Ontario announces new online portal and offers provincial nomination opportunities in rural cities

This 2025, the Ontario government unveiled major changes to the Provincial Nominee Program (OINP), which affect foreigners who are interested in settling in the province.

Key developments include a fundamental restructuring of the online portal for foreign workers, the continuation of targeted sweepstakes and a labour focus on rural communities. So if you are planning your permanent residency for Ontario and want to know all the details to apply successfully, read to the end and clear your doubts. Let's get started!

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What changed in Ontario's online portal?

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The most noteworthy modification that deserves special attention is the introduction of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) system that will be officially launched on July 2, 2025.

Previously, it was the student or employee who created the profile and launched the Expression of Interest as the first step for the provincial nomination on the website. Now, it will be the supporting employer who creates the profile and launches the EOI.

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Why will the employer create the EOI profile and not the foreign one?

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Because in order for the foreign national to apply to the employer-focused provincial nomination program, he or she needs to have the endorsement of his or her employer in Ontario eligible for the process. It should be noted that many people create the profile without having the employer's endorsement and, when they receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA), they cannot apply because this requirement is missing. Or it may happen that the employer initially endorses it, but when the foreigner receives the ITA the employer is no longer interested in hiring him/her, then the foreigner does not submit the required documents and loses the opportunity for permanent residence.

This change does not affect the OINP eligibility process, nor does it complicate or facilitate the application, what it does require is that the foreign national has a job offer from an employer in Ontario to consider this pathway. 

Important: if you currently have an EOI filing, you must contact your employer to restart the process once the new portal is up and running.

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What permanent residency opportunities does OINP offer?

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Sweepstakes in Sudbury

The most recent provincial nomination draw was on June 6, 2025, was held specifically for candidates with job offers in Greater Sudbury. In total, 72 invitations were issued, with the following breakdowns by minimum streams and qualification:

• Foreign Workers: 32 invitations (minimum score: 36)
• International Students: 34 invitations (minimum score: 54)
• Skills in Demand: 6 invitations (minimum score: 32)

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) resumed its draws on June 3, with 3719 ITAs issued, a sharp contrast to the single 2025 draw held on January 15, which invited only four nominees from the Economic Mobility Routes pilot program. Notably, Ontario has reduced its nomination allocation by 50%, from 21,500 in 2024 to 10,750 in 2025.

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Rural pilots in Timmins and North Bay 

Timmins is a rural city whose infrastructure connects well with other major Ontario communities and was selected to participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot Program (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot Program (FCIP), both with a primary focus on employers. 

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Steps for employers interested in being designated

1. Review priority sectors: ensure that your business operates within the priority sectors and occupations defined by the communities.
2. Communication with the local economic development organization: these organizations collaborate with IRCC to identify labor needs and designate eligible employers.
3. Apply for designation: employers must submit an application to the appropriate organization, showing how they meet the requirements of the program.
4. Obtain official designation: once approved, employers become designated and can offer employment to qualified candidates.

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Recommendations for employers

• Maintain a clear and up-to-date record of recruitment needs within priority occupations.
• Communicate with other participating communities to learn from their processes and strategies.
• Promote your job openings to attract qualified candidates interested in permanent residency pathways.

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Priority sectors for RCIP and FCIP programs

• Health.
• Education, Law and Social, Community and Governmental Services.
• Trades and Transportation.
• Natural Resources and Agriculture.
• Business, Finance and Administration.

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Prioritized occupations

Some occupations participating in the RCIP are: accounting technicians and bookkeepers; administrative officers; animal health technologists and veterinary technicians; automotive and heavy truck service and parts installers and suppliers; automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics, and mechanical repairers, among others.

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Some occupations participating in the FCIP are: accounting technicians and bookkeepers; administrative assistants; animal health technologists and veterinary technicians; automotive and heavy truck service installers and suppliers and parts, elementary school and kindergarten teachers, among others.

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Ontario is moving forward in its commitment to the development of its rural communities, and cities such as Sudbury, Timmins and North Bay are opening their doors to specific applicants for these priority occupations. Designated permits within the pilot programs in each of these cities are updated regularly and can be found on the websites. https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-oinp-invitations-apply 

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If you are considering Ontario for your permanent residency, Immiland Canada can help you with your application. Remember that it is important to stay informed about OINP updates, especially related to the new online portal system. 

If you need more information about rural communities such as Timmins, North Bay and Greater Sudbury, as well as understanding the requirements for job offer programs, contact us and an Immiland CICC regulated consultant can take your case.

I hope this topic will help you to clarify doubts about the news and changes in Ontario and achieve your permanent residency.

Thank you very much for reading, see you in the next blog!

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With love, 

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Immiland Canada