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Key Updates to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Effective July 1, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has introduced a series of important regulatory updates aimed at aligning the program more closely with Ontario’s evolving labour market needs.

Furthermore, these changes, announced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), are designed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of the OINP process. Ontario runs the most famous provincial nominee program in Canada.

These updates to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program reflect the province’s commitment to ensuring that immigration supports Ontario’s dynamic workforce needs while maintaining fairness and integrity in the selection process.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and how it may affect applicants and employers engaging with the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

1. Launch of the New OINP Employer Portal

One of the most significant changes is the launch of a new Employer Portal. This digital platform marks a shift toward an employer-led application process for the Employer Job Offer streams.

Key features:

  • First of all, the employers can now register their business and submit job offer details directly through the portal.
  • These submissions enable prospective applicants to register their Expression of Interest (EOI).
  • If an applicant’s previous EOI was automatically withdrawn, they are encouraged to work with their employer to submit a new EOI using the new system.

2. Introduction of In-Person Interview Requirements

To enhance the credibility and authenticity of applications, the OINP now has the authority to request in-person interviews with:

  • Employers
  • Foreign national applicants

Important Note:

Accommodations will be available for individuals who require them. This step ensures fairness while maintaining program integrity.

3. New Authority to Return Applications

In an effort to streamline processing and prioritize high-quality applications, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program now has the authority to return applications prior to nomination issuance.

What this means for applicants:

  • If an application is returned, the entire application fee will be refunded.
  • Reasons for return may include:
    • Misalignment with Ontario’s current labour market priorities
    • Concerns about program integrity
    • Reaching the nomination allocation cap

This measure allows OINP to stay responsive and focused on the most pressing labour market needs in Ontario.

4. Education Requirement Changes for Early Childhood Educators

The OINP has made it easier for Early Childhood Educators to qualify under two popular streams:

  • Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream
  • French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream

What’s changed?

Applicants with NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants as their primary NOC no longer need to meet the standard minimum education requirement—as long as they are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators.

This change recognizes professional certification as a marker of job readiness and streamlines the path to permanent residency for qualified educators.