Maple News reports that the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is preparing a significant shift in how it selects prospective immigrants. If implemented, the proposed changes would replace the current first-come, first-served application process with a smarter, more strategic Expression of Interest (EOI) system.
Currently, several OINP streams suffer from intense competition due to limited intake windows. Applicants often face a race against time—online registration can close within minutes, causing widespread frustrations and technical issues. With limited slots and high demand, the existing model often leaves qualified candidates without a fair chance.
Under the new EOI model, candidates seeking provincial nomination would submit profiles and be awarded scores based on factors such as education, language ability, and work experience. Ontario would then invite top-scoring candidates to apply, allowing the province to better align immigration selection with specific labour market needs.
The EOI system would be applied to OINP’s ‘base’ streams — which are not linked to the federal Express Entry system. These include:
– Employer Job Offer streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills,
– Masters Graduate stream,
– Ph.D. Graduate stream.
Ontario was the top destination for immigrants in 2019, with the OINP welcoming over 13,700 newcomers, including principal applicants and their families. Notably, nearly half of these arrived through the non-Express Entry streams now under consideration for the EOI system.
Program administrators say the move will bring greater transparency and efficiency by enabling targeted or general draws based on provincial demand. The system is designed to be responsive — helping Ontario address evolving economic requirements by attracting foreign talent where it’s needed most, while preserving opportunities for Canadian workers.
Importantly, the changes will not affect employers’ ability to hire temporary foreign workers. They are aimed at enhancing the selection process for those seeking permanent residence through the OINP.
According to Ontario officials, the EOI system will empower the province to “manage OINP intake in a way that prioritizes the most suitable applicants,” offering a more predictable, balanced, and effective immigration model.
Maple News will continue to monitor the progress of this proposal and its impact on immigration to Ontario.