- Effective July 1, 2025, OINP Employer Job Offer streams became employer-led: employers must register and submit job offer details through the new Employer Portal, then candidates register their Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Under the July 2025 rules, candidates have 30 calendar days after the employer submits the job offer to register an EOI, employers have 14 days after an invitation to seek position approval, and applicants have 17 days to apply and pay.
- As of July 2025, the OINP can require in-person interviews with employers and applicants, and can return applications before nomination (for example, if Ontario's annual allocation is exceeded) with a full fee refund.
- From July 1, 2025, early childhood educators under NOC 42202 who are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators no longer need to meet the minimum education requirement in the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams.
Effective July 1, 2025, Ontario has introduced major updates to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) designed to align the program more closely with Ontario's labour market needs. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has rolled out significant regulatory changes, including the launch of the new OINP Employer Portal, potential in-person interviews, authority to return applications, and revised education requirements for early childhood educators.
Launch of the OINP Employer Portal
The OINP has officially launched its new electronic Employer Portal, shifting Employer Job Offer streams into an employer-led application process. Employers must now:
- Register their business information through the Employer Portal.
- Provide detailed job offer information.
- Enable prospective applicants to register their Expression of Interest (EOI).
Candidates whose EOIs were previously withdrawn during the transition should now coordinate with their employers to submit new EOIs.
Important Deadlines for Employer Job Offer Streams
Meeting new deadlines is crucial for both employers and applicants:
- EOI Submission: Applicants must register their EOI within 30 calendar days after their employer submits the job offer through the Employer Portal.
- Approval of Employment Position: Employers must submit their application for employment position approval within 14 calendar days after receiving an invitation to apply from OINP.
- Application Submission and Payment: Applicants must submit their complete application and fee within 17 calendar days after receiving the invitation to apply.
These deadlines apply to the following streams:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
In-Person Interviews Now Possible
To strengthen credibility and prevent fraud, the OINP can now require in-person interviews with employers and applicants. While accommodations are available if needed, being prepared for this step is advisable. Employers and applicants should anticipate the possibility of verifying job details and qualifications face-to-face.
Authority to Return Applications
The OINP now holds authority to return applications before issuing a nomination. Applications may be returned for reasons such as:
- Exceeding Ontario’s annual nomination allocation
- Misalignment with Ontario's urgent labour market needs
- Concerns regarding the authenticity or credibility of the application
Returned applications will receive a full fee refund, allowing the program to prioritize high-quality, relevant applications.
Relaxed Education Requirements for Early Childhood Educators
Early Childhood Educators applying under the Human Capital Priorities (HCP) and French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) streams now have relaxed education criteria. Those classified under NOC 42202 and holding membership in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) no longer need to meet the minimum education requirement, facilitating easier access to nomination.
Implications for Employers and Applicants
Employers:
- Immediately register your business in the new Employer Portal.
- Be proactive in submitting job offers to expedite the nomination process.
- Prepare documentation thoroughly, anticipating possible in-person interviews.
Applicants:
- Coordinate closely with your employer to ensure timely submission of EOIs.
- Maintain organized and credible documentation for potential interviews.
- Early Childhood Educators should verify their CECE membership status.
Need Help?
Navigating these OINP updates can seem overwhelming. At Marin Immigration Law, we stay informed about the latest program changes and are ready to guide both employers and applicants through the new Employer Portal and application processes.
Reach out today to ensure your immigration plans align smoothly with Ontario’s updated requirements.
Disclaimer: This blog is general information only, not legal advice, and may be incomplete or out of date. Laws change often. For advice on your situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
About our team
Five lawyers, a genealogist and a research team, all working on the same files.
Our lawyers have clerked at the Federal Court, decided claims at the Immigration and Refugee Board, served in Canada's foreign service and worked in the immigration groups of leading national firms. Kendra Gaede, our genealogist, chairs the Manitoba Genealogical Society's Research Committee and knows records from Quebec and Acadia to the Prairies. She leads the researchers who trace your family line and find the records that prove it.
2012 to 2016
Cédric Marin, our founder, studies civil law and common law at the University of Ottawa.
2017 to 2022
He clerks at the Federal Court of Canada, decides refugee claims and appeals at the Immigration and Refugee Board, and earns a Master of Laws.
2023
He opens Marin Immigration Law in Ottawa.
2025
Bill C-3 comes into force, and many more families with Canadian roots can claim citizenship.
2026
Four associate lawyers, a genealogist and a research team join, and we move into our office at 280 Albert Street.
Today
About 15 people, in Ottawa and across Canada.
