OINP Updates - New Employer Portal Launched
Ontario's immigration programs are undergoing significant changes, with several key updates to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) now in effect as of July 1 and 2, 2025.
New Employer Portal Launched
A major development is the launch of the new OINP Employer Portal on July 2, 2025. This digital platform replaces the previous paper-based "Application for Approval of an Employment Position." Employers will now initiate applications by submitting job offer details directly through this secure, user-friendly portal before the applicant can register an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Key features of the new portal include:
Direct communication between employers and the OINP.
Secure document uploads.
Auto-population of application fields to reduce duplication.
Ability to add employer contacts and authorized representatives.
Simplified tracking of applications.
Important Note for Applicants: Due to this system upgrade, existing EOIs under the Employer Job Offer streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills) were automatically withdrawn on June 21 and 22. Prospective applicants can now work with their employers to re-initiate existing EOIs through the new portal.
Enhanced Program Integrity Measures
The OINP has also introduced new measures to strengthen the integrity and authenticity of applications:
In-person Interview Requirements: The OINP may now require in-person interviews for both employers and foreign national applicants. This change provides the program with greater flexibility to address concerns related to the credibility and authenticity of certain applications.
Authority to Return Applications: The OINP now has the authority to return applications before a nomination is issued. If an application is returned, the full application fee will be refunded.
Targeted Changes for Specific Occupations
Several program-specific adjustments have also come into effect:
Early Childhood Educators (ECEs): For individuals applying to the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams under NOC 42202 (Early childhood educators and assistants), membership in the College of Early Childhood Educators will now deem them "job-ready," meaning they will not have to meet the minimum education requirement.
Self-Employed Physicians: Changes have been implemented for self-employed physicians applying through the Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker stream, as well as the Express Entry Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams (specifically for NOCs 31100, 31101, and 31102).
These updates reflect Ontario's commitment to adapting its immigration programs to better serve both the province's economic needs and the integrity of its nominee program. Applicants and employers are encouraged to review the updated program materials on the official OINP website for full details.
