OINP Shake-Up: Ontario Can Now Reject Nomination Applications and Overhaul Immigration Streams
Massive Changes Hit Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program as Province Tightens Control
As of July 1, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has entered a new era. The province now holds significantly more authority to manage, shape, and even reject immigration applications based on its economic needs.
These sweeping changes come with the Working for Workers Seven Act, newly enacted legislation from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The move reflects a broader trend across Canada: provincial governments gaining more flexibility to directly control immigration flow—particularly in the face of reduced nomination quotas from the federal government.
Let’s explore exactly what has changed, and how these changes could impact immigration hopefuls.
Key OINP Reforms Now in Effect
The following changes are now active under the new OINP regulations:
Ontario Can Now Return Applications Without Nomination
In a major shift, the OINP can now return submitted applications before issuing a provincial nomination. This power allows the province to reject applications that don’t meet priority needs—even if all eligibility criteria are technically met.
Returned applications will come with a full refund, and applicants or their representatives will be notified in writing.
Applications may be returned based on:
- Ontario’s available nomination allocation
- Whether the candidate fits the current labour market needs
- Perceived risk factors affecting program integrity
This move allows the OINP to focus on high-demand occupations and avoid processing applications unlikely to be selected for federal permanent residence.
Mandatory In-Person Interviews for Employers and Applicants
The OINP will now require in-person interviews for both foreign nationals and Ontario employers. This marks a clear shift toward more direct verification and evaluation of applications.
Accommodations will be made for those unable to attend in person, ensuring accessibility isn’t compromised.
This step aligns with Ontario’s push for greater transparency, fraud prevention, and employer accountability in its immigration programs.
Education Requirements Eased for Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) applying through the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) or French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams no longer need to meet minimum education requirements—if they are already registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
This update allows job-ready professionals in NOC 42202 to apply without proving foreign equivalency of a Canadian degree, helping Ontario address staffing shortages in the early childhood education sector.
New Employer Portal Launches, EOIs Must Be Resubmitted
The OINP has completed the rollout of its new digital Employer Portal, which transitions the Job Offer streams to a fully employer-led process.
This change means employers now take the lead in submitting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on behalf of candidates. As part of the transition, all previous EOIs have been withdrawn.
Applicants who had EOIs in progress will now need to restart the process with their employer through the new portal system.
Ontario Gains Power to Add or Remove Immigration Streams
The province can now create or dissolve OINP streams at will, depending on labour market conditions and economic forecasts.
This flexibility means that new immigration opportunities can arise quickly—but it also means existing pathways can be shut down without lengthy notice periods.
Why Ontario Made These Changes: A Response to Ottawa’s Cuts
Ontario’s actions come in the wake of a significant federal policy shift: Canada has halved its provincial nomination allocations for many provinces, including Ontario.
The goal? To reduce pressure on housing markets and infrastructure, especially in high-demand regions.
In response, Ontario paused selection activity until June 3, 2025, to assess how to allocate its limited number of nominations.
The province has now chosen to prioritize quality over quantity, zeroing in on candidates who:
- Can fill urgent labour gaps
- Pose low risk to program integrity
- Have strong job offers from Ontario employers
This mirrors similar trends elsewhere. For instance, British Columbia has frozen almost all of its PNP pathways, using its reduced allocation to target only entrepreneurs and a small number of high-impact skilled workers.
What This Means for You: Be Strategic, Be Selective
If you’re applying to the OINP in 2025 and beyond, it’s no longer enough to simply be eligible.
Now, your application must directly align with Ontario’s priority occupations, demonstrate clear economic impact, and have strong employer backing—especially for Job Offer streams.
To improve your chances:
- Work closely with a designated employer who understands the new portal process.
- Choose NOCs that are in-demand in Ontario.
- Stay updated, as OINP streams may open or close on short notice.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
