Ontario Shifts Employer Job Offer Streams to Employer-Led Process Starting July 2

Starting July 2, 2025, Ontario is introducing major changes to how foreign workers can apply under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer streams. These updates will affect anyone planning to apply under these streams, including employers and international applicants.

What’s Changing?

Ontario is launching a new online Employer Portal. This portal will change the current application process from one led by applicants to one that must now be initiated by employers. From July 2 onward, employers will need to submit job offer details to the OINP before a foreign national can register their Expression of Interest (EOI).

Key Streams Affected

The following Employer Job Offer streams will now follow this new process:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream
• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream
  
  

What Happens to Current EOIs?

If a foreign national already submitted an EOI through one of these streams, their application will expire and be automatically removed from the system on June 21 or June 22. To continue with the process, they will need to work with their employer to resubmit their profile through the new system.

Previous Process vs. New Process

Previously, applicants would start the EOI process and ask their employers to complete the Employer Form to support their application.

Now, the employer must take the first step by submitting the job offer through the portal. Only after this can the candidate register their EOI.

Important Dates to Know

June 20 to July 2

• No new EOIs will be accepted for any Employer Job Offer streams.

June 21–22

• All existing EOIs in these streams will expire and be withdrawn from the OINP system.

June 27–29

• OINP’s entire online system will be temporarily unavailable.

July 2

• The new OINP Employer Portal goes live. Employers can register and submit employment positions. Foreign nationals can re-submit EOIs with employer support.

EOIs registered after July 2 will be considered for future program draws and remain valid for 12 months.

What’s Next?

The OINP has announced that more updates will be shared soon regarding the new employer-led process. Foreign applicants are advised to coordinate closely with their employers for successful submissions.

Additional Changes Coming to OINP

Ontario is also planning several other changes to improve the integrity and effectiveness of the program:

• Inspectors will have the authority to request in-person interviews with OINP applicants.
• Job posting websites will be required to include options for reporting fraudulent postings.
• The province will review how employers access job candidates' information, considering current privacy rules and potential changes.

Stay Informed
These changes will impact how foreign nationals apply to Ontario’s immigration programs. If you're an employer or applicant, it's important to understand these updates and prepare for the new system launching on July 2.