Ontario Gains New Powers to Refuse Immigration Applications Under Revamped OINP
The OINP can now Return Application for Nomination
Ontario has enacted a major transformation of its immigration system, giving itself unprecedented authority to control how foreign workers and employers navigate the provincial nominee process.
As of July 1, 2025, a new set of reforms under the Working for Workers Seven Act has officially reshaped the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), redefining how candidates are assessed and selected.
This legislative overhaul not only introduces stricter program controls, but also enhances Ontario’s ability to align immigration with urgent labour needs—while filtering out applications that fall short of the province’s evolving economic priorities.
June 6 Draw Prioritizes Job Offers in Northern Ontario
Ontario conducted a targeted draw on June 6, 2025, specifically for candidates with valid employment offers in the Greater Sudbury region. The draw resulted in 72 invitations being issued across three key categories within the Employer Job Offer stream:
| Stream | Invitations | Lowest Score Selected |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Worker | 32 | 36 |
| International Student | 34 | 54 |
| In-Demand Skills | 6 | 32 |
Eligibility required applicants to:
- Hold a job offer in Greater Sudbury
- Reside in Canada
- Possess at least a bachelor’s degree
- Have created an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile by June 3, 2025.
New Powers to Reject Applications Before Nomination
- Overcapacity in Ontario’s nomination quota
- Lack of relevance to current labour demands
- Identified concerns with application integrity
Mandatory Interviews Now in Place
Employer Portal Becomes the New Gateway to Job Offer Streams
With the introduction of a fully digital Employer Portal, Ontario has transitioned its Employer:
Job Offer streams to an employer-driven model. From now on, employers must initiate the application process for prospective international hires, shifting more responsibility onto the businesses.
Relaxed Education Criteria for Early Childhood Educators
In response to labour shortages in essential fields, the OINP has eased educational requirements for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) under two key immigration streams:
- Human Capital Priorities (HCP)
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW)
New Authority to Modify or Remove Streams Based on Labour Needs
Ontario will now be able to introduce new nomination streams or deactivate existing ones in real-time, depending on the province’s workforce requirements. This dynamic policy flexibility will allow the province to better target high-demand occupations and adapt to future economic shifts.
Why These Reforms Were Necessary
Other provinces, such as British Columbia, have already moved in a similar direction. B.C. has paused most of its immigration streams indefinitely, choosing to focus on highly-skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who are seen as “high-impact” contributors.
What This Means for Applicants and Employers
Immigration to Ontario via the OINP is now more competitive and more tightly regulated. Applicants must ensure their skills, experience, and job offers align closely with Ontario’s updated priorities. Employers, meanwhile, must take a proactive role by navigating the new Employer Portal and meeting interview and documentation standards.
Prospective immigrants are encouraged to:
- Verify their occupation’s alignment with Ontario’s labour needs
- Partner with eligible employers for job offer streams
- Be prepared for interviews as part of the selection process
- Submit EOIs only through the new employer-led platform
Conclusion
Recent News
- Manitoba Pauses Employer-Driven Immigration Nominations Until August 5
- Canada to Invite 17,860 Sponsors Under 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program
- British Columbia Prioritizes Global Entrepreneurs in Targeted July PNP Draw
- Manitoba Draw Targets International Graduates and Priority Occupation Workers
- Canada’s Rent Prices Fall as Temporary Resident Numbers Decline
