Ontario Workforce Priority Stream for Permanent Residence

The Ontario Workforce Priority Stream (OWPS) offers eligible foreign workers and self-employed physicians a pathway to apply for provincial nomination for permanent residence in Ontario. The program utilizes an expression of interest (EOI) system to rank candidates. When applying with a job offer, the employer initiates the process by submitting the offer, allowing the candidate to register an EOI and apply for nomination upon invitation by the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

Language proficiency plays a crucial role in a candidate’s EOI score, with stronger language test results potentially earning additional points under Ontario’s ranking system. However, invitations are based on an applicant’s overall profile and may target specific labor market or human capital attributes.

Language Contribution to OWPS Score

The OWPS scoring system awards candidates up to 15 points for official language ability, determined by the lowest Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Points are allocated as follows:

• CLB 9 or higher: 15 points
• CLB 8: 12 points
• CLB 7: 8 points
• CLB 6: 4 points
• CLB 5 or lower: 0 points

Candidates can also earn points for knowledge of Canada’s official languages:

• Knowledge of two official languages: 10 points
• Knowledge of one official language: 5 points

To receive points for two official languages, candidates must achieve at least CLB 6 proficiency in English and French across all language areas.

Various factors, including occupation, contribute to the calculation of an OWPS EOI score.