Ontario PNP Update: New Employer Portal Launches July 2024

Big Changes Coming to Ontario’s Employer Job Offer Streams: What You Need to Know

Ontario is shaking things up when it comes to the way foreign workers apply for permanent residence through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Starting July 2, 2024, the province will roll out a brand-new online portal that completely changes how applications are submitted under its popular Employer Job Offer streams. Whether you’re an employer or a foreign national hoping to settle in Ontario, these updates are important to understand.

Key Highlights

• From July 2, 2024, employers—not applicants—must start the OINP Employer Job Offer process
• Existing Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted by applicants will expire before the new system launches
• The new process applies to Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills streams
• Employers will be required to register job offers through a new online Employer Portal
• New EOIs submitted after July 2 will be valid for 12 months and eligible for upcoming draws
• Additional regulatory changes are on the horizon to boost transparency and protect job seekers

Why the Ontario Employer Job Offer Streams Are Changing

Up until now, foreign nationals were the ones initiating their application process under the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams. They’d start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), and then ask their employer to complete a form to support the position being offered.

That’s all about to change.

As of July 2, 2024, Ontario will flip the process on its head. Employers will now take the lead by submitting job offer details through a brand-new online Employer Portal. Only after this information is received and approved by the province can a foreign national register their EOI.

This shift to an employer-driven model is designed to streamline the process and ensure greater alignment between the province’s labour market needs and immigration program intake. It also brings Ontario’s process more in line with other provincial programs across Canada, many of which already emphasize employer involvement from the outset.

Who Will Be Affected?

The new system will impact all three streams under the Employer Job Offer category:

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

If you’ve got an EOI currently in the system—don’t panic, but do pay attention. Your profile will automatically expire under the current setup. You’ll need to coordinate with your employer to re-submit your information through the new portal once it opens.

Timeline: How and When These Changes Will Roll Out

Here’s a quick breakdown of the transition period so you can plan accordingly:

• June 20 – July 2: No new EOIs will be accepted for Employer Job Offer streams
• June 21 – June 22: All existing EOIs will be withdrawn from the system and expire automatically
• June 27 – 29: The entire OINP system will go offline temporarily while updates are made
• July 2: The new Employer Portal officially launches

Once the new portal is live, employers will be able to submit job offer details directly to the OINP. This step is now a mandatory first move. After submission, foreign nationals can proceed with registering their EOIs, which will be valid for a full 12 months and considered in future program draws.

Need help navigating the process? Check out our Ontario PNP guide for more support.

Other Regulatory Changes on the Horizon

Ontario isn’t stopping at just revising its intake process. The provincial government is also looking to make broader changes aimed at increasing transparency and improving the integrity of its immigration pathways. Here’s what’s coming down the line:

• In-person interviews: Inspectors will soon have the power to request face-to-face interviews with applicants
• Fraud detection: Job posting websites will be required to feature dedicated spaces for reporting fake or misleading job ads
• Privacy reviews: Ontario will assess how employers access and use candidates’ digital information, including any privacy concerns or updates needed to existing legislation

These proposed changes are all about protecting both applicants and employers, while also making the system more transparent and trustworthy for everyone involved.

What This Means for Applicants and Employers

If you’re a foreign national currently hoping to get nominated through the OINP, you’ll need to be proactive. Talk to your employer as soon as possible to ensure they’re ready to use the new system. Without their involvement, you won’t be able to submit your EOI.

Employers, on the other hand, should take this opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new portal and prepare to take on a larger role in the application process. It’s worth noting that the province plans to release more detailed guidance soon, so stay tuned.

If you’re exploring other options, don’t forget that each province has its own unique pathways. For example, Manitoba’s popular provincial program also offers employer-driven streams—use our handy MPNP points calculator to see if you’re eligible there too.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s move to an employer-led model marks a significant shift in how the province supports skilled immigration. While it may feel like a big adjustment at first, this change is intended to create a more efficient and transparent system that better serves both employers and prospective immigrants.

If you’re affected by these changes, now’s the time to act. Make sure your employer is in the loop and ready to use the new portal come July 2. And if you’re just starting your journey, keep an eye on what each province offers — there’s more than one path to permanent residency in Canada.

Ready to take the next step? Get assessed for enhanced PNP streams and see which provincial programs are the best fit for your journey to Canada.