – 9 points
- TEER 2 & 3 – 6 points
- TEER 4 & 5 – 0 points
As a result, higher-skilled occupations receive more points.
How Salary Affects Your Score
Additionally,
- $40+ – 15 points
- $35–39.99 – 12
- $30–34.99 – 10
- $25–29.99 – 8
- $20–24.99 – 5
- Below $20 – 0
Consequently, a higher-paying job offer strengthens your profile.
Occupational Category
Additionally,
- Healthcare – 10
- Trades & Transport – 8
- Natural & Applied Sciences – 6
- Business, Education, Manufacturing etc. – 4
- Sales, Service, Arts – 2
For example, healthcare occupations receive the highest score.
Ontario Work Experience
Furthermore, Ontario rewards candidates who already have work experience in the province.
If you’re working in the same job as your job offer:
- More than 24 months: 18 points
- 13–24 months: 15 points
- 6–12 months: 12 points
For other Ontario work experience:
- More than 24 months: 12 points
- 13–24 months: 9 points
- 6–12 months: 6 points
- Less than 6 months: 0 points
Therefore, gaining more Ontario work experience can strengthen your profile.
Canadian Income
Additionally,
- $70,000+ – 8
- $50k–69,999 – 6
- $30k–49,999 – 4
- Below $30k – 0
Additionally, income is verified using your CRA Notice of Assessment.
Education
Additionally,
- Doctorate –10
- Professional medical degree –10
- Master’s –8
- Bachelor’s –6
- College/Trade/Graduate Certificate –5
- Below college –0
Likewise, higher education earns more points.
Canadian Education
Additionally,
- Two or more eligible credentials –10
- One credential –5
- None –0
Moreover, studying in Canada gives bonus points.
Language Proficiency
Additionally,
- CLB 9+ –15
- CLB 8 –12
- CLB 7 –8
- CLB 6 –4
- CLB 5 or below –0
- English & French (CLB6+) –10 bonus
- One official language –5
Therefore, improving your language score is one of the best ways to increase your ranking.
Temporary Resident Status
Additionally,
- Work Permit –10
- Study Permit –5
- Neither –0
However, you must still have legal immigration status.
Special Rules for Self-Employed Physicians
On the other hand, self-employed physicians are not scored on hourly wage. Instead, they receive up to 18 points based on their Ontario medical practice experience.
How to Apply
- Create an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Receive an Invitation to Apply.
- Submit your OINP application.
- Receive a provincial nomination.
- Apply to the federal government for permanent residence.
- Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Who Can Apply?
Currently, the stream includes three pathways: TEER 0–3 occupations, TEER 4–5 occupations, and self-employed physicians. In addition, applicants must have an active EOI profile.
When Will Applications Open?
At the moment, Ontario’s EOI system is closed. However, it is expected to reopen later this summer. Once it reopens, Ontario is expected to begin issuing invitations.
Other New Ontario Immigration Streams
- Priority Healthcare Stream
- Entrepreneur Stream
- Exceptional Talent Stream
Meanwhile, launch dates for these streams have not yet been announced.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream makes the selection process more transparent and competitive. At the same time, candidates can improve their chances by increasing their language scores, gaining Ontario work experience, securing a higher-paying job offer and pursuing higher education. Finally, keep your Expression of Interest profile updated so you’re ready when Ontario opens new draws.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
