Is Your Job Offer Competitive?
Ontario has officially pulled back the curtain on the scoring factors for the new Workforce Priority Stream. For foreign workers and Ontario employers, this is a game-changer.
Gone are the days of simple eligibility checklists. This stream, part of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), now operates on an Expression of Interest (EOI) system—much like the federal Express Entry. To receive an invitation, you don’t just need to qualify; you need to compete.
With a maximum of 130 points up for grabs, here is everything you need to know about how Ontario is ranking candidates and which jobs are currently standing in the winner’s circle.
The Pillars of a High OINP Score
The new scoring grid is designed to funnel talent where Ontario needs it most. To maximize your points, you need to understand the three most influential factors:
1. Location: The “Outside Toronto” Advantage
Ontario is sending a clear message: they want to grow the province’s regional economies.
- Highest Points: Jobs in Northern Ontario.
- Significant Points: Eastern, Southwestern, and Central Ontario (outside the GTA).
- Zero Points: Jobs located within the City of Toronto.
If you have the flexibility to accept a job offer outside the GTA, your score will see a massive immediate boost.
2. Occupation Skill Level (TEER)
Points are awarded based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels:
- TEER 0 & 1 (Management and Professional roles) receive the highest points.
- TEER 2 & 3 (Technical and Skilled Trades) also receive competitive points.
- TEER 4 & 5 receive no points for skill level, meaning these candidates must score exceptionally high in other categories (like language or location) to stay competitive.
3. The $40/Hour Benchmark
Wage is a major differentiator. The scoring system rewards higher compensation, with the top point bracket beginning at an hourly wage of $40 or more.
Which Jobs are the Most Competitive?
While the system ranks individuals, certain industries have a natural “points advantage” due to the way occupational categories are weighted. Currently, the most favorable categories are:
- Priority 1: Health Occupations. These receive the highest possible occupational category score. If you are a nurse, medical technician, or regulated health professional, you are in the strongest position.
- Priority 2: Skilled Trades & Transport. This includes construction, industrial equipment operation, and logistics. These roles get the second-highest points and often benefit from being located in regional hubs outside Toronto.
- Priority 3: Natural & Applied Sciences. Engineering and IT roles remain strong, especially when paired with high wages and Canadian education.
The “Internal” Advantage: Are You Already in Ontario?
One of the most significant takeaways from the new scoring factors is how much Ontario values local experience. You will score significantly higher if you:
- Are already working in Ontario on a valid work permit.
- Have a history of Canadian income tax filings.
- Have a job offer from your current Ontario employer.
Strategy Checklist: How to Strengthen Your EOI
If you are planning to submit an Expression of Interest, a “strong” candidate typically checks several of these boxes:
- A job offer in Healthcare, Trades, or STEM.
- A work location outside of Toronto (preferably Northern Ontario).
- A wage at or near $40/hour.
- High English or French language test scores (CLB 7+).
- A Canadian post-secondary degree or diploma.
Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance
Because this system is documentation-heavy, the risk of “overclaiming” points is high. If you claim points you cannot prove with pay stubs, diplomas, or tax filings, your application could be refused—or worse, you could be found inadmissible for misrepresentation.
At Ferreira-Wells Immigration Services, we specialize in navigating the complexities of the OINP. From assessing your initial EOI score to preparing a bulletproof application package, we help ensure your path to permanent residence is as smooth as possible.
Ready to see where you stand?
Practical Takeaways for Employers
Employers undoubtedly play an important role in the Workforce Priority Stream, especially where the pathway is based on a job offer.
Employers should review whether they meet the OINP employer requirements and should consider the job offer is full-time, permanent, genuinely needed for the business, and paid at the required wage level.
Employers outside Toronto may also find that the regional scoring system gives their candidates a stronger position in the EOI pool. This could be particularly important for employers in health care, trades, transportation, technology, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and regional service delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a high score guarantee an invitation?
No. While a high score makes you more likely to be selected, the OINP conducts draws based on shifting labor market needs and nomination spaces.
Can I still qualify if I work in Toronto?
Yes, but you will receive 0 points for the “Location” factor. You will need to make up those points through a higher wage, higher TEER level, or superior language skills.
Can I improve my score after submitting?
Yes. You can update your EOI if you get better language test results, gain more work experience, or move into a higher-paying role.
Are health-care occupations the most favourable?
From a points perspective, health occupations receive the highest occupational-category score. However, this is just one factor, and the overall score depends on all factors, including wage, location, work experience, education, language ability, and status in Canada.
Are trades and transport occupations also favourable?
Yes. Trades, transport, equipment operators, and related occupations receive the second-highest occupational-category score. These candidates may be particularly competitive if they also have Ontario work experience, a qualifying employer, and a job offer outside Toronto.
Can TEER 4 or TEER 5 workers still qualify?
Potentially, yes. The Workforce Priority Stream includes pathways for different TEER levels. However, TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations do not receive points under the occupation skill-level factor, so candidates may need to rely on other scoring factors to be competitive.
Does working in Toronto reduce the score?
A Toronto job offer does not necessarily prevent someone from qualifying, but it receives no points under the regional work-location factor. Jobs outside Toronto may receive more points, with Northern Ontario receiving the highest regional score.
Is the wage important?
Yes. Higher hourly wages receive more points. The highest wage band begins at $40 per hour or more. Candidates should ensure the wage listed in the job offer is accurate and supported by documentation.
Do applicants need language test results?
Language ability is one of the scoring factors. Candidates with stronger English or French test results may receive more points. Applicants should ensure their language test results are valid and meet the requirements of their pathway.
Can a candidate improve their score?
In some cases, yes. A candidate may improve their score by obtaining stronger language results, gaining more Ontario work experience, finding a valid job offer outside of Toronto, completing eligible Canadian education, or moving into a higher wage band or qualifying position. However, information provided to the OINP must always be accurate and supported by documents.
Should applicants claim every possible point?
Applicants should only claim points they can prove. Overclaiming points or providing unsupported information constitutes misrepresentation, and can create serious problems, including at least a refusal but potentially a determination of inadmissibility.
Should employers and applicants get advice before submitting an EOI?
Yes. Because the new scoring system is detailed and documentation-heavy, both applicants and employers should consider getting professional advice before submitting an Expression of Interest or application. A careful review in the context of a consultation can help confirm eligibility, identify missing documents, and reduce the risk of refusal.
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream scoring system gives applicants and employers more insight into how the province plans to rank candidates. At the time of writing, the most favourable job categories appear to be health occupations, trades and transport-related occupations, and natural and applied sciences occupations.
However, occupation is only one part of the score. Region, wage, Ontario work experience, education, language ability, Canadian credentials, tax history, and temporary resident status can all affect competitiveness.
Applicants and employers should review the scoring factors carefully before proceeding and should ensure that all claimed points can be supported with clear documentation.
At Ferreira-Wells Immigration Services, we assist at every stage of an immigration process, from assessing eligibility me requirements to preparing complete application packages and supporting documentation. If you have a valid job offer in Ontario and are considering your options with this new program, we would be pleased to discuss your options in a consultation and help determine if this pathway suits your circumstances.
