The Government of Ontario has introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act 2025 as of May 29th, a proposed law to reform the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and tackle immigration fraud.
The legislation outlines new measures such as increased oversight, in-person interviews for applicants, and the launch of a digital employer portal.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), these updates mark a change to Ontario’s immigration processes, focusing on maintaining program integrity, protecting newcomers from fraud, and aligning with the province’s labour market needs.
In-Person Interviews to Verify Applications
A key change under the new act is the authorisation of in-person interviews for OINP applicants. Immigration officers will be allowed to meet candidates face-to-face to confirm the authenticity of job offers and credentials. This follows increasing concerns about fraud by unauthorised immigration representatives.
Between May 2019 and April 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) charged 153 people with offences related to immigration consulting. The Ontario government said the interview measure is intended to prevent false documentation and exploitation.
David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said, “Struggling to navigate a confusing federal immigration system, many newcomers put their trust in immigration representatives—many of whom are diligent and honest, but a few bad actors exploit vulnerable newcomers.”
Flexibility to Adjust Nomination Streams
The legislation gives the Lieutenant Governor in Council the power to allow the Minister to establish or cancel OINP streams as needed. This provides Ontario the ability to quickly respond to shifts in labour market demand.
This comes as the federal government plans to reduce provincial nominee allocations from 110,000 in 2024 to 55,000 in 2025. Ontario officials have emphasised the need to prioritise nominations in areas like healthcare, skilled trades, and technology.
Measures to Return Non-Priority or Fraudulent Applications
The proposed law also gives the OINP authority to return applications that do not align with current labour market needs or raise fraud concerns. This aims to improve processing efficiency and focus resources on applicants who are most likely to meet Ontario’s economic goals.
This approach is intended to reduce backlogs and deter fraudulent applications, including those involving forged job offers or misrepresented qualifications.
New Employer Portal Launching in Summer 2025
Starting in mid-2025, employers will be able to submit OINP applications through a dedicated online portal. This digital system is designed to simplify the process, reduce dependency on third-party representatives, and improve transparency.
Ontario officials say the portal is part of efforts to modernise the immigration program and improve fraud detection. By allowing employers to interact directly with the province, the change aims to minimise risk while enhancing efficiency.
Effects on Different Applicant Groups
Skilled Workers:
Applicants in streams like Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and Express Entry-aligned categories may have an advantage as the system focuses on jobs in demand. However, they should be ready for extra checks like interviews.
International Students:
International graduates applying for permanent residency through the OINP may benefit from employers using the new portal. The program focuses on matching workers to jobs in high-demand areas like healthcare and IT.
Entrepreneurs:
Although Ontario closed its Entrepreneur stream in 2024, the new act makes it possible to create similar programs in the future if job market needs change.
Employers:
Employers are expected to find it easier and clearer to nominate international workers, with less paperwork and fewer steps.
Background and Future Implications
The OINP is Ontario’s primary economic immigration program, allowing the province to nominate candidates for permanent residency. In 2024, it issued over 21,000 nominations. With growing interest in the program, Ontario has sought to ensure that immigration supports economic growth while maintaining security and fairness.
The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, builds on previous reforms from 2024, which included stricter standards for immigration representatives and increased fines for fraud. The current proposal continues that trajectory with new enforcement tools and structural changes.
More information about the OINP and updates related to the legislation are available on www.ontario.ca.
