Ontario has suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream after a major program review uncovered systemic misrepresentation and fraud concerns. The suspension took effect on November 14 and includes a full return of all outstanding applications and application fees.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) says the stream’s current structure makes it vulnerable to fraud, undermining its ability to meet Ontario’s labour market needs within its limited nomination allocation. Applicants affected by the decision may submit a new Expression of Interest under another OINP stream if eligible.
On This Page You Will Find
- Why Ontario suspended the Skilled Trades Stream
- Details of the program review and compliance concerns
- What happens to outstanding applications and fees
- Alternative OINP pathways for candidates
- Implications of the suspension for employers and applicants
- FAQ about the Skilled Trades Stream suspension
Ontario Cites Systemic Misrepresentation and Fraud
According to Ontario’s review, the Skilled Trades Stream is affected by systemic misrepresentation and possible fraud in relation to its eligibility criteria. These concerns limit the Director’s ability to determine whether applicants genuinely qualify under section 7 of Ontario Regulation 421/17.
The province also notes that these vulnerabilities weaken the stream’s purpose of addressing immediate labour shortages in key trades occupations. Given Ontario’s capped nomination allocation, the province cannot risk misallocated spots based on fraudulent or unverifiable applications.
As a result, the Director has:
- Suspended intake under the Skilled Trades Stream
- Ordered all outstanding applications to be returned
- Directed that all fees be refunded in full
Understanding the Skilled Trades Stream
The Skilled Trades Stream helps Express Entry candidates with recent Ontario work experience in eligible trades gain provincial nomination.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Work Experience
At least one year of paid, full-time (or equivalent part-time) Ontario work experience in the past two years in eligible NOC 2021 groups: Major Groups 72 (except transport officers), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding aircraft-related), and Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks).
Self-employment and student work do not count. - Certification
For regulated compulsory trades, candidates must hold a valid certificate or licence at both the time of work and at application. - Residence and Legal Status
Candidates must be living in Ontario with valid worker status; maintained status is accepted. - Language Proficiency
Minimum CLB 5 in English or French using approved language tests. - Settlement Funds and Intent to Reside
Applicants must meet settlement fund requirements and show clear intention to live in Ontario.
Implications of the Suspension
The suspension carries several immediate and long-term effects for candidates, employers, and Ontario’s immigration system.
For Candidates
- All in-progress applications are being returned, which means lost processing time even though fees will be refunded.
- Candidates will need to explore other OINP streams, such as Human Capital Priorities, Employer Job Offer, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program through Express Entry.
- The suspension may delay permanent residence planning for applicants relying on this pathway.
For Employers
- Skilled trades employers may experience heightened recruitment challenges in sectors already facing shortages.
- Employers who rely on the Skilled Trades Stream to retain workers may need to look to other provincial pathways.
For Ontario’s Immigration Strategy
- The move reflects Ontario’s increased enforcement posture following expanded powers under Regulation 421/17.
- It signals possible structural changes or redesign of the Skilled Trades Stream before intake resumes.
- The decision highlights ongoing concerns about program integrity and efficient use of nomination allocations.
Alternative OINP Options for Eligible Candidates
Ontario encourages affected candidates to submit a new Expression of Interest in another stream if they meet eligibility criteria. Options include:
Until a redesigned Skilled Trades Stream is relaunched, these programs remain the primary options for trades candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ontario suspend the Skilled Trades Stream?
Ontario suspended the stream after a program review found systemic misrepresentation and potential fraud linked to eligibility criteria. These issues made it difficult for the Director to confirm whether applicants truly met program requirements and posed risks to Ontario’s limited nomination allocation.
What happens to applicants with files already submitted?
All outstanding applications will be returned. The province will refund application fees in full. However, applicants lose the processing time invested and must explore other OINP streams if they still wish to pursue nomination.
Can candidates reapply under the Skilled Trades Stream later?
Not immediately. Intake is fully suspended, and Ontario has not announced when the stream will reopen. The province may redesign eligibility rules and verification processes before relaunching the program.
What alternative OINP options are available?
Eligible candidates can submit a new Expression of Interest in streams such as Human Capital Priorities, Employer Job Offer pathways, or other Express Entry–aligned OINP streams that match their background.
Does the suspension affect Ontario employers in the trades sector?
Employers may face increased difficulty retaining or nominating skilled workers through the provincial program. They may need to use other OINP streams or federal immigration programs while the Skilled Trades Stream remains suspended.
