March 15, 2021 amendments to introduce an Expression of Interest system for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will introduce an Expression of Interest system for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). On March 15, 2021, we filed the following amending regulations made under the OINP Act to introduce an Expression of Interest system:

The Expression of Interest system will help us:

• strategically manage intake
• increase the OINP’s labour market responsiveness
• better respond to regional labour market needs

The Expression of Interest system will apply to the following OINP streams:

• Employer Job Offer Category streams (Foreign Worker, International Student and In- Demand skills)
• Master Graduate stream
• Ph.D Graduate stream

These streams are currently closed to new applicants. They will open for new applicants when the Expression of Interest system launches in the coming weeks.

The Expression of Interest system is a points-based registration system that helps us select skilled economic immigrants to meet the province’s labour market needs.

By registering, you are only expressing an interest to apply to the OINP. It is not an application to the OINP or for permanent residence. You can only apply to the OINP under an Expression of Interest-based stream if you have been invited to apply.

We consulted on the development of the Expression of Interest system in September 2020 using:

• stakeholder consultations
• a posting on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry 

Stakeholder feedback was considered where possible.

More information will be posted in the coming weeks. Please monitor this page for:

• news
• announcements
• program developments