Ontario Suspends Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

Last Updated On 14 November 2025, 4:47 PM EST (Toronto Time)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has temporarily halted new applications under its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream and will also be returning the existing applications under processing.

As of the latest update dated November 14, below is the correct and most up-to-date information on the Express Entry skilled trades stream.

The OINP has conducted a review of the OINP’s Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream (Skilled Trades Stream) and has identified systemic compliance and enforcement concerns relating to the stream.

In particular, the review identified systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud relating to Skilled Trades Stream eligibility criteria. These issues affect the ability of the director appointed under the provincial Immigration Act, 2015 (Director) to determine whether applicants meet eligibility criteria.

As currently structured, the Skilled Trades Stream is vulnerable to systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud. This vulnerability undermines the Skilled Trades Stream’s ability to meet the immediate labour market needs of the province, taking into account OINP’s limited nomination allocation. As a result, the Director:

has suspended receiving Skilled Trades Stream applications
will return all outstanding Skilled Trades Stream applications

in accordance with section 7 of Ontario Regulation 421/17 (Approvals under the OINP and Other Matters).

Applications that are returned will have their application fees refunded.

For skilled trades workers eyeing permanent residency in Ontario, this could delay plans.

Initial reporting on OINP Skilled Trades Stream Suspension

The notice in the OINP e-Filing Portal explicitly states: “Please note that the OINP has suspended receiving Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream applications.”

It directs users to the 2025 Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Updates page for more details, though no such update has appeared there yet as of writing this article.

This stream, part of the province’s alignment with Canada’s federal Express Entry system, targets experienced tradespeople in eligible occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance roles.

If you’ve already received an NOI and your application is already under processing—it will be returned in accordance with Ontario’s new authority to suspend or return immigration applications.

Applicants typically need at least one year of full-time work experience in the province, valid language scores, and an active Express Entry profile to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province.

The suspension appears tied to broader federal cuts: Last year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) slashed the 2025 PNP nomination allocation by about 50%, forcing the province to prioritize high-demand sectors like healthcare and technology.

No draws have occurred for Express Entry streams in 2025 so far, with the last one dating back to October 2024.

Importantly, sources indicate this change seems to only impact new applicants who haven’t yet been nominated or submitted their full applications.

OINP has emphasized that selecting the correct stream is crucial, as changes aren’t allowed post-submission, but this rule predates the current pause.

Implications for Aspiring Immigrants

For potential candidates in the Express Entry pool:

New Applicants Hit Hardest: If you were eyeing skilled trades, hold off until the suspension lifts. Focus on boosting your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the meantime to stay competitive.
Existing Applications: Those with pending processing or nominations will be the most affected, which initially was expected not to be affected. Their applications will be returned with a full refund of fees. This is really heartbreaking.
Alternative Pathways: Consider other OINP streams like the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills or Human Capital Priorities, which remain open.

This isn’t the first time OINP has adjusted streams—similar pauses occurred in 2023 for intake management—but the timing amid reduced quotas adds uncertainty to Canada’s immigration landscape.

With the PNP quota expected to increase by 66% in 2026, we can expect the suspension to be lifted in the beginning of next year.

Stay Informed on OINP 2025 Changes

Immigration policies evolve quickly, so monitor official sources:

Check the OINP’s 2025 Updates page for the expected announcement.
Log into your e-Filing Portal account if eligible.
Consult a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for personalized advice.

If you’re affected by this OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream suspension, start working on your backup plan now.

For more Canadian immigration news, follow us and turn on notifications to catch updates on PR pathways, visa changes, and provincial draws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the OINP Skilled Trades Stream permanently closed?

No. It is temporarily suspended. Multiple experts expect Ontario will reopen once they receive additional federal allocations (expected Q1–Q2 2026).

I have a pending Skilled Trades application filed in October 2024. Will it be returned?

Yes, it will be returned expected with full refund of fees.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.