The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues to show a strong commitment to regional immigration development with its June 6, 2025 update. In a focused effort to support the labour market needs of Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury, Ontario has issued 72 additional invitations to apply for permanent residence under its Employer Job Offer streams.
This draw, intended to correct a prior system error, targets skilled individuals already residing in Canada who hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, and have a valid job offer in the Greater Sudbury region. It reflects both Ontario’s growing emphasis on regionalization and the broader goal of ensuring immigrant talent contributes to areas beyond the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Key Highlights:
- Date of Invitation: June 6, 2025
- Number of Invitations Issued: 72
- Target Region: Greater Sudbury / Grand Sudbury
- Target Streams:
- Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
- Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Eligibility Requirements: - Currently residing in Canada
- Holds a Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Has a valid job offer in Greater Sudbury
- Meets the specific requirements of the chosen stream
- Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
- Note: No extensions will be granted due to scheduled system upgrades.
Important: Updated Employer Form Required
As of April 10, 2024, all new Employer Job Offer applications must include the updated Application for Approval of Employment Position (Employer Form). Submitting an outdated version will result in your application being returned as incomplete and your fee refunded.
Why Greater Sudbury?
1. Economic Importance
Greater Sudbury is a key economic hub in Northern Ontario, known primarily for its mining and mineral exploration industry. It is home to Vale, Glencore, and several other large mining firms that drive demand for skilled trades, engineering, and project management professionals. However, Sudbury is also diversifying with growth in healthcare, education, IT, and tourism sectors.
2. Population Challenges
According to the latest Statistics Canada data, the population of Greater Sudbury has remained relatively flat compared to provincial growth. With over 165,000 residents, the city is seeking ways to combat an aging population and talent outflow to southern urban centres. Encouraging skilled immigrants to settle here is part of a long-term strategy to rejuvenate its labour force and sustain economic activity.
3. Labour Shortages in Northern Ontario
A report by the Northern Policy Institute (2023) highlighted severe labour shortages across Northern Ontario. Key areas include:
- Personal support workers (PSWs)
- Early childhood educators
- Registered nurses
- Civil engineers and technologists
- Truck drivers
- IT technicians
- Construction and trades
The OINP draw targeting the Sudbury region directly aligns with these local shortages.
Overview of OINP Employer Job Offer Streams
Ontario's Employer Job Offer category allows Ontario employers to recruit foreign talent to fill labour gaps. Here's a breakdown of each stream involved in this draw:
1. Foreign Worker Stream
Designed for foreign nationals with skilled job offers in Ontario. Key requirements include:
- Full-time, permanent job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3)
- At least two years of relevant work experience
- Valid license/registration (if required for the job)
- Job must be located in Ontario and meet prevailing wage requirements
2. International Student Stream
Targeted at international graduates with a job offer from an Ontario employer. Key eligibility:
- A completed degree/diploma (2+ years) from a Canadian institution
- Job offer in a skilled occupation (TEER 0–3)
- No work experience required
- Offer must be for a full-time, permanent position
3. In-Demand Skills Stream
Focuses on occupations that are consistently in demand in Ontario, especially in agriculture, construction, personal support work, and trucking. Requirements include:
- Full-time job offer in one of the designated in-demand NOC codes
- 9 months of work experience in Ontario (within the last 3 years)
- CLB 4 or higher in English/French
What Prompted This June 6 Invitation Round?
This round was specifically intended to correct a system error in a previous draw. It ensures that eligible candidates who were overlooked earlier due to a technical issue are now being offered the opportunity to apply.
It is also significant that this draw:
- Targets only candidates residing in Canada, which helps address short-term workforce shortages.
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree, emphasizing Ontario’s preference for educated talent in key sectors.
Application Instructions for Invited Candidates
If you received an invitation to apply (ITA) on June 6, 2025:
Late submissions or extension requests will not be accepted due to ongoing system upgrades.
Log in to the OINP e-Filing Portal.
You will see a new file number beginning with JOXX.
Your EOI file number (EOI-JOFW-XXXXXX) will be greyed out; this is expected.
Use the updated Application for Approval of Employment Position (Employer Form).
All applications must use the April 10, 2024 version or later.
Older versions will result in application rejection and fee refund.
Submit by June 20, 2025.
Why This Draw Matters in the Broader Immigration Context
1. Decentralizing Immigration from the GTA
Ontario has long struggled to attract immigrants to regions outside of Toronto, Mississauga, and Brampton. Targeted draws like this are part of the government’s strategy to distribute population growth more equitably, easing pressure on urban infrastructure while supporting regional economies.
2. Supports Federal Priorities
This move aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy to bolster rural and northern communities. Programs like the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and recent amendments to Express Entry emphasize regional pathways and labour market-driven selection.
3. Promotes Retention of Talent
By inviting those already in Canada, especially international graduates and foreign workers with ties to Ontario employers, the province increases the likelihood of long-term retention, avoiding common pitfalls like onward migration to larger cities.
OINP Performance in 2025 So Far
Ontario remains Canada’s most active provincial nominee program. As of May 2025:
- Over 8,900 nominations have been issued through all OINP streams.
- Employer Job Offer streams account for approximately 35% of total nominations.
- The top occupations nominated under Employer Job Offer streams in Q1 2025 included:
- Software engineers and designers
- Personal support workers
- Construction trades helpers
- Heavy equipment mechanics
- Medical lab technologists
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I received a draw invitation but don’t have all documents ready. Can I request an extension?
A: No. The application deadline is June 20, 2025, and no extensions will be granted due to system upgrades. Applications submitted after this date will be rejected.
Q: What happens if I upload an older version of the Employer Form?
A: Your application will be returned as incomplete, and your fee will be refunded. Use only the updated version released on or after April 10, 2024.
Q: Can I still apply if I didn’t receive an invitation?
A: No. The Employer Job Offer streams are now invitation-based via the Expression of Interest system. You must first register and receive an invitation.
Q: Will there be more targeted draws for Greater Sudbury?
A: Possibly. Ontario has previously indicated its intent to conduct more regional draws under both the Employer Job Offer and Express Entry-linked streams. Keep your Expression of Interest profile up to date.
The June 6, 2025 OINP draw targeting Greater Sudbury is more than a correction—it’s a strategic signal. Ontario is pushing hard to integrate immigration with regional development, and this draw is a step toward revitalizing smaller communities with educated, work-ready talent.
For immigrants seeking a pathway to permanent residence and employers struggling to fill roles, the Employer Job Offer streams remain among the most practical and accessible PR routes, especially for those already contributing to Ontario’s economy.
If you're a skilled worker, student, or employer in Sudbury or anywhere in Northern Ontario—this is your opportunity.
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