The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is one of Canada’s most popular provincial nominee programs, helping skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs obtain permanent residence (PR) in Ontario.
What Is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is one of Canada’s most popular provincial nominee programs, helping skilled workers, international students, and entrepreneurs obtain permanent residence (PR) in Ontario. With rising demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, technology, and other high-demand sectors, the OINP continues to adapt to support Ontario’s economy and labour market needs.
In this post, we’ll walk you through all 2025 OINP updates, key announcements by month, nomination statistics for 2024, and what changes mean for applicants this year. These insights are based on official Ontario government updates as of July 2025.
July 2025 OINP Updates
📢 July 11, 2025 – 2024 OINP Results Released
Ontario met its full federal nomination allocation of 21,500 spots in 2024. These nominations were distributed across several streams, helping to fill jobs in critical sectors.
🔢 2024 Nominations by Stream
| Stream Name | Number of Nominations |
|---|---|
| Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker | 2,731 |
| Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills | 408 |
| Employer Job Offer: International Student | 3,283 |
| Masters Graduate Stream | 3,810 |
| PhD Graduate Stream | 446 |
| Express Entry Human Capital Priorities (HCP) | 6,330 |
| Express Entry Skilled Trades | 4,101 |
| Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker | 300 |
| Entrepreneur Stream | 91 |
✅ Total: 21,500
🔍 Key Takeaways from 2024 OINP Nominations
- Healthcare Workers: Over 3,200 nominated (approx. 15% of total). This includes:
- Registered nurses
- Pharmacists
- Family physicians
- Nurse aides and orderlies
- Tech Workers: More than 6,300 nominations (~30%). Roles include:
- Software engineers & developers
- IT analysts
- User support technicians
- Information systems specialists
🗓️ July 2, 2025 – Regulatory Changes to OINP
Significant regulatory reforms came into effect on July 1, 2025, impacting how employers and applicants participate in OINP.
Let’s break down what has changed:
New Changes to OINP in July 2025
🧑💼 1. Launch of the New Employer Portal
What’s new:
- OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams (Foreign Worker, International Student, In-Demand Skills) are now employer-led.
- Employers can register their businesses and create job postings directly in the new Employer Portal.
- Candidates must now work with their employers to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
What you need to do:
- If your EOI was withdrawn automatically, contact your employer and resubmit through the new portal.
✅ This change streamlines the process and improves accountability between employers and candidates.
🗣️ 2. In-Person Interview Requirements Introduced
The OINP can now request in-person interviews from both:
- Employers
- Applicants
Why this matters:
- This helps OINP assess the authenticity of applications.
- Interviews may be waived if accommodations are justified (e.g., disability, distance).
🔁 3. Authority to Return Applications
OINP officers can now return applications before a nomination is issued with a full refund.
Why this is important:
- Ensures nominations go to high-quality, job-ready candidates.
- Allows the OINP to prioritize applications that match current labour market needs.
🎓 4. ECE Education Requirement Waiver
New rule for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) applying under:
- Human Capital Priorities (HCP) stream
- French-Speaking Skilled Worker (FSSW) stream
What changed:
- Applicants using NOC 42202 (ECEs) no longer need to meet the minimum education requirement if they are members of the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario.
This allows qualified ECEs to fast-track their nomination and secure jobs more quickly.
Other Monthly OINP Updates in 2025
✅ June 2025
- Employer Portal soft-launch and test phase.
- Internal updates to nomination process logic.
✅ May 2025
- Minor clarifications to EOI ranking and points system.
- Enhanced focus on French-speaking candidates in the Express Entry stream.
✅ January 2025
- Start of the 2025 OINP nomination allocation cycle.
- Emphasis on healthcare, skilled trades, and AI sector workers.
Why These OINP Changes Matter in 2025
Ontario is Canada’s most populated province and the top choice for immigrants. These changes:
- Make the program faster and more efficient
- Focus on in-demand jobs
- Help ensure applicants are genuinely job-ready
- Improve program transparency and employer accountability
High-Demand Jobs in Ontario in 2025
According to the latest OINP trends, these are some of the best NOC codes for PR in Ontario right now:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 31301 |
| Software Engineer | 21231 |
| Early Childhood Educator | 42202 |
| IT Business Analyst | 21221 |
| Construction Manager | 70010 |
| Web Developer | 21234 |
| General Practitioner (Family Doctor) | 31102 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | 32101 |
| Truck Driver | 73300 |
| Welders | 72106 |
🔑 Tip: Make sure your job offer or experience aligns with one of these NOC codes to improve your OINP eligibility in 2025.
How to Apply to the OINP in 2025
Here are the basic steps:
- Check your eligibility under the appropriate stream.
- Create a profile in the OINP e-Filing Portal.
- If applying under the Employer Job Offer streams, have your employer register in the Employer Portal.
- Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Submit a complete application.
- Wait for a Nomination Certificate.
- Apply for permanent residence through IRCC.
Final Thoughts: Prepare for OINP 2025 Now
Ontario is making its immigration process more responsive to employers and labour market needs. If you’re a skilled worker, healthcare professional, or international graduate, now is a great time to prepare your documents and get ready to apply.
🔍 Stay informed on the latest OINP news and always use the correct NOC codes, keep an eye on program updates, and ensure you have all the necessary qualifications to succeed.
FAQ: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program 2025
Q1: What is the OINP nomination quota in 2025?
🔹 The 2025 quota has not been finalized, but in 2024 it was 21,500. A similar number is expected this year.
Q2: Can I apply to OINP without a job offer?
🔹 Yes, certain streams like the Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams do not require a job offer.
Q3: What is the new Employer Portal?
🔹 It’s a new system that lets employers submit job offers and business details, shifting part of the process to employers.
Q4: Do I need an in-person interview?
🔹 Possibly. OINP may request interviews to confirm the authenticity of your application.
Q5: Do I need a Canadian degree to qualify?
🔹 Not always. If you are licensed (e.g., an ECE or RN), you may be exempt from education requirement