Ontario has overhauled the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to make it faster, more employer-focused and better aligned with labour-market needs. Key reforms that took effect on 1 July 2025 include a new Employer Portal, stricter screening of applications and relaxed rules for early childhood educators. It comes after the federal government issued sweeping cuts to allocations under the PNP for 2025.
On This Page You Will Find
- Why Ontario moved to an employer-led intake
- How the new Employer Portal works
- The temporary freeze on Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
- New in-person interview and application-return powers
- Reduced education requirements for early childhood educators
- Practical tips for employers and applicants
A New Employer-Led Application Process
The biggest change is the launch of the Employer Portal on 2 July 2025. Employers now start the immigration process by uploading job details online, replacing the old paper form and shifting Employer Job Offer streams to an employer-led model. The portal features secure uploads, pre-populated fields and direct messaging with OINP officers, all designed to speed up decisions.
Temporary EOI Withdrawal and System Freeze
To prepare for the portal’s debut, Ontario withdrew all pending EOIs in the Foreign Worker, International Student and In-Demand Skills streams on 21–22 June 2025. No new EOIs could be filed between 20 June and 2 July, and the entire OINP system was offline from 27 to 29 June. Candidates must re-submit EOIs once their employer has completed the portal steps.
In-Person Interviews and the Power to Return Applications
OINP officers can now require employers and applicants to attend in-person interviews when credibility concerns arise, with accommodations available when justified. The program also gained authority to return an application – and refund the fee – before issuing a nomination if it fails to meet current priorities or quality standards. These measures aim to protect program integrity and allocate quotas to the strongest files.
Easier Pathway for Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood educators (NOC 42202) applying through the Human Capital Priorities or French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams no longer need to meet the usual education threshold if they belong to the College of Early Childhood Educators. The province considers them job-ready, making it quicker for this in-demand group to qualify.
What Employers Need to Do Now
- Create a My Ontario account and register business details in the Employer Portal.
- Upload the job offer, wage information and supporting documents.
- Share the portal confirmation with the prospective employee so they can register a new EOI.
- Prepare for possible in-person interviews and keep records up to date.
Tips for Applicants Re-Submitting EOIs
- Coordinate with your employer and wait until the portal entry is complete before filing a new EOI.
- Ensure your profile reflects any new or updated job details.
- Keep documents ready in case you are called for an interview.
- Check that your application aligns with current draw priorities to avoid being returned.
FAQ
Why did Ontario switch to an employer-led model?
Ontario wants to match nominees more closely to real job vacancies. By having employers start the process, officials receive accurate job data up-front and can verify business legitimacy early, which should shorten processing times and improve program integrity.
What happens if my EOI was withdrawn in June 2025?
You must work with your employer to re-submit a new EOI after they upload the job offer in the Employer Portal. Your original EOI will not be reinstated, but the new one will remain valid for 12 months and can be drawn in future rounds.
Could my application fee be forfeited if OINP returns my file?
No. When OINP exercises its new authority to return an application before nomination, it refunds the full fee. The province introduced this safeguard to focus resources on high-quality files that meet current labour-market needs.
Do early childhood educators still need a Canadian diploma?
If you apply under NOC 42202 through the Human Capital Priorities or French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams and hold a valid registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators, you no longer need to meet the standard education requirement. Other criteria, such as language scores, still apply.
Will other occupations face in-person interviews?
Yes. OINP may request interviews for any employer or applicant if officials need to verify information. The interviews help confirm job authenticity and applicant eligibility, enhancing program integrity across all streams.
