Ontario is taking tough actions to prevent fraud in immigration while ensuring its system is reliable.
On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government announced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, a law meant to make improvements to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and address fraud committed against immigrants.
The full update leads to stronger regulations, tighter monitoring and useful new tools to earn the OINP’s continuation as a trusted route for skilled workers, students and entrepreneurs choosing Canada’s most populous province.
We’ll explore the details of these new changes, study the effects both on employers and on those looking to become permanent residents and see how they work to fight fraud and answer economic shifts in Ontario.
With changes to how immigration representatives act and the launch of a new employer portal, these updates show that Ontario is planning a significant change to its PNP.
Let’s go over what these details are and why they are important for anybody dealing with Canadian immigration.
What Is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
Anyone beginning with the new OINP changes should first grasp how OINP functions in Canada’s overall immigration process.
Ottawa and Ontario join forces in using the OINP as the province’s economic immigration program.
The province may now nominate workers, graduates and entrepreneurs who have shown they fit into Ontario’s job market for permanent residency.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program issued 21,500 nominations in 2024, trying to support workers in healthcare, technology and the skilled trades.
The program works with two systems: EOI, where profiles are sent for consideration and Express Entry-aligned streams, where NOIs can go to those with Express Entry profiles.
A provincial nomination for successful nominees greatly increases their opportunities to get permanent residence through IRCC.
As the OINP has become more popular, some immigration representatives have been wrongly convincing newcomers to pay large fees for offers of permanent residency.
Because of this legislation, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, there will be more fairness, clearness and organization in the immigration system.
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025: A Game-Changer for the OINP
Ontario introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 on May 28, 2025 which continues the province’s work to protect workers following earlier key legislation introduced since 2021.
Put together with supporting regulatory items and policies, the act makes major changes to the OINP.
Should these changes pass, program integrity will improve, application processes will be simplified and those who are in line with Ontario’s economic priorities will be given top priority.
Here is what is included in the suggested bill:
In-Person Interviews to Combat Fraud
One big update is that OINP inspectors can now meet with applicants face-to-face.
Such a move is to guarantee that programs and credentials offered in these applications are genuine and that job offers and educational background are honest.
Enabling Ontario officers to talk to candidates in person helps determine which nominations are genuine.
This shift is responding to increasing worry over immigration fraud.
Over the period from May 2019 to April 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) received 153 cases of immigration consultant-related offenses that exposed dangerous practices.
Some unscrupulous agents use fake acceptance letters to trick new arrivals, force them to forge papers or deceive them out of huge sums of money.
If job interviews are done in person, it adds more attention to prevent such wrongdoing.
Flexibility to Establish or Remove Nomination Streams
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 enables the Lieutenant Governor in Council to give the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development power to add or remove streams within the OINP.
Because the program can be adjusted, it will match the growing demands of the provincial labor market.
For example, if demand for workers in healthcare rises, the Minister might set up a new channel to make sure those staff members are processed faster.
On the other hand, those who don’t meet economic needs are normally discontinued.
It is particularly important now since the federal government has cut the number of provincial nomination places from 110,000 this year to 55,000 in the year ahead.
Permitting the province to decide its streams helps Ontario put priority on sectors like healthcare, technology and construction, so that valuable nominations are reserved for those who address key labor gaps.
Returning Applications That No Longer Align with Job Market Needs
Now, applications for OINP can be returned if officials realize they are no longer suitable for the job market or have potential signs of fraud.
This policy tries to simplify the application procedure by minding those with skills and experience that are important to Ontario’s economy.
Removing those applications that are not up to date or suspected lets the OINP proceed more quickly, reduces the buildup of cases and helps more applicants and employers achieve positive outcomes.
The measure also takes care of problematic agents who apply for visas dishonestly or falsely describe their job offers.
Comeback specially does this by clearly demonstrating it will not allow for people to benefit from exploitation in their immigration system.
New OINP Employer Portal for Direct Applications
Applications from employers under the OINP program will be able to be filed electronically and directly through the new employer portal, beginning in Summer 2025.
With the online platform, companies can find and hire international talent more easily and speed up their application support.
Ontario is working to update the OINP system by using new technology for processing and catching fraud which the portal helps to achieve.
By introducing the employer portal, employers will interact with the OINP directly which should increase openness and improve accountability because third-party service providers may engage in fraud.
By doing this, Ontario is creating a safer and faster immigration process.
Why These Changes Matter: Addressing Immigration Fraud
Many newcomers in Canada face difficulty because unscrupulous consultants and employers often take advantage of them.
The Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for Ontario, David Piccini, is calling for protection from exploitation for all immigrants.
“People moving to the U.S. can have difficulty with immigration and often rely on representatives, but some are dishonest and take advantage of+them,” Piccini remarked.
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 follows earlier actions to curb fraud.
