The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is set to implement major changes to how foreign nationals apply under its Employer Job Offer streams. Starting July 2, 2025, individuals will no longer be able to apply directly. Instead, a new online Employer Portal will launch, shifting the application process from applicant-led to employer-initiated.
Key Changes to the Application Process
Under the new system, employers must first submit job offer details through the portal. Only after this step can a candidate register their Expression of Interest (EOI). This marks a significant shift from the current process, where candidates initiate the EOI and later coordinate with employers to submit the required employment form.
Anyone who already has an active EOI in the system will see their profile automatically withdrawn, and must now collaborate with their employer to re-submit their EOI under the new process.
Streams Affected by the Change
The following OINP streams will now follow this employer-led model:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Important Dates and Transition Timeline
- June 20–July 2: No new EOIs will be accepted under the Employer Job Offer streams.
- June 21–22: Existing EOIs will be expired and removed from the system.
- June 27–29: The OINP system will be temporarily unavailable.
- July 2: The new Employer Portal will go live.
Once the portal is launched, employers can register and submit employment details, enabling candidates to re-enter the pool with employer support. EOIs submitted after July 2 will be eligible for future draws and remain valid for 12 months.
More detailed guidance on how to use the new employer-led application process is expected to be released soon.
Additional Upcoming Changes to the OINP
Ontario also plans to introduce further regulatory updates, including:
- Giving OINP inspectors the power to request in-person interviews with applicants.
- Mandating fraud reporting sections on job posting platforms.
- Reviewing how employers access electronic candidate data to ensure privacy compliance and improve data protection standards.
These changes aim to improve program integrity, employer accountability, and applicant transparency within the OINP system.
