Worked example: take this occupation's usual TEER and job-offer facts, then enter your wage, education, language, and work location in the OINP calculator. The result is an Expression of Interest estimate out of the stream maximum. Ontario invites from the top of each draw. The estimate does not guarantee a nomination.
Why cooks often score well
Cooks (NOC 63200, TEER 3) are one of the higher-volume long-tail searches for this pathway:
Occupation TEER level
TEER 3 sits in the middle TEER 2 to 3 tier. Cooks are not TEER 4 to 5, even though the role is often thought of as "essential".
Ontario work experience
Kitchen experience in Ontario, including at the same employer extending the offer, counts toward this factor.
Hourly wage
Wages vary widely by establishment type. Higher-volume or specialty kitchens tend to pay above the entry tier.
A sample score scenario
Here is an illustrative (not guaranteed) scenario for a cook with a Toronto job offer:
Example profile: Cook, 1 year Ontario experience, CLB 6, high school diploma, Toronto job offer
This is an illustrative example, not a guarantee. Run the full calculator with your own details.
Frequently asked questions
Is "cook" the same NOC code as "chef"?
No. Chefs typically fall under a separate, more senior NOC code with supervisory duties. Confirm your exact title with the NOC and TEER finder before you calculate.
Why is this Toronto scenario score lower than other occupation examples?
It reflects a realistic entry-level profile. A Toronto job offer forgoes the regional bonus, and entry-tier wage, experience, and language values all pull the estimate down. A cook with a regional job offer, more experience, or a higher CLB score would score meaningfully higher. Try the full calculator with your own numbers.
Which pathway do cooks use, skilled or essential?
Cooks (TEER 3) use the skilled job offer pathway, not the essential pathway, since TEER 3 is above the TEER 4 to 5 essential threshold.