New OINP Intake System Effective July 2, 2025

Last Updated On 2 July 2025, 6:13 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

As of July 2, 2025, Ontario has rolled out transformative updates to its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), designed to supercharge the province’s labour market and attract top-tier global talent.

These changes, officially implemented on July 1, 2025, mark a pivotal shift in how Ontario addresses its workforce needs, making it easier for employers and skilled immigrants to connect in a streamlined, employer-driven process.

With a new Employer Portal, relaxed education requirements for early childhood educators, enhanced program integrity measures, and more, these updates are poised to reshape Ontario’s immigration landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the July 2025 OINP updates, offering insights for employers, applicants, and immigration enthusiasts looking to capitalize on these exciting changes.

Ontario, Canada’s economic powerhouse, has long relied on immigration to fuel its growth.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) plays a critical role in attracting skilled workers to fill labour shortages in industries ranging from healthcare to technology.

The updates announced on July 2, 2025, by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) are a direct response to Ontario’s evolving labour market demands.

By introducing a new employer-led application process, refining eligibility criteria, and prioritizing program integrity, Ontario is setting the stage for a more efficient and targeted immigration system.

These changes are not just bureaucratic tweaks—they’re a game-changer for businesses struggling to find skilled workers and for immigrants seeking a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire international talent or a skilled worker eyeing opportunities in Ontario, these updates are your ticket to success.

Let’s break down the key changes and explore how they can propel your career or business to new heights.

As of July 1, 2025, the OINP has undergone a major overhaul to align with Ontario’s pressing labour market needs.

Here’s a detailed look at the five major updates that are making waves in 2025:

1. Launch of the Employer Portal: A Digital Revolution for Employers

The standout feature of the 2025 OINP updates is the introduction of the Employer Portal, a cutting-edge digital platform that shifts the Employer Job Offer streams to an employer-led application process.

This change empowers employers to take the driver’s seat in recruiting international talent, making the process faster, more transparent, and more efficient.

What is the Employer Portal?

The Employer Portal is a digital hub within the OINP e-Filing Portal where employers can register their businesses, submit job offers, and apply for approval of employment positions.
It applies to three key streams: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills.
Employers must create a My Ontario Account, register as an employer, and provide detailed business information, including their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) number and legal business name.

How It Works:

Employer Registration: Authorized signing officers must register their business in the Employer Portal, providing accurate details about their CRA number, legal name, and business address.

Only one account per employer is allowed, ensuring clarity and accountability.

Submitting a Job Offer: Employers create a job offer in the portal, specifying the position’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, hourly wage, and work location.

This step is required even if the employee is already working in the position.

Expression of Interest (EOI): Once the job offer is submitted, the employee-applicant has 30 days to register their EOI using the unique Job Offer ID provided.

If they miss this window, the job offer expires, and a new one must be created.

Application for Position Approval: If the employee’s EOI is selected, the employer has 14 days to submit an application for approval of the employment position.

The employee then has 17 days to submit their application and make the required payment.

2. In-Person Interviews: Bolstering Program Integrity

To address concerns about the credibility and authenticity of applications, the OINP now has the authority to require in-person interviews for both employers and foreign national applicants.

Key Details:

Interviews may be requested to verify the legitimacy of job offers and applications.
Accommodations will be provided when merited, ensuring accessibility for all applicants.
This measure strengthens the program’s ability to detect fraudulent applications and maintain trust in the immigration process.

3. Authority to Return Applications: Streamlining the Process

The OINP now has the power to return applications before issuing a nomination, a move designed to focus on high-quality applications that align with Ontario’s labour market priorities.

What This Means:

Applications may be returned based on factors such as nomination allocation limits, alignment with labour market needs, or program integrity risks.
Applicants and their representatives will be notified if their application is returned, and the full application fee will be refunded.
This authority allows the OINP to prioritize applications that meet current economic demands, reducing backlog and improving efficiency.

4. Relaxed Education Requirements for Early Childhood Educators

In spännande nyhet för early childhood educators, the OINP has eased education requirements for applicants in the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams who select NOC 42202 – Early Childhood Educators and Assistants as their primary occupation.

What’s Changed:

Applicants who are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators are now exempt from the minimum education requirement, as their membership demonstrates they are job-ready.
This change makes it easier for qualified early childhood educators to apply for permanent residency through the OINP.

For Applicants: If you’re a registered early childhood educator, ensure your membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators is up to date to take advantage of this streamlined pathway.

5. Updated Regulations: A Transparent Framework

The OINP’s regulatory framework has been updated to reflect these changes, available on Ontario’s e-Laws website under Ontario Regulation 421/17.

These updates provide a clear legal foundation for the program’s new processes, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The Employer Portal is the cornerstone of the OINP’s new employer-led process.

Here’s a detailed guide to help employers get started and make the most of this powerful tool:

Step 1: Access the Portal

Use the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge to access the OINP e-Filing Portal.
Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid disruptions during registration or submission.

