OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream paused and applications returned

The province of Ontario has paused the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream under Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Ontario has stopped accepting applications entirely and is returning all pending applications.

This change occurred just days after an announcement indicated that this stream had been quietly paused in the OINP e-Filing Portal. At the time, it appeared the pause only affected new applications, while applications already in the system would continue to be processed; therefore, the decision to return applications caught many by surprise.

For candidates with pending Skilled Trades Stream applications, this news may have a significant impact. Therefore, let us explore what has changed, why, and the remaining options ahead.

Changes to the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

Brief summary:

• Ontario is not accepting any new applications for the Skilled Trades Stream.
• All pending applications will be returned.
• Application fees will be refunded.
• Candidates may still create new expressions of interest (EOI) under other OINP streams if eligible.

The decision is effective immediately, and the speed of implementation caught many by surprise. However, when the reasons are known, the picture becomes clearer.

Why did the OINP pause this stream?

The 14 November announcement from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme (OINP) explained that the Skilled Trades Stream was paused after a formal review uncovered serious compliance and enforcement issues.

The review pointed to recurring issues related to misrepresentation and fraud linked to the eligibility criteria of this stream. These issues were so severe that the program director no longer had a basis to believe that candidates truly met the requirements.

According to the announcement, the current structure of this stream makes it vulnerable to exploitation for misrepresentation.

Due to these findings, the OINP director has:

• Paused the intake of new applications for the Skilled Trades Stream
• Begun returning all outstanding applications as per section 7 of Ontario Regulation 421/17.

All returned applications will be accompanied by a refund of the application fee.

For those still hoping to settle in Ontario, the province emphasizes that candidates may submit a new expression of interest (EOI) under another OINP stream — provided they meet the criteria for that stream.

Meaning

This is certainly disappointing news. However, there is a positive point if a candidate is affected: the return of an application is not a refusal. It will not affect immigration history. It simply means Ontario has stopped processing the Skilled Trades Stream entirely.

Points that remain unclear at present:

• Number of people affected: Ontario has not released updated figures. Previously, Skilled Trades Stream applications took approximately 90 days to process, which suggests that many applications from the October 2024 draw (1,307 people invited) should have been processed. However, as there is no official update, it remains unclear how many applications were actually pending when the pause took effect.
• Nominations already issued: The pause order does not mention whether those who have already received nominations will have them revoked. Typically, nominations based on false information or misrepresentation may be cancelled, but the announcement does not state that all current nominations will be withdrawn.

Options for candidates if they still wish to apply to Ontario

If still wishing to settle in Ontario, candidates may consider the following streams:

Federal Skilled Trades Program

A simple alternative is the Federal Skilled Trades Program itself, especially since candidates already needed to have an Express Entry profile to apply for this OINP stream. To be eligible, one needs at least 12 months of recent experience in a qualified skilled trade such as electrician, welder, carpenter, plumber, and similar trades.

However, it should be noted that in 2025 there has only been one draw for the skilled trades category so far, meaning this pathway has not been very active this year.

Alternative OINP streams

Ontario also confirmed that candidates may submit new applications under other OINP streams if eligible. These include:

Human Capital Priorities streams (linked to Express Entry):

• Ontario Human Capital Priorities stream
• Ontario French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream

Currently, these programs are still listed on the OINP website but have not been active in 2025, so the province’s long-term plan for them is unclear. And because these streams are linked to Express Entry, candidates can only apply when they receive a notification through their Express Entry profile.

Employer Job Offer streams

• Foreign Worker
• International Student stream
• In-Demand Skills

Streams for graduates

• Ontario Master’s Graduate
• Ontario PhD Graduate

Each stream has different criteria, so the best next step is to assess which one best fits a candidate’s experience.

What matters now is updating or correcting Express Entry applications where anything has changed. Make sure work history is accurate and job duties match the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, and that supporting documents are clear and consistent. Part of the reason OINP suspended this stream is that many applications contained information that did not match the programme’s eligibility criteria.

Guidance for the skilled trades group

Anyone who still wants to be considered by Ontario will need to submit a new application under a different OINP stream if eligible, or keep their Express Entry profile active while awaiting federal options.
A few practical steps will help candidates stay ready:

• Keep Express Entry profiles and Expressions of Interest (EOI) accurate
• Double-check National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and job duties
• Consider other Ontario streams that match one’s experience

Skilled trades remain in high demand in Ontario, and while the suspension of the Express Entry: Skilled Trades stream may feel like a door closing, it is not the end of the road. For anyone serious about working and living in Canada, other pathways remain, although all are competitive. The best thing candidates can do is stay informed, keep documentation in the best possible shape, and explore every remaining pathway.

Find the latest updates on the Ontario website at here.