Maple News reports that Ontario is preparing to overhaul its provincial immigration process by introducing an Expression of Interest (EOI) system for several streams of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This proposed update aims to streamline applications and improve the selection process for newcomers who match the province’s labour market needs.
The EOI system will target five existing OINP categories: Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker, Employer Job Offer – International Student, Employer Job Offer – In-Demand Skills, Masters Graduate, and PhD Graduate streams. Once implemented, it will require applicants to first register a profile providing key personal and professional information.
Based on these submissions, candidates will be entered into a selection pool and ranked using a points-based system. Ontario will select top-ranking individuals and issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. Those nominated can then proceed to apply for permanent residence through the OINP pathway.
While full criteria and scoring details have yet to be released, Ontario has indicated that rankings will consider core human capital factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offer details—mirroring approaches seen in Canada’s federal Express Entry system and in other provincial nominee programs (PNPs).
This planned update brings Ontario’s selection strategy in line with modern immigration tools that prioritize transparency, efficiency, and alignment with labour market demands. Maple News notes that these changes are expected to make the application process more fair, merit-driven, and responsive to employer needs across the province.
The federal Express Entry system—which manages immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program—also employs an EOI model. In 2024 so far, Canada has issued tens of thousands of invitations through Express Entry draws, further highlighting the growing preference for such systems.
Ontario’s new EOI mechanism reflects broader national trends, signaling the province’s commitment to attracting skilled, educated, and high-potential immigrants who can strengthen its economy and communities.
More detailed scoring criteria, implementation timelines, and application procedures under the revised OINP process are expected to be released in the coming months. Maple News will continue to monitor and report on updates as they emerge.