Effective July 1, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has implemented several regulatory changes aimed at improving responsiveness to the province’s evolving labor market demands. These updates, introduced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), include a new employer-led application process, enhanced program integrity measures, and revised eligibility criteria for certain occupations.
New Employer Portal Now Live
Following our recent update regarding the Employer Portal, the OINP has officially launched its new portal, shifting the Employer Job Offer streams to an employer-led model. Employers can now:
- Register their business information directly in the portal
- Submit employment position details to support a candidate’s Expression of Interest (EOI)
Applicants whose EOIs were automatically withdrawn are encouraged to collaborate with their employers to submit a new EOI through the updated system.
In-Person Interview Requirements Introduced
OINP now has the authority to request in-person interviews with both employers and foreign national applicants. This measure is designed to enhance the program’s ability to verify the credibility and authenticity of applications. Accommodations will be made where appropriate.
New 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 government fee will be refunded.
This change enables the program to return applications in consideration of the following factors:
- The allocation of nomination spots provided by the Government of Canada for the calendar year under the OINP.
- The number of applications that the director has received where the director has not yet decided whether or not to grant the application.
- The number of approvals that the director has issued in the calendar year as compared to the target number that the director has for approvals in the calendar year.
- Whether the Government of Canada is currently accepting applications for permanent residence from persons who hold a certificate of nomination.
- The immediate labor market needs of the province.
- Any systemic compliance or enforcement concerns.
The OINP indicates that this new authority will allow the program to focus on high quality applications that meet current labor market priorities.
Education Requirement Changes for Early Childhood Educators
Applicants under the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams who list NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants as their primary occupation will no longer need to meet the minimum education requirement if they are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators. This adjustment recognizes professional certification as evidence of job readiness.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.