Ontario is aiming to strengthen its approach to immigration through recent changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which took effect on July 1, 2025. These updates aim to make the program more responsive to the province's evolving labour market needs and improve the overall quality and integrity of applications.
New Employer Portal Launch
Ontario has officially launched its new Employer Portal, shifting to an employer-led process for the Employer Job Offer streams. Employers can now directly register their business details and submit information about employment positions.
In-Person Interviews Now Possible
To better verify the credibility and authenticity of applications, the OINP may now require in-person interviews with employers or applicants.
Authority to Return Applications
The program has gained new authority to return applications before issuing a nomination, with a full refund of the application fee. Reasons could include program integrity concerns, limited nomination allocations, or the need to focus on Ontario's most pressing labour market priorities.
Easier Pathway for Early Childhood Educators
Ontario is also making it easier for qualified early childhood educators to immigrate. Under the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams, those who declare NOC 42202 (Early childhood educators and assistants) as their primary occupation no longer need to meet the minimum education requirement if they are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators, recognizing them as job-ready.
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