Maple News reports that Ontario is set to modernize its immigration intake process by introducing a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system for five of its key economic immigration streams. This shift will replace the previous first-come, first-served approach, which was often criticized for being unfair and inefficient.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will roll out the EOI model in the coming weeks for the following streams: Employer Job Offer categories (Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills), the Masters Graduate stream, and the Ph.D. Graduate stream. While these programs are currently closed to new applications, they will reopen once the new system is in place. No launch date has been officially announced.
The EOI system is designed to streamline the selection process by ranking candidates based on key factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and other attributes tied to labour market needs. Candidates will submit a profile and receive a score based on these criteria. Those with the highest scores may receive an invitation to apply for a nomination, creating a more fair, transparent, and merit-driven pathway to permanent residence.
Until now, Ontario’s intake process often functioned like a ticketed event — opening briefly and closing within minutes due to overwhelming demand. It led to system crashes and complaints from applicants, especially those disadvantaged by slower internet or technical glitches. In contrast, the EOI model is expected to reduce stress on applicants and better align Ontario’s immigration priorities with demographic and economic needs.
The proposed change follows a public consultation held in the fall of 2020, during which the Ontario government received about 250 submissions from individuals, employers, and immigration professionals. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Respondents welcomed the idea, noting that an EOI system would offer a more balanced and predictable process.
Ontario now joins the majority of Canadian provinces that have adopted similar systems under their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Immigration experts believe this update will not only improve user experience for applicants but also give Ontario greater flexibility in selecting candidates who can help meet the province’s labour shortages and long-term development goals.
As Canada continues to evolve its immigration framework, Ontario’s EOI rollout is a significant step toward a more data-driven and equitable immigration landscape, reaffirming the province’s commitment to welcoming skilled global talent.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on the official reopening date and operational details once released.