The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) Foreign Worker Stream provides an opportunity for foreign workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada through a points-based system. The system evaluates eligibility based on factors including job offer, wages, work experience, and language skills.
Here’s a clear and concise breakdown of the OINP points calculation system to help you understand the criteria and how points are awarded.
OINP Foreign Worker Stream Points Calculation Table
| CRITERIA | OPTIONS | POINTS AWARDED |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Do you have a Job Offer from an Eligible Employer in Ontario? | Yes/No | – |
| NOC TEER Category of Job Offer | NOC TEER Category 0 or 1 | 10 Points |
| NOC TEER Category 2 or 3 | 8 Points | |
| NOC TEER Category 4 | 0 Points | |
| NOC TEER Category 5 | 0 Points | |
| Occupational Category of Job Offer | Occupational Category 0, 2, or 3 | 10 Points |
| Occupational Category 7 | 7 Points | |
| Occupational Category 1 or 9 | 5 Points | |
| Occupational Category 4 or 8 | 4 Points | |
| Occupational Category 5 or 6 | 3 Points | |
| Hourly Base Wage for Job Offer | $40 per hour or higher | 10 Points |
| $35 to $39.99 per hour | 8 Points | |
| $30 to $34.99 per hour | 7 Points | |
| $25 to $29.99 per hour | 6 Points | |
| $20 to $24.99 per hour | 5 Points | |
| Less than $20 per hour | 0 Points | |
| Duration of Employment with Canadian Employer | 6 months or more in job offer position | 3 Points |
| Less than 6 months or not working in job position | 0 Points | |
| Highest Pre-Tax Income (CRA Notice of Assessment) | $40k or more in a year | 3 Points |
| Less than $40k in a year | 0 Points | |
| Job Location in Ontario | Northern Ontario | 10 Points |
| Other areas outside the Greater Toronto Area (except Northern Ontario) | 8 Points | |
| Inside Greater Toronto Area (except Toronto) | 3 Points | |
| Toronto | 0 Points | |
| Do you have a Valid Work/Study Permit or Maintained Status in Canada? | Yes | 10 Points |
| No | 0 Points | |
| What is the CLB Level of Your Lowest Language Test Score? | CLB 9+ | 10 Points |
| CLB 8 | 6 Points | |
| CLB 7 | 4 Points | |
| CLB 6 or lower | 0 Points | |
| Did You Take an Approved Language Test in the Last 2 Years? | Yes (both English and French with CLB 7 in one and CLB 6 in the other) | 10 Points |
| Yes (one language only) | 5 Points | |
| No | 0 Points |
How the Points Are Calculate
Each section of the OINP Foreign Worker Stream has specific criteria that award points. The total points from all categories will be calculated to determine your eligibility for a nomination.
Job Offer Criteria:
✅ Career offer from an eligible employer in Ontario.
✅ Higher points for jobs in high-demand categories (NOC TEER 0 or 1).
✅ Occupation with Maximum wages earn more points.
✅ Locations outside the Toronto Area (GTA) provide more points.
Language Proficiency:
✅ Points based on Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level.
✅ Higher CLB levels (especially CLB 9+) earn more points.
Work Permit:
✅ Valid work or study permit in Canada adds extra points.
Income and Employment Duration:
✅ 6+ months employment in the job offer position = extra points.
✅ Pre-tax income above $40,000 in the last 5 years earns more points.
Location of Employment:
✅ Jobs in Northern Ontario or outside the GTA earn higher points.
✅ Jobs within Toronto provide fewer points.
Maximizing Your Points
To increase your chances of receiving an OINP nomination, you should aim to maximize your points in each of the categories:
- Focus on securing a high-paying job in a top NOC category.
- Improve your language skills to reach CLB 9 or higher.
- Work opportunities outside Toronto, particularly in Northern Ontario, are advantageous.
- A valid work permit and, if feasible, concurrent application for Permanent Residency are recommended.
By understanding the OINP points calculation system and focusing on improving key aspects like language skills, job location, and income, you will improve your chances of successfully applying for the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program under the Foreign Worker Stream.
FAQs
What is the minimum number of points required for the OINP Foreign Worker Stream?
A higher score increases your chance of qualification, with scores 60 + points generally being more competitive.
Do I need a job offer to apply for OINP?
Yes, a valid job offer from an eligible employer in Ontario is required to apply under the OINP Foreign Worker Stream.
Can I improve my points after applying?
Once your application is submitted, points cannot be changed or updated. Ensure everything is accurate and complete before applying.
Do language tests expire?
Yes, language test results are valid for 2 years .Your test results must be within the required time-frame at the time of application.
What NOC categories are best for OINP points?
NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 provide the most points. High-demand, skilled job categories typically earn the most.
How can I increase my OINP points for language?
Improving your language proficiency to CLB 9 or above can significant increase your score. Consider taking additional language courses to improve your results.
Suggestions for Inbound and Outbound Links:
- OINP FOREIGN WORKER STREAM: how to apply for the OINP Foreign Worker Stream, language test preparation, and other immigration services.
- CANADIAN LANGUAGE BENCHMARK: Ontario Immigration and Language Benchmark Information to provide your readers with authoritative, up-to-date references.