Starting July 2, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) will shift from paper to digital with the rollout of the OINP Employer Portal. A major upgrade is designed to simplify and speed up immigration processing for both employers and applicants.

This change is not just a technical update; it’s a significant step toward making the immigration system more efficient and responsive to Ontario’s labor market needs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the OINP Employer Portal?

The OINP Employer Portal is a new, secure digital platform that replaces the traditional employer form submission process. Under the new setup, Ontario employers must first submit details of a job offer through the portal. Only after this submission can an applicant register an Expression of Interest (EOI).

This upgrade signals a major shift from the old applicant-led model to a more efficient employer-led process, something immigration consultants and employers have long requested.

Key Features of the New Portal

• Secure online access and integration with My Ontario
• Automatic field population to reduce repetitive data entry
• Faster application management and improved processing flow
• Direct messaging and file uploads between employers and OINP staff
• Clear tracking tools for employers and representatives

Why This Matters: A Smarter, Faster OINP

Until now, applicants took the lead by submitting EOIs based on job offers, often with delays caused by incomplete or outdated employer documents. With the OINP Employer Portal, employers now control the process upfront, ensuring all job offer details are accurate and current before an applicant can register.

This benefits everyone involved:

• Employers can ensure job offers meet program standards before moving forward.
• Applicants avoid errors and unnecessary rejections.
• OINP staff can process applications faster with more consistent, verifiable data.

Transition Timeline: What You Need to Know

To prepare for the system change, OINP has introduced the following timeline:

After July 2, employers can register on the new platform and submit job offer details. Once this is done, applicants may re-register their EOIs, which will now stay valid for 12 months.

Who Will Be Affected?

This update directly impacts candidates and employers involved in the following Employer Job Offer streams:

• Foreign Worker Stream
• International Student Stream
• In-Demand Skills Stream

If you’re an applicant in one of these streams, your existing EOI will be automatically withdrawn, and you’ll need to coordinate with your employer to re-initiate the process once the portal goes live.

Tips for Employers and Applicants

Here’s how to make the most of the new process:

For Employers

• Register promptly on July 2 through My Ontario
• Ensure you upload the correct and updated documentation
• Use the new portal tools to track and manage applications

For Applicants

• Stay in close contact with your employer
• Don’t panic if your EOI is withdrawn, it’s part of the system update
• Re-register your EOI as soon as your employer submits the job offer

The introduction of the OINP Employer Portal represents a major improvement in Ontario’s immigration process. By placing job offer submissions in the hands of employers, the province is making the system faster, more secure, and easier to manage for everyone involved.

If you’re an employer looking to hire foreign talent or a skilled worker aiming for permanent residency in Ontario, this change could speed up your journey. Prepare now to make the most of the new portal when it launches on July 2, 2025. Need help preparing your OINP application or EOI under the new system? ImmigCanada’s experts are ready to guide you through every step.

Add ImmigCanada to Your Google News Feed