As of July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has implemented several regulatory changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) to better align with the province’s labour market priorities. These changes are designed to enhance program integrity, streamline application processes, and improve outcomes for employers and foreign nationals alike. Below is a detailed overview of the latest updates.
1. New Employer Portal Launched
A significant development in 2025 is the launch of the OINP Employer Portal, which introduces an employer-led application process for all Employer Job Offer streams.
Employers must now:
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Register their business on the Employer Portal.
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Submit employment position details directly into the system.
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Enable prospective applicants to register their Expression of Interest (EOI).
Foreign nationals whose EOIs were previously withdrawn are encouraged to collaborate with their employers to submit new EOIs under this streamlined process.
đź“Ś Reference: OINP June 12, 2025 Update
2. In-Person Interview Requirement Introduced
The OINP now holds the authority to require in-person interviews for both employers and applicants. This measure is aimed at:
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Strengthening the credibility and authenticity of applications.
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Ensuring program compliance and reducing fraudulent activity.
Accommodations will be made where necessary, based on individual circumstances.
3. New Authority to Return Applications Pre-Nomination
Another major update grants the OINP the discretion to return applications prior to issuing a nomination. Applicants and their legal representatives will be formally notified, and full application fees will be refunded.
Applications may be returned for several reasons:
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Misalignment with Ontario’s labour market needs.
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Program integrity concerns.
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Limitations in nomination allocations.
This change enables the program to focus on high-quality applications that support Ontario’s current economic priorities.
4. Education Requirement Waived for Early Childhood Educators
Applicants in the following OINP streams will now benefit from updated education criteria:
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Human Capital Priorities (HCP)
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French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW)
If the applicant:
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Has NOC 42202 (Early Childhood Educators and Assistants) as their primary occupation,
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And is a member of the College of Early Childhood Educators,
they will no longer be required to meet the minimum education requirement. Membership in the College is deemed sufficient to establish job readiness.
5. Regulatory Updates
The legislative amendments supporting these changes are published under:
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Ontario Regulation 421/17 – Approvals under the OINP
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Ontario Regulation 422/17 – General
For full legal text, visit Ontario e-Laws.
Final Thoughts
These changes reflect Ontario’s ongoing efforts to make its provincial immigration program more responsive, transparent, and aligned with evolving economic needs. Whether you’re an employer seeking talent or a foreign national planning to settle in Ontario, understanding these updates is critical for a successful OINP application.
If you need legal guidance or representation with your OINP application or employer registration, Visaserve Immigration Law P.C. is here to assist.
