Starting July 2, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will transition to a new employer-led application process for all Employer: Job Offer streams—a move that significantly alters how foreign nationals apply for provincial nomination. Ontario PNP: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Parisa Erfani
What’s Changing?
Ontario will launch a new online Employer Portal, shifting the responsibility of initiating applications from candidates to employers. Going forward, employers must first register a job offer with the OINP before a foreign national can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Previously, applicants were able to initiate EOIs themselves and request their employers to submit an “Application for Approval of Employment Position.” Under the new system, this process will be reversed.
The following streams will be affected:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
Key Timeline and Phased Rollout
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| June 20 – July 2 | No new EOIs accepted for affected streams |
| June 21–22 | Existing EOIs will expire and be withdrawn |
| June 27–29 | Full system downtime for all OINP streams |
| July 2 | Launch of new Employer Portal and intake system |
From July 2 onward, employers will be required to submit job offer details through the new portal. Once this is completed, foreign nationals can re-register their EOIs in the system.
The OINP confirms that new EOIs submitted after July 2 will be valid for 12 months and considered for future program draws.
What Applicants Need to Do
If you’ve already submitted an EOI under one of the affected streams, your profile will be automatically withdrawn. You’ll need to coordinate with your employer to re-initiate the process under the new system.
Additional Regulatory Updates Coming
Ontario is also planning further changes to improve oversight and transparency in the OINP:
- New powers for program inspectors to conduct in-person interviews with applicants.
- Job posting platforms will be required to flag and report fraudulent employment advertisements.
- A review of employer access to electronic information on candidates, with an emphasis on privacy protections and potential new obligations.
Final Thoughts
This transition to an employer-led process aims to streamline applications and enhance program integrity. If you’re a foreign worker or student planning to apply through OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams, ensure your employer is aware of these changes and ready to register through the new portal starting July 2.
Ontario changes intake for Employer: Job Offer streams | CIC News
