Ontario has introduced major reforms to its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), aiming to streamline processing, align more closely with labour market demands, and involve employers more directly in the selection process. According to Maple News, the changes—which came into effect on July 1, 2025—are a strategic response to the federal government’s reduced provincial nomination allocations for the year.
The most significant update is the launch of a new Employer Portal, which shifts the application process to an employer-led model. Employers are now required to initiate nominations by submitting job offers directly through the online portal, replacing the outdated paper-based system. The new platform includes features such as secure uploads, auto-filled forms, and direct communication with OINP officers to speed up processing and enhance transparency.
In preparation for this overhaul, Ontario temporarily withdrew all pending Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in key immigration streams—including Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills—on June 21 and 22. A complete system freeze followed from June 27 to 29, during which no new EOIs could be submitted. Applicants must now wait for their employers to complete portal submissions before re-entering the EOI pool.
To ensure integrity and prioritize quality applications, OINP officials now have the authority to require in-person interviews when deemed necessary and return incomplete or misaligned applications—with full fee refunds—before issuing nominations. These measures are designed to verify employer credibility and maintain high program standards.
A notable exception in these reforms benefits early childhood educators under NOC 42202 applying through the Human Capital Priorities or French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams. If registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators, these candidates are no longer required to meet the standard education requirements, recognizing their credentials as job-ready for Ontario’s growing childcare sector.
Employers looking to nominate international talent should create a My Ontario account and register their business details in the new portal. They must upload job offers along with relevant wage and documentation information, then share the portal confirmation with potential candidates. This allows applicants to submit EOIs aligned with up-to-date job posts.
Applicants should coordinate closely with their employers and delay EOI submission until the employer’s portal entry is completed. They are encouraged to ensure their profiles reflect the latest details and maintain readiness for potential interviews. Matching one’s application with OINP’s current priority occupations will enhance chances of selection.
Ontario’s move towards a more employer-driven immigration process reflects a broader shift in Canadian immigration to better calibrate programs with economic realities. While it introduces new responsibilities for employers, it is also expected to reduce wait times and better connect skilled workers with real job opportunities.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on updates to the OINP and other provincial nominee programs as further policy refinements unfold.