Ontario Announces Immigration and Worker Reforms

Ontario is ushering in a new era of digital immigration processing and worker protections with two major announcements set to transform how employers and international applicants interact with provincial programs. On June 16, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) confirmed the upcoming launch of a fully digitized Employer Portal, aimed at streamlining employer-driven immigration applications. Simultaneously, the province introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, a legislative package focused on enhancing workplace safety, supporting displaced employees, and reinforcing the integrity of Ontario’s economic immigration programs.

Digital Shift: Ontario Launches New Employer Portal

Starting July 2, 2025, Ontario will transition from a paper-based process to a comprehensive digital system with the release of the Employer Portal. This portal replaces the former Application for Approval of an Employment Position (Employer Form) and places the responsibility of application initiation squarely on the employer.

Through this new platform, employers can:

🔸Submit and manage job offer applications online

🔸Upload necessary documentation electronically

🔸Track application progress in real time

This move is set to modernize the Employer Job Offer streams, including:

🔸Foreign Worker Stream

🔸International Student Stream

🔸In-Demand Skills Stream

From June 20 to July 2, new Expressions of Interest (EOIs) cannot be submitted. Meanwhile, all existing EOIs in these streams will be automatically withdrawn on June 21 and 22. The system will also be completely offline between June 27 and June 29 to facilitate the transition.

Employers will be able to submit job offer details starting July 2, and applicants may re-register their EOIs, which will be valid for 12 months and considered in future program draws.

The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025

Complementing the digital overhaul, Ontario has tabled the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, a forward-looking bill aimed at safeguarding the rights of workers and strengthening immigration integrity.

Key features of this act include:

🔸Stronger enforcement of workplace safety regulations

🔸Enhanced support for laid-off workers

🔸Anti-fraud measures for OINP applicants, such as:

-Allowing in-person interviews by inspectors

-Enabling rejection of misaligned applications

-Granting the immigration Minister authority to create or dismantle nomination streams

-Launching additional employer portals between June and August for digital sponsorship

These proposed reforms align Ontario’s immigration strategy with evolving labor market demands and fortify protections against exploitation and misuse.

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