The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has made regulatory changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) which took effect on July 1, 2025.
Launch of the new Employer Portal
On July 2, 2025, the OINP launched a new electronic Employer Portal, shifting the Employer Job Offer streams to an employer-led application process. More details can be found here.
In-person interview requirements
The OINP may now require in-person interviews for employers and foreign national applicants.
- This change enables the OINP to address concerns related to the credibility and authenticity of certain applications.
- Accommodations will be provided when merited.
Authority to return applications
The OINP now has the authority to return applications before a nomination is issued.
- OINP applicants and/or their representatives will be notified by the program if their application is returned. The full application fee will be refunded.
- This change enables the program to return applications in consideration of a variety of factors, including the nomination allocation, alignment with Ontario’s most pressing labor market needs, and program integrity risk factors.
- This new authority will allow the program to focus on high quality applications that meet current labor market priorities.
Changes to the education requirement for early childhood educators applying to certain streams
The OINP has made changes to the education requirement for early childhood educators applying to the following streams:
- Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream
These changes will make it easier for them to qualify for the OINP.
- Individuals applying to the HCP or FSSW streams who have indicated NOC 42202 – Early childhood educators and assistants as their primary NOC will not have to meet the minimum education requirement if they are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators and are thus deemed to be job-ready.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.