In November 2024, Ontario brought forward a plan to increase the rules for immigration representatives which includes making contracts in writing, requiring registration or licensing and providing access to information about the status of an application to the applicant.
Those found guilty of fraud can now be fined at least $10,000 and penalties for politicians include possible bans of 10 years or a lifetime ban for offences such as human trafficking.
These new initiatives, launched in May 2025, concentrate more on making sure the programs are correct and applicants are well identified.
A requirement to appear in person for the interview allows officers to check firsthand what applicants claim, whereas sending back low-priority applications early helps find any fraud early.
How the Changes Impact OINP Applicants
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 introduces both opportunities and challenges for OINP applicants.
Here’s a closer look at how these reforms affect different groups:
Skilled Workers
Compared to others, skilled workers who use the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker or Express Entry-aligned streams (Human Capital Priorities or French-Speaking Skilled Worker) will go through a much quicker process.
Sending back applications that do not fit today’s employment needs helps to prioritize nominations for people needed in employment such as healthcare workers, IT staff and people in skilled trades.
Even so, candidates may receive extra attention, including interview requests in person.
Candidates should submit only complete and correct applications with documentation they can back up.
You should work with trained lawyers or consultants under the authority of CICC or the Law Society of Ontario to handle these changes properly.
International Students
Those coming to Canada under the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream or the graduate streams (Masters and PhD) should receive a warm welcome from the OINP.
The course’s objective to match Emirates standards to working demands means that technology and healthcare majors have a good chance of benefiting.
Because the new employer portal makes things easier, sponsoring international students should become less complicated, leading to more nomination possibilities.
Entrepreneurs
Even though the Entrepreneur stream was discontinued in 2024, with the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, new pathways designed for entrepreneurs can be created.
At the moment, entrepreneurs can watch for OINP news to keep up with new streams that fit Ontario’s plans.
Employers
Ontario employers will see improved circumstances thanks to the upcoming employer portal, ready to launch in Summer 2025.
Manual and electronic submissions made easy through the portal reduce work for officials and help to prevent fraud.
With the more secure nomination process put in place, employers in healthcare, construction and technology can hire staff from abroad more smoothly.
Tips for Navigating the OINP in 2025
The changes now make it clear that aspirants should be thoroughly prepared and follow all the rules.
You can use these suggestions to help you succeed in the current OINP system:
Only consult with consultants or lawyers who have received their licenses from the CICC or the Law Society of Ontario. Make sure you check their qualifications to stay safe.
Regardless of whether you apply through EOI or Express Entry, make sure your profile includes your recent job experience, qualifications and skills. Chances of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or Notification of Interest (NOI) go up as well.
For interviews, keep your information updated and admit to your intentions about moving to Ontario and what you have to offer.
Visit the official OINP website at www.ontario.ca often to find out new information on streams, lotteries and wait times. To keep up, people should respond actively when the program’s goals change according to labor market demands.
Don’t engage with anyone who promises to secure your visa in exchange for very high fees. All information and documents needed for the OINP are posted free of charge on the official IRCC and OINP websites.
The upcoming Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 represents a major change for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
Harder efforts against immigration fraud, efficiencies in application processes and linking nominations to what is needed in the economy are all part of Ontario’s goal to remain fair, transparent and economically successful.
With the updates, applicants, employers and professionals get new confidence in using the OINP, as long as they follow the revised rules and work together with licensed people.
Later this year, Ontario will open a new portal for employers which is meant to help welcomed skilled immigrants contribute, while warning off anyone attempting to cheat the system.
If you plan to apply through the OINP for permanent residency, now is the moment to be informed, to get yourself ready and to use these changes to your benefit.
You can find new information on the OINP and the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 on the Ontario government’s official site at www.ontario.ca or speak to an authorized immigration representative.
Things are looking much more positive and safe for immigration to Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
What is OINP and who is eligible?
The OINP is Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program, nominating skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs for permanent residency based on the province’s economic needs.
Eligible candidates include those with job offers in high-demand occupations, international graduates from Ontario institutions, or entrepreneurs with viable business plans.
What is the new OINP rule?
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 introduces in-person interviews to verify applications, allows returning applications misaligned with job market needs, enables flexible nomination streams, and launches an employer portal in Summer 2025 to combat fraud and enhance efficiency.
How to get PR through OINP?
Apply through an OINP stream (e.g., Employer Job Offer or Express Entry), submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or receive a Notification of Interest (NOI), get nominated by Ontario, and then apply for permanent residency through IRCC with the nomination.
What is the easiest way to get PR in Ontario?
The easiest path depends on your profile, but the OINP’s Express Entry-aligned streams (e.g., Human Capital Priorities) are often fastest for skilled workers with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, as they leverage federal Express Entry for quicker processing.
New Ontario PNP – OINP Changes 2025 To Combat Immigration Frauds
Ontario is taking tough actions to prevent fraud in immigration while ensuring its system is reliable.