Step 2: Sign Up for My Ontario

Create a My Ontario Account to securely log in to government services.
New users can sign up by completing the reCAPTCHA and clicking “Create Account.”
Returning users can log in with their existing credentials and select “New Employer.”

Step 3: Register as an Employer

An authorized signing officer must complete the registration, providing:
- CRA number (a unique nine-digit identifier for tax purposes).
- Legal and operating business names.
- Head office address and general inquiries contact details.
Review the OINP Employer Guide to ensure eligibility before registering.
Complete the Disclaimer and Declaration to confirm your authority to act on behalf of the business.

Step 4: Complete the Employer Profile

Provide detailed business information, including:
- Date of establishment or incorporation (to confirm at least three years of operation).
- Legal structure (e.g., corporation, sole proprietorship).
- Gross revenue for the most recent fiscal year (minimum $1,000,000 for Greater Toronto Area positions, $500,000 for positions outside GTA).
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code to identify your economic sector.
- Number of full-time employees (Canadian citizens or permanent residents).
This information can be updated as needed, ensuring flexibility for growing businesses.

Step 5: Add an Employer Contact

Signing officers can add employer contacts to assist with creating job offers and applications.
Contacts must have legal authority to act on behalf of the employer and will receive a PIN and enrollment number to access the portal.

Step 6: Submit a Job Offer

Select the appropriate stream (Foreign Worker, International Student, or In-Demand Skills).
Provide employee-applicant details, including:
- Name (as it appears on government-issued ID).
- Personal email address (not controlled by a representative).
- Job title and NOC code.
- Hourly wage (must meet or exceed the median or low wage level for the region, depending on the stream).
- Work location (specify if it’s in the Greater Toronto Area).
Submit the job offer to generate a Job Offer ID for the employee-applicant to register their EOI.

Step 7: Submit an Application for Position Approval

If the employee’s EOI is selected, submit an application within 14 days via the Job Offer and Application Dashboard.
Provide detailed job offer information, including:
- Confirmation that the position is full-time (minimum 1,560 hours per year) and permanent.
- Main duties and responsibilities of the position.
- Explanation of why the position is urgently necessary.
Upload supporting documents in accepted formats (e.g., PDF, JPEG) with a maximum file size of 10 MB.

Navigating the Dashboard

The Job Offer and Application Dashboard allows employers to:
- Create and edit job offers.
- Check application statuses (e.g., “Draft,” “Submitted,” “ITA Issued”).
- Withdraw job offers if needed.
- Appoint or remove representatives and employer contacts.

The 2025 OINP updates are a strategic move to position Ontario as a global leader in attracting talent.

Here’s why they’re generating buzz:

Employer Empowerment: The Employer Portal puts businesses in control, allowing them to quickly address labour shortages without bureaucratic delays.

Targeted Immigration: By prioritizing applications that align with labour market needs, Ontario ensures that immigrants contribute to high-demand sectors like childcare, transportation, and technology.

Enhanced Integrity: In-person interviews and the authority to return applications safeguard the program against fraud, building trust among stakeholders.

Inclusivity: Relaxed education requirements for early childhood educators make the program more accessible, addressing critical shortages in a vital sector.

Digital Efficiency: The shift to a digital platform streamlines processes, reducing wait times and improving user experience.

For Employers:

Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure all business information is accurate and up-to-date before registering in the Employer Portal.
Act Quickly: Meet the 14-day deadline for submitting applications after an EOI is selected to avoid withdrawal.
Leverage Support: Consider appointing an authorized representative (e.g., a lawyer or immigration consultant) to navigate complex applications, but ensure they are registered with the OINP.

For Applicants:

Register Your EOI Promptly: Use the Job Offer ID within 30 days to avoid expiration.
Verify Credentials: If applying as an early childhood educator, confirm your membership with the College of Early Childhood Educators to benefit from relaxed requirements.
Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your qualifications and job offer details if an in-person interview is requested.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program’s 2025 updates are a game-changer for employers and skilled workers alike.

With the Employer Portal now live, relaxed requirements for early childhood educators, and robust measures to ensure program integrity, Ontario is rolling out the red carpet for global talent.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to fill critical roles or an immigrant dreaming of a new life in Canada, these changes offer unprecedented opportunities to succeed.

Don’t miss out—dive into the Employer Portal, explore the new requirements, and take the first step toward transforming your future in Ontario.

For more details, visit the OINP website or check the updated regulations on Ontario’s e-Laws.

The time to act is now—Ontario’s labour market is calling, and the world is answering!

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What is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?

The OINP is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) designed to address Ontario’s economic and labour market needs by nominating skilled immigrants for permanent residency.
It offers various streams, including the Employer Job Offer streams, which connect employers with international talent in high-demand occupations.
The program is a collaboration between the Ontario government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ensuring a streamlined pathway for skilled workers to contribute to Ontario’s economy.

Purnima Mann

Purnima Mann, a news writer passionate about delivering insightful and well-researched articles. From current affairs to finance and culture , I aim to inform, engage, and spark meaningful discussions. Stay informed and explore new perspectives with me.