Canada: Ontario Unveils Proposed Immigration and Worker Reforms

Update – June 16, 2025: The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has confirmed the upcoming launch of a new Employer Portal on July 2, 2025, introducing a digital platform to replace the current paper-based Application for Approval of an Employment Position (Employer Form). This change marks a transition to an employer-led process for the Employer Job Offer streams. Employers will now be responsible for initiating applications by submitting employment position details through the portal before applicants can register an Expression of Interest (EOI).

The new portal will allow employers to submit and manage applications online, upload documents and track application progress. As part of the transition, from June 20 to July 2, 2025, new EOIs cannot be submitted for Employer Job Offer streams. On June 21 and 22, all existing EOIs under the Employer Job Offer streams will be automatically withdrawn. Between June 27 and June 29, the system will be unavailable for all OINP streams. Once the portal opens on July 2, employers may register and submit job offer details, allowing applicants to re-register their EOIs, which will then be eligible for future program draws and valid for 12 months. These changes apply to the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams. Interested applicants should check the program’s website for further information provided closer to the portal launch date.

June 13, 2025: Ontario has introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, a broad legislative package expected to pass soon. Like its six predecessors, the bill includes a range of worker-focused measures, such as stronger safety enforcement and new support for laid-off workers. It also proposes key reforms to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (the province’s economic immigration program that nominates foreign nationals for permanent residence) aimed at strengthening program integrity and responsiveness. Proposed measures include granting inspectors the authority to conduct in-person interviews to prevent fraud; allowing officials to return applications that no longer align with labour market needs or raise concerns; giving the provincial immigration Minister the ability to establish or remove immigrant nomination streams; and launching a new employer portal between June and August for the direct, electronic submission of sponsorship applications. We will monitor the legislative process and report on relevant developments and implementation details as they emerge.