On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government announced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, a law meant to make improvements to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and address fraud committed against immigrants.
The full update leads to stronger regulations, tighter monitoring and useful new tools to earn the OINP’s continuation as a trusted route for skilled workers, students and entrepreneurs choosing Canada’s most populous province.
We’ll explore the details of these new changes, study the effects both on employers and on those looking to become permanent residents and see how they work to fight fraud and answer economic shifts in Ontario.
With changes to how immigration representatives act and the launch of a new employer portal, these updates show that Ontario is planning a significant change to its PNP.
Let’s go over what these details are and why they are important for anybody dealing with Canadian immigration.
What Is the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)?
Anyone beginning with the new OINP changes should first grasp how OINP functions in Canada’s overall immigration process.
Ottawa and Ontario join forces in using the OINP as the province’s economic immigration program.
The province may now nominate workers, graduates and entrepreneurs who have shown they fit into Ontario’s job market for permanent residency.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program issued 21,500 nominations in 2024, trying to support workers in healthcare, technology and the skilled trades.
The program works with two systems: EOI, where profiles are sent for consideration and Express Entry-aligned streams, where NOIs can go to those with Express Entry profiles.
A provincial nomination for successful nominees greatly increases their opportunities to get permanent residence through IRCC.
As the OINP has become more popular, some immigration representatives have been wrongly convincing newcomers to pay large fees for offers of permanent residency.
Because of this legislation, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, there will be more fairness, clearness and organization in the immigration system.
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025: A Game-Changer for the OINP
Ontario introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 on May 28, 2025 which continues the province’s work to protect workers following earlier key legislation introduced since 2021.
Put together with supporting regulatory items and policies, the act makes major changes to the OINP.
Should these changes pass, program integrity will improve, application processes will be simplified and those who are in line with Ontario’s economic priorities will be given top priority.
Here is what is included in the suggested bill:
In-Person Interviews to Combat Fraud
One big update is that OINP inspectors can now meet with applicants face-to-face.
Such a move is to guarantee that programs and credentials offered in these applications are genuine and that job offers and educational background are honest.
Enabling Ontario officers to talk to candidates in person helps determine which nominations are genuine.
This shift is responding to increasing worry over immigration fraud.
Over the period from May 2019 to April 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) received 153 cases of immigration consultant-related offenses that exposed dangerous practices.
Some unscrupulous agents use fake acceptance letters to trick new arrivals, force them to forge papers or deceive them out of huge sums of money.
If job interviews are done in person, it adds more attention to prevent such wrongdoing.
Flexibility to Establish or Remove Nomination Streams
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 enables the Lieutenant Governor in Council to give the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development power to add or remove streams within the OINP.
Because the program can be adjusted, it will match the growing demands of the provincial labor market.
For example, if demand for workers in healthcare rises, the Minister might set up a new channel to make sure those staff members are processed faster.
On the other hand, those who don’t meet economic needs are normally discontinued.
It is particularly important now since the federal government has cut the number of provincial nomination places from 110,000 this year to 55,000 in the year ahead.
Permitting the province to decide its streams helps Ontario put priority on sectors like healthcare, technology and construction, so that valuable nominations are reserved for those who address key labor gaps.
Returning Applications That No Longer Align with Job Market Needs
Now, applications for OINP can be returned if officials realize they are no longer suitable for the job market or have potential signs of fraud.
This policy tries to simplify the application procedure by minding those with skills and experience that are important to Ontario’s economy.
Removing those applications that are not up to date or suspected lets the OINP proceed more quickly, reduces the buildup of cases and helps more applicants and employers achieve positive outcomes.
The measure also takes care of problematic agents who apply for visas dishonestly or falsely describe their job offers.
Comeback specially does this by clearly demonstrating it will not allow for people to benefit from exploitation in their immigration system.
New OINP Employer Portal for Direct Applications
Applications from employers under the OINP program will be able to be filed electronically and directly through the new employer portal, beginning in Summer 2025.
With the online platform, companies can find and hire international talent more easily and speed up their application support.
Ontario is working to update the OINP system by using new technology for processing and catching fraud which the portal helps to achieve.
By introducing the employer portal, employers will interact with the OINP directly which should increase openness and improve accountability because third-party service providers may engage in fraud.
By doing this, Ontario is creating a safer and faster immigration process.
Why These Changes Matter: Addressing Immigration Fraud
Many newcomers in Canada face difficulty because unscrupulous consultants and employers often take advantage of them.
The Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for Ontario, David Piccini, is calling for protection from exploitation for all immigrants.
“People moving to the U.S. can have difficulty with immigration and often rely on representatives, but some are dishonest and take advantage of+them,” Piccini remarked.
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 follows earlier actions to curb fraud.
