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Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Put on Hold by Ontario

Ontario has suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), effective immediately. The province made this decision after an internal review revealed widespread misrepresentation linked to the program’s eligibility criteria.

As a result of the suspension, candidates currently in process under this stream will no longer move forward toward receiving a provincial nomination. Ontario has also stopped accepting new applications and will return all pending submissions. All affected applicants will receive full refunds of their application fees. The OINP has not confirmed whether this stream will reopen in the future.

Alternative Immigration Pathways Available for Affected Candidates

With the Skilled Trades Stream closed, candidates can still explore several available alternatives.

Express Entry Trade Category

Former OINP Skilled Trades applicants may find a simpler transition through the Express Entry Trade occupation category, as many already hold valid Express Entry profiles. Category-based selection draws for trades often have lower CRS cut-offs compared to general or program-specific draws.

For example:

  • The latest Trade Category draw required 505 CRS,
  • The latest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw required 533 CRS.

To be eligible for the Trade category, candidates must:

  • Qualify under one of the Express Entry programs (CEC, FSW, or FST), and
  • Have at least six months of skilled work experience in a relevant trade occupation within the past three years.

Below is the list of eligible trade occupations under this category:

Eligible Trade Occupations (NOC 2021)

Occupation2021 NOC Code2021 TEER Category
Bricklayers723202
Cabinetmakers723112
Carpenters723102
Concrete finishers731003
Construction estimators223032
Construction managers700100
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics724002
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services820212
Cooks632003
Electrical mechanics724222
Electricians (except industrial and power system)722002
Floor covering installers731133
Gas fitters723022
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics724022
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics724012
Home building and renovation managers700110
Industrial electricians722012
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors721002
Other technical trades and related occupations729992
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)731123
Plumbers723002
Roofers and shinglers731103
Sheet metal workers721022
Water well drillers725012
Welders and related machine operators721062

Other OINP Pathways Still Available

The OINP has clarified that applicants may submit new profiles under other provincial streams, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Enhanced OINP Streams (Express Entry–Aligned)

  • Human Capital Priorities Stream
  • French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream

Base OINP Streams (EOI System)

  • Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
  • Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
  • Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
  • Masters Graduate Stream
  • PhD Graduate Stream

Unlike enhanced streams, base streams require candidates to create a profile in the OINP Expression of Interest system.

Why Ontario Suspended the Skilled Trades Stream

The internal review conducted by Ontario revealed extensive misrepresentation and potential fraud within the stream, making it difficult for officials to accurately verify applicants’ eligibility. The province determined that the stream’s structure made it vulnerable to systemic misuse, threatening program integrity and labour market alignment.

Additionally, Ontario has received a reduced nomination allocation for 2025, prompting the province to prioritize streams that clearly address labour market needs and maintain strong compliance standards. Because of these combined concerns, the Skilled Trades Stream has been closed until further notice.

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