OINP Updates: New Employer Portal Process (July 2025)

Introduction

As of July 2, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) introduced a major change to the Employer Job Offer streams. From this date forward, all applications for the approval of an employment position must be submitted digitally through the new Employer Portal.

This reform makes the process employer-driven: until an employer creates and submits a job offer in the portal, candidates cannot register an Expression of Interest (EOI). Below is a complete guide to the new system.

New Steps in the Employer Job Offer Streams

This process applies to the following streams:

• Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream

• Employer Job Offer: International Student stream

• Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills stream

1. Employer submits a Job Offer

• The employer must first create a My Ontario account and register in the Employer Portal.

• Only the company’s Authorized Signing Officer can register the employer.

• The employer must provide details such as CRA business number, company information, revenue, number of employees, and the job details.

• A Job Offer ID is then generated for the candidate.

2. Candidate registers an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• The candidate must use the Job Offer ID to register an EOI within 30 days.

• If not submitted on time, the Job Offer expires and the employer must create a new one.

3. Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• If the candidate’s EOI is selected, they receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

4. Employer submits Employment Position Approval

• After an ITA, the employer has 14 calendar days to submit the Employment Position Approval application through the portal.

5. Candidate submits their application

• After the employer’s submission, the candidate has 17 calendar days to submit their own application and pay the fees.

Key Differences in the New System

• Previously, candidates could register EOIs directly.

• Now, the process starts with the employer. Without a registered Job Offer, the candidate cannot create an EOI.

• Employers must demonstrate that they meet the required criteria, including annual revenue and number of full-time employees.

Employer Requirements

• Annual revenue:

  • Minimum $1,000,000 if the job is in the GTA

  • Minimum $500,000 if the job is outside the GTA

• Minimum number of employees:

  • 5 full-time Canadian citizens/PRs in the GTA

  • 3 full-time Canadian citizens/PRs outside the GTA

• Job type: Must be full-time and permanent (at least 30 hours/week, 1,560 hours/year).

• Wage requirement: Must meet or exceed the low or median wage for that occupation and region, as listed on Job Bank.

Key Notes for Candidates

• No LMIA is required, but employers must show reasonable recruitment efforts for certain streams (Foreign Worker and In-Demand Skills).

• If you already work in the same position, the Job Offer wage must be equal to or higher than your current wage.

• For regulated occupations (e.g., early childhood educators, truck drivers, bus drivers), valid Ontario licensing or certification is mandatory.

• Deadlines are strict: 30 days for EOI, 14 days for the employer, and 17 days for the candidate. Missing a deadline cancels the process.

Conclusion

With these changes, the OINP process is now more dependent on employers. Candidates must ensure their employer is ready and able to submit forms and documents on time.
Because the timelines are short and errors can cause delays or refusals, working with an authorized immigration consultant or lawyer is strongly recommended.

✍️ This article is based on the official update published on July 2, 2025 (last updated August 28, 2025) by the Government of Ontario.

Source : canada.ca/immigration
Assessment Form: Click here