Ontario is moving to significantly reform its immigration system to better align with its evolving economic and labor market needs. As part of the newly introduced Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, the provincial government has proposed a suite of measures that would modernize, digitize, and tighten oversight of its immigration program.
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Greater Flexibility for Immigration Minister to Shape Nominee Streams
Under the proposed legislation, Ontario’s immigration minister would gain new authority to create or eliminate immigration streams under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). This power is aimed at enabling rapid responses to shifting job market trends and emerging labor shortages.
This change reflects Ontario’s strategy to remain agile in the face of economic uncertainty and global labor disruptions.
Applications May Be Returned Based on Real-Time Job Market Conditions
In a move to align immigration more closely with labor demands, the province will be empowered to return applications that no longer meet current workforce needs or raise red flags. This could help prevent backlogs and ensure that selected immigrants are well-positioned to fill genuine gaps in the economy.
Enhanced Inspection Powers to Combat Fraud and Ensure Program Integrity
To improve trust and transparency in the immigration process, the legislation proposes giving inspectors the authority to require in-person interviews with applicants. These interviews would aim to verify credentials, clarify application details, and detect potential fraud, addressing concerns raised in a recent Auditor General’s report.
Digital Transformation: New Employer Portal Launching This Summer
A major digital shift is also underway. Employers looking to sponsor skilled foreign workers for permanent residence will soon be able to submit applications electronically through a new online employer portal. This portal is expected to streamline the process and reduce administrative burden for businesses.
The launch of this portal is planned for summer 2025.
Background: OINP’s Rapid Growth and Ongoing Challenges
The OINP has grown significantly in recent years, expanding from 6,650 nominations in 2019 to 21,500 in 2024. As a result, it now plays a critical role in attracting economic immigrants to Ontario.
However, despite its growth, the program has faced criticism for inefficiencies and oversight gaps. A December report by the Office of the Auditor General found that:
- Many nominated immigrants lacked experience in sectors with the highest job vacancies.
- Document verification processes were inadequate, particularly when evaluating potentially falsified records.
- Most inspections were conducted as desk audits, missing critical signs of misrepresentation.
These findings have spurred several of the proposed reforms.
Additional Worker-Focused Measures in the Working for Workers Seven Act
Alongside immigration changes, the proposed legislation also includes a broader package of labor initiatives aimed at strengthening Ontario’s workforce. These include:
Mandatory Defibrillators on Construction Sites
To improve safety on job sites, construction projects would be required to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available.
Anti-Fraud Measures for Online Job Postings
Job boards would be obligated to offer tools for users to report suspicious or fraudulent postings, enhancing protections for job seekers.
Fast-Tracked Access to Training for In-Demand Jobs
The legislation also seeks to accelerate referrals to short-term training programs, such as micro-credentials, to help workers quickly transition into high-demand roles.
Support for Workers Affected by Tariffs and Economic Shocks
Additional resources would be directed toward workers impacted by U.S. trade tariffs or economic disruptions, helping them retrain and re-enter the workforce.
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A Step Toward a More Responsive, Secure, and Modern Immigration System
“These proposals prepare our workers and employers for the jobs of tomorrow while protecting the province’s most valuable resource — our workers,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
By giving immigration officials more tools, improving application processes, and strengthening oversight, Ontario is aiming to create an immigration system that is not only faster and more digital but also better aligned with the province’s long-term economic priorities.