Ontario Increases Points for High-Income Workers
Ontario Increases CRS Points for High-Earning Candidates Under New PR Stream
Ontario has introduced a higher points allocation for skilled workers with annual earnings of $80,000 or more under its Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS). The change strengthens the ranking advantage of higher-income candidates seeking provincial nomination and Canadian permanent residence through Ontario’s revised immigration system.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) implemented the updated scoring criteria on October 5, 2026, and announced the change on October 7. Eligible candidates do not need to submit a separate request, as the revised points have been applied automatically to affected profiles.
Ontario OWPS Awards 10 Points for Annual Earnings of $80,000 or More
The new scoring bracket gives higher-income candidates an additional two points, potentially improving their overall ranking when Ontario identifies eligible applicants for provincial nomination.
Updated Ontario OWPS Earnings Points System
| Annual earnings | Points awarded |
|---|---|
| $80,000 or more | 10 |
| 70,000–79,999 | 8 |
| 50,000–69,999 | 6 |
| 30,000–49,999 | 4 |
| Below $30,000 | 0 |
Ontario uses income information documented through a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) within the previous five years to determine a candidate’s earnings-based score. Applicants should ensure that their earnings information is accurate and supported by the required tax documentation.
Citizenship Certificate Backlog Continues to Expand
The longer processing period is occurring alongside a substantial increase in the number of applications waiting for a decision. IRCC’s September figures put the outstanding inventory at approximately 136,000 applications. This represents another significant rise from August, when the queue stood at about 121,800 applications.
The backlog has developed alongside the expansion of eligibility for citizenship by descent. At the end of 2025, the queue was considerably smaller, at roughly 40,400 applications. By September 2026, it had grown to 136,000.
Backlog Growth Over 2026
| Month | Applications Awaiting a Decision |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | 40,400 |
| January 2026 | 42,400 |
| February 2026 | 47,900 |
| March 2026 | 50,900 |
| April 2026 | 56,300 |
| May 2026 | 70,400 |
| June 2026 | 82,000 |
| July 2026 | 99,500 |
| August 2026 | 121,800 |
| September 2026 | 136,000 |
This rapid increase means new applicants are entering an already crowded queue.
How the Higher Points Could Affect Ontario PR Applicants
A provincial nomination can support an application for Canadian permanent residence through the federal immigration system. Applicants must complete the relevant federal requirements before permanent residence can be granted.
Ontario Workforce Priority Stream: A Key Part of the Province’s Immigration Reforms
Ontario first announced plans for a comprehensive immigration system review in December 2025. The OWPS is the initial component of that reform, with additional immigration pathways expected in the next phase.
Can Applicants Get Their Citizenship Certificate Faster?
Although the standard processing period has become extremely long, some applicants may qualify for urgent processing. Urgent processing is intended for situations where obtaining proof of citizenship quickly is necessary because of pressing personal, employment, education, travel or other circumstances.
Possible situations include:
- Starting or maintaining employment where proof of citizenship is required.
- Meeting an education-related deadline.
- Urgent international travel connected to a death or serious illness in the family.
- Addressing a situation involving statelessness.
- Moving a minor child to Canada when the child has a Canadian parent.
- Meeting a deadline related to renouncing another citizenship.
- Preventing serious hardship or harm connected to personal circumstances.
- Obtaining access to certain government or social benefits.
However, urgent processing is not automatic. Applicants must meet IRCC’s requirements and demonstrate why their situation requires expedited consideration.
Three More Ontario Immigration Streams Are Planned
| Proposed immigration stream | Intended candidates |
|---|---|
| Priority Healthcare Stream | Healthcare professionals working in occupations that are in demand |
| Entrepreneur Stream | Individuals who establish, own and operate businesses in Ontario, including eligible business successors |
| Exceptional Talent Stream | Foreign nationals with outstanding achievements in fields such as science, technology, academia, and the creative and performing arts |
As of October 9, 2026, Ontario has not announced an official launch date for these three proposed streams. Until further pathways become available, the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream remains the available route for foreign nationals seeking provincial nomination through Ontario’s restructured program, subject to the program’s applicable eligibility and intake arrangements.
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Conclusion
3. Full-Time Equivalency Standard
Full-time work is defined as at least 30 hours per week. Candidates must accumulate the equivalent of 12 months at this standard.
- 30 hours per week for 12 months qualify.
- Part-time work is acceptable if it equals the same total number of hours (for example, 15 hours per week over 24 months).
