Ontario Just Raised Its OINP Earnings Points for Candidates Who Have Earned $80,000 – Here Is What Changed

If you have a Canadian earnings history and a job offer that puts you in Ontario's new permanent residence stream, the province just gave high earners a bigger advantage. On October 7, 2026, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program confirmed a change to its Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS)

that rewards your past income more generously than before.

What Changed

The OWPS ranks each Expression of Interest profile on a points grid, and one of those factors is your earnings history. Under the update:

• Earning $80,000 or more in a single year now awards 10 points, the new top bracket
• Earning $70,000 to $79,999 awards 8 points
• Lower income bands continue to award fewer points on the same sliding scale

Before this change, the top bracket was $70,000 or more for 8 points. The province has now added a higher tier at $80,000 and moved the maximum from 8 points to 10.

How It Is Measured

The earnings figure is your income in a single year within the past 5 years, verified by your Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment. You do not need to have earned $80,000 every year. One qualifying year inside that five-year window is enough to claim the points, as long as your CRA Notice of Assessment supports it.

What the Update Means

The change was implemented on October 5, 2026 and applied automatically to every Expression of Interest already in the system. If your profile is active and your earnings history already shows a qualifying year, your score has already been adjusted. There is no form to submit for the recalculation itself.

What This Means for You

This rewards candidates with a strong Canadian income record, so it helps to have your Notices of Assessment in order and to know which year gives you the best result. Two extra points can be the difference between sitting below a draw cut-off and being invited, so it is worth confirming your profile reflects your highest qualifying year.

Please note: The information provided is for general purposes only. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel on your specific immigration matter.

Have questions about how this applies to you? Email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com.