Big Changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Effective July 1, 2025

Starting July 1, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has rolled out significant updates under the Working for Workers Seven Act. These changes aim to give the province more control over immigration decisions and ensure that selected candidates align closely with Ontario’s evolving labour market needs.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Applications Can Now Be Returned

OINP now has the authority to refuse applications before issuing a nomination. If your application is returned, you will receive a full refund of the application fee.

Reasons for application return may include:

• Limited number of available nominations

• Application not aligned with Ontario’s current job market needs

• Issues related to fairness or transparency in the application process

🔎 Ontario will now prioritize candidates who meet immediate workforce requirements.

👥 In-Person Interviews May Be Required

Employers and foreign applicants may now be asked to attend in-person interviews as part of the nomination process.

Accommodations will be made when necessary, but this step is part of Ontario’s effort to make the selection process more transparent and rigorous.

🎓 Lower Education Requirements for Some Roles

Certain applicants under streams like the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) may benefit from relaxed education requirements.

Especially for early childhood educators:

• If you’re a registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario, you no longer need to meet the usual minimum education threshold (e.g., bachelor’s degree).
  This change simplifies the path to permanent residence for qualified ECEs.

💻 New Employer Portal is Now Live

Ontario has launched a dedicated digital portal for employers—a major step in making immigration streams more employer-driven.

Key changes:

• All previous Expression of Interest (EOI) applications have been cancelled

• Applicants must now collaborate with their employers to submit a new EOI using the updated system

🔄 Flexible Nomination Streams

OINP can now add or remove immigration streams depending on Ontario’s labour market needs. This gives the province the ability to adapt quickly and focus on sectors that require immediate support.

📉 Why These Changes Were Introduced

Earlier this year, the federal government reduced Ontario’s nomination allocations, part of a broader strategy to address housing affordability and population growth concerns.

As a result:

• Ontario paused its selection process until June while awaiting the updated quota

• With fewer spots available, the province—and others like British Columbia—are now more strategic and selective

New priorities include:

• Candidates with job-ready skills

• Applicants who can contribute economic value

• Those who meet specific, high-demand workforce needs

Some provinces have even paused several immigration streams and are focusing on business owners and highly skilled professionals instead.

Final Thoughts

These OINP updates highlight a shift toward a more targeted, transparent, and employer-responsive immigration system. If you’re planning to apply, it’s more important than ever to align your application with Ontario’s labour market priorities.

Need help navigating the changes?
👉 Contact VK Immigration today for expert guidance on the updated OINP process.