Starting July 2, 2025, Ontario is changing how foreign nationals apply for permanent residence under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The shift affects all three Employer Job Offer streams—Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills—and places the application process in the hands of employers.

From Applicant-Led to Employer-Led

Previously, candidates could begin the process themselves by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), and then asking their employer to complete a separate form in support. That is no longer how it works.

With the launch of the new OINP Employer Portal, only employers can initiate an application. This means:

• Employers must first register and submit job offer details through the new portal.

• Only after that step can a candidate submit an EOI to the OINP.

• The job offer is now officially the starting point.

What Happens to Existing EOIs?

If you already submitted an EOI under one of the affected streams, it will automatically expire between June 21 and June 22. You will need to coordinate with your employer to re-submit your application under the new system. There is no way to avoid this—every EOI submitted under the old system will be withdrawn.

Key Dates to Know

• June 20 – July 2: No new EOIs will be accepted under the Employer Job Offer streams.

• June 21–22: Existing EOIs will be expired and removed from the system.

• June 27–29: Full system shutdown for all OINP streams. No access, no submissions.

• July 2: Employer Portal goes live. Employers can register, and applicants can re-submit EOIs only after their employer has uploaded job offer details.

What is the Employer Portal?

The new online system replaces the old paper-based process and offers several updates:

• Secure, digital submission of job offer forms.

• Direct communication between employers and OINP staff.

• Better tracking, auto-filled fields, and support for multiple employer representatives.

• Seamless integration with “My Ontario” accounts.

For applicants, this means no EOI can be submitted without employer involvement. For employers, it means more responsibility—but also more control.

Who is Affected?

This change applies to anyone using the following three Employer Job Offer streams:

1. Foreign Worker stream

2. International Student stream

3. In-Demand Skills stream

Whether you are just starting your application or already in the system, these changes affect you.

What to Do Next

If you are an applicant:

• Contact your employer now. They will need to register in the new portal starting July 2.

• Be prepared to re-submit your EOI once the job offer has been uploaded.

If you are an employer:

• Prepare to register for the new portal on July 2.

• Have your employment position information ready to upload.

• Expect to work more closely with your candidates through this revised process.

Other Changes Coming Soon

Ontario is also planning further reforms, including:

• Giving inspectors the power to require in-person interviews.

• Creating new tools to report fraudulent job postings.

• Reviewing employer access to candidate information, with a focus on privacy.

These updates signal a broader move toward transparency, accountability, and employer involvement.

Bottom Line

This is a significant change in how Ontario manages job offer-based immigration nominations. While the new system may take some adjustment, it also promises better integration, fewer paper trails, and more direct communication between all parties involved. Both employers and applicants should prepare now to ensure a smooth transition once the new Employer Portal goes live on July 2.