On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of the new OINP return authority
- Factors that can lead to your application being returned
- Impact on applicants and representatives
- What happens if your approval is cancelled
- Frequently asked questions
Ontario Expands Authority to Return OINP Applications
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has formally expanded the list of reasons for returning applications under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
The change follows a July 2025 announcement granting the OINP director authority to return applications before issuing a nomination certificate. Applicants whose files are returned will receive a full refund of their application fees.
The new framework gives the program more flexibility to manage nomination allocations, prioritize labour market needs, and maintain compliance with federal and provincial policy priorities.
Key Factors That May Lead to a Returned Application
Under section 7 of the updated regulation, the OINP director can suspend intake or return applications that have not yet received a decision. The director’s decision may consider any of the following:
- Nomination allocation: The number of nomination spots assigned to Ontario by the federal government for the year.
- Processing volume: The number of pending applications or approvals compared to annual targets.
- Federal coordination: Whether Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently accepting permanent residence applications from nominees.
- Compliance concerns: Systemic enforcement or program integrity issues identified by the province.
- Government priorities: Policy directions from the federal or provincial government, including labour market alignment.
- Economic indicators: Ontario’s or a region’s unemployment rate, housing availability, or healthcare capacity.
- Labour needs: Current or anticipated demand in specific sectors or occupations.
- Applicant criteria:
- Legal work status in Canada
- Current employment in Ontario
- Valid, approved job offer
- English or French language proficiency
- Employment and wage history
- Highest level of education
- Canadian work or education experience
These factors allow Ontario to better manage intake and ensure nominations support the province’s immediate economic and demographic goals.
What This Means for Applicants
Applicants and representatives should be aware that a complete and compliant application does not guarantee processing to the nomination stage. If broader program factors apply – such as allocation limits or shifting labour priorities – an application may be returned with a full refund.
This change means Ontario can redirect resources toward applicants whose profiles align most closely with current labour needs, improving overall program efficiency and integrity.
Cancellation of an OINP Approval
The regulation also outlines how approvals can be cancelled. Before a cancellation, the director must:
- Provide written notice explaining the intent to cancel and the reasons.
- Give the applicant 30 days to respond in writing.
- Review the applicant’s response before making a final decision.
- Notify the applicant of the outcome and whether an internal review is available under the Act.
This ensures procedural fairness for applicants whose approvals are under review or at risk of cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ontario expand its list of reasons for returning OINP applications?
Ontario updated the regulation to improve flexibility in managing application intake and to align nominations with real-time labour market needs and federal immigration priorities.
Will I get my application fee back if my OINP application is returned?
Yes. If your application is returned before a nomination is issued, the OINP will refund your full application fee.
Can I reapply after my application is returned?
Yes. Applicants may reapply in future intake rounds if eligible and if the program is accepting applications under their stream.
What if my application is cancelled instead of returned?
If the director intends to cancel an approval, you’ll receive written notice explaining why. You’ll have 30 days to respond, and your reply will be reviewed before a final decision is made.
How can I reduce the risk of my application being returned?
Submit a complete, accurate application that meets eligibility criteria and ensure your job offer, language scores, and employment history are current and verifiable. Staying informed about OINP priorities also helps.