In November 2024, Ontario brought forward a plan to increase the rules for immigration representatives which includes making contracts in writing, requiring registration or licensing and providing access to information about the status of an application to the applicant.
Those found guilty of fraud can now be fined at least $10,000 and penalties for politicians include possible bans of 10 years or a lifetime ban for offences such as human trafficking.
These new initiatives, launched in May 2025, concentrate more on making sure the programs are correct and applicants are well identified.
A requirement to appear in person for the interview allows officers to check firsthand what applicants claim, whereas sending back low-priority applications early helps find any fraud early.
How the Changes Impact OINP Applicants
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 introduces both opportunities and challenges for OINP applicants.
Here’s a closer look at how these reforms affect different groups:
Skilled Workers
Compared to others, skilled workers who use the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker or Express Entry-aligned streams (Human Capital Priorities or French-Speaking Skilled Worker) will go through a much quicker process.
Sending back applications that do not fit today’s employment needs helps to prioritize nominations for people needed in employment such as healthcare workers, IT staff and people in skilled trades.
Even so, candidates may receive extra attention, including interview requests in person.
Candidates should submit only complete and correct applications with documentation they can back up.
You should work with trained lawyers or consultants under the authority of CICC or the Law Society of Ontario to handle these changes properly.
International Students
Those coming to Canada under the Employer Job Offer: International Student stream or the graduate streams (Masters and PhD) should receive a warm welcome from the OINP.
The course’s objective to match Emirates standards to working demands means that technology and healthcare majors have a good chance of benefiting.
Because the new employer portal makes things easier, sponsoring international students should become less complicated, leading to more nomination possibilities.
Entrepreneurs
Even though the Entrepreneur stream was discontinued in 2024, with the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, new pathways designed for entrepreneurs can be created.
At the moment, entrepreneurs can watch for OINP news to keep up with new streams that fit Ontario’s plans.
Employers
Ontario employers will see improved circumstances thanks to the upcoming employer portal, ready to launch in Summer 2025.
Manual and electronic submissions made easy through the portal reduce work for officials and help to prevent fraud.
With the more secure nomination process put in place, employers in healthcare, construction and technology can hire staff from abroad more smoothly.
Tips for Navigating the OINP in 2025
The changes now make it clear that aspirants should be thoroughly prepared and follow all the rules.
You can use these suggestions to help you succeed in the current OINP system:
Only consult with consultants or lawyers who have received their licenses from the CICC or the Law Society of Ontario. Make sure you check their qualifications to stay safe.
Regardless of whether you apply through EOI or Express Entry, make sure your profile includes your recent job experience, qualifications and skills. Chances of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or Notification of Interest (NOI) go up as well.
For interviews, keep your information updated and admit to your intentions about moving to Ontario and what you have to offer.
Visit the official OINP website at www.ontario.ca often to find out new information on streams, lotteries and wait times. To keep up, people should respond actively when the program’s goals change according to labor market demands.
Don’t engage with anyone who promises to secure your visa in exchange for very high fees. All information and documents needed for the OINP are posted free of charge on the official IRCC and OINP websites.
The upcoming Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 represents a major change for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
Harder efforts against immigration fraud, efficiencies in application processes and linking nominations to what is needed in the economy are all part of Ontario’s goal to remain fair, transparent and economically successful.
With the updates, applicants, employers and professionals get new confidence in using the OINP, as long as they follow the revised rules and work together with licensed people.
Later this year, Ontario will open a new portal for employers which is meant to help welcomed skilled immigrants contribute, while warning off anyone attempting to cheat the system.
If you plan to apply through the OINP for permanent residency, now is the moment to be informed, to get yourself ready and to use these changes to your benefit.
You can find new information on the OINP and the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 on the Ontario government’s official site at www.ontario.ca or speak to an authorized immigration representative.
Things are looking much more positive and safe for immigration to Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
What is OINP and who is eligible?
The OINP is Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program, nominating skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs for permanent residency based on the province’s economic needs.
Eligible candidates include those with job offers in high-demand occupations, international graduates from Ontario institutions, or entrepreneurs with viable business plans.
What is the new OINP rule?
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 introduces in-person interviews to verify applications, allows returning applications misaligned with job market needs, enables flexible nomination streams, and launches an employer portal in Summer 2025 to combat fraud and enhance efficiency.
How to get PR through OINP?
Apply through an OINP stream (e.g., Employer Job Offer or Express Entry), submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or receive a Notification of Interest (NOI), get nominated by Ontario, and then apply for permanent residency through IRCC with the nomination.
What is the easiest way to get PR in Ontario?
The easiest path depends on your profile, but the OINP’s Express Entry-aligned streams (e.g., Human Capital Priorities) are often fastest for skilled workers with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, as they leverage federal Express Entry for quicker processing.
Author: Shubham
Recent Posts
Recent Comments
Archives
Categories
Categories