OINP Earnings Update: $80,000 Now Earns 10 EOI Points
Ontario has introduced a 10-point earnings-history tier for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream: registrants who earned $80,000 or more in a single year within the past five years, verified by a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, now receive 10 points under this factor. Ontario announced the update on October 7, 2026 and says the scoring change was implemented on October 5. (Ontario’s October 7 program update)
The change has already been applied automatically to existing expressions of interest. Registrants do not need to edit their EOI or log into the OINP e-Filing Portal for this score update to take effect. (Ontario’s October 7 program update)
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Contact Us →This is 10 points for the earnings-history factor, not an additional 10-point bonus for every candidate. The factor depends on the applicable earnings band and must be distinguished from the overall EOI score. (Ontario Workforce Priority scoring factors)
What changed, and when?
- Implementation date: October 5, 2026, when OINP updated the Canadian work experience: earnings history scoring factor. (Ontario program update)
- Announcement date: October 7, 2026, the date of Ontario’s published notice. (Ontario program update)
- Stream affected: Ontario Workforce Priority, through its Expression of Interest system. (Ontario program update)
- Top earnings tier: $80,000 or more in one qualifying year earns 10 points. (Ontario program update)
- Existing registrations: The change was applied automatically, with no login or edits needed for the scoring adjustment. (Ontario program update)
In this update, “OWP” means Ontario Workforce Priority, the provincial stream. It should not be confused with the separate immigration term “open work permit.” (Ontario program update)
Updated OINP earnings-history points grid
Ontario’s current stream page lists the following earnings-history bands, based on a CRA Notice of Assessment issued in the last five years. This table describes one EOI scoring factor, not all the requirements to qualify for the stream. (Ontario Workforce Priority stream)
| Earnings in a qualifying year | Earnings-history points |
|---|---|
| $80,000 or more | 10 (Ontario scoring grid) |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 8 (Ontario scoring grid) |
| $50,000 to $69,999 | 6 (Ontario scoring grid) |
| $30,000 to $49,999 | 4 (Ontario scoring grid) |
| Under $30,000 | 0 (Ontario scoring grid) |
The October 7 notice specifically describes the new top tier as earnings in a single year within the past five years, verified by a CRA Notice of Assessment. It is not a rule awarding the top tier merely because a current job offer promises an $80,000 annual salary. (Ontario program update)
One year of earnings, not a five-year total
Ontario’s applicant checklist requires the earnings-history points claimed to be supported by a single CRA Notice of Assessment issued within the last five years. The checklist expressly says that combined earnings across multiple calendar years will not be accepted. (Ontario Workforce Priority applicant checklist)
For illustration, $85,000 in one qualifying year falls in the 10-point band, while $75,000 in one qualifying year falls in the 8-point band. Earning $40,000 in each of two years does not turn those separate years into an $80,000 qualifying year. (Ontario scoring grid; single-year evidence requirement)
The checklist also states that T4 slips alone will not be accepted for this factor. Keep the relevant Notice of Assessment rather than assuming a T4, pay slip or employment letter replaces the specified evidence. (Ontario Workforce Priority applicant checklist)
Do existing EOI registrants need to do anything?
Not to trigger this particular score change: Ontario says existing EOIs were updated automatically. There is no need to log in or make changes solely to receive the new earnings-history scoring treatment. (Ontario program update)
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Our practical recommendation is to retain your supporting tax record and distinguish this automatic adjustment from any unrelated change in your circumstances. Do not create a duplicate EOI simply to try to trigger the adjustment, and do not treat an automatic score update as a substitute for accurate, supportable information.
If invited to apply, candidates must provide documents supporting the scoring factors for which they received points. Automatic scoring therefore does not remove the requirement to substantiate the claim at the application stage. (OINP application process)
Legal-status points are a separate factor
Ontario’s stream page also contains a legal-status scoring factor and states that the work or study permit must confer legal status. These points are separate from earnings history; the October 7 announcement identifies an earnings-history update, not a new legal-status scoring announcement. (Ontario Workforce Priority stream; October 7 notice)
| Legal-status scoring category | Points |
|---|---|
| With a valid work permit | 10 (Ontario scoring grid) |
| With a valid study permit | 5 (Ontario scoring grid) |
| Without a valid work or study permit | 0 (Ontario scoring grid) |
A zero score under this factor should not be read as a complete determination that someone is unlawfully in Canada or ineligible for every immigration pathway. The stream page separately addresses legal status and maintained status, and distinguishes scoring factors from mandatory stream criteria. (Ontario Workforce Priority stream)
More points do not guarantee an invitation or nomination
An EOI is a registration used to rank and select candidates, not an application to the OINP or for permanent residence. Ontario expressly states that registering an EOI does not guarantee an invitation to apply. (OINP application process)
Candidates must still satisfy the stream requirements and document their claimed factors if invited. A scoring update does not replace the assessment of the applicant, the relevant employment position or the remaining requirements. (Ontario Workforce Priority stream)
Our recommendation is to review your evidence and overall eligibility rather than focus on one favourable number. For broader context, explore our Ontario Workforce Priority guide and Ontario immigration updates, checking the publication date of any older article.
Frequently asked questions
How many OINP earnings-history points does $80,000 receive?
Earnings of $80,000 or more in a single year within the past five years, verified by a CRA Notice of Assessment, now receive 10 points under the Ontario Workforce Priority earnings-history factor. (Ontario program update)
Do I need to log in to update my existing EOI score?
No action is needed for this particular adjustment: Ontario says it was applied automatically to existing EOIs, and registrants do not need to log in or make changes for their scores to update. (Ontario program update)
Can I combine earnings from different years to reach $80,000?
No. Ontario’s checklist requires the earnings-history claim to be supported by a single CRA Notice of Assessment and does not accept combined earnings from multiple calendar years. (Ontario applicant checklist)
Is a T4 enough to support the earnings-history points?
Not by itself. The applicant checklist specifies a CRA Notice of Assessment and states that T4 slips alone will not be accepted for this factor. (Ontario applicant checklist)
Does the 10-point tier guarantee an OINP invitation?
No. It is one scoring factor, and registering an EOI does not guarantee an invitation; applicants must also meet the applicable stream requirements. (OINP application process)
Review your Ontario immigration options
If you would like help reviewing your EOI factors, supporting evidence and immigration circumstances, book a consultation with VG Immigration Services Inc. Our review focuses on your actual record and applicable requirements, not a promise of an invitation.
Published by VG Immigration Services Inc. Learn about Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB R708308. This article provides general information based on the official Ontario sources checked on October 7, 2026; it is not individualized advice or a guarantee of nomination or permanent residence.
