Ontario Suspends the OINP Skilled Trades Stream and Returns All Applications

This change comes just a few days after a notice shared that the stream had been quietly paused inside the OINP e-Filing Portal. At the time, it looked like the pause would only affect brand-new applications, and that files already in the system would keep moving, which makes the decision to return applications even more unexpected. 
 
For applicants who had their Skilled Trades Stream files in progress, this news can land hard. So let’s go through what changed, why it happened, and what options you still have moving forward. 

Key Changes to the Skilled Trades Stream 

Here’s the short version: 

• Ontario isn’t taking any new Skilled Trades Stream applications.

• Every pending file is being sent back.

• Fees are being refunded.

• You can still create a new Expression of Interest (EOI) under other OINP streams, if you qualify. 

The decision took effect immediately, and honestly, the speed surprised a lot of people. But once you hear the “why,” the picture gets a bit clearer. 

Why Did Ontario Suspend the Stream? 

The November 14 update from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) explains that the Skilled Trades Stream was paused after a formal review uncovered systemic compliance and enforcement concerns. The review pointed to recurring issues with misrepresentation and fraud connected to the stream’s eligibility criteria. These problems are serious enough that the program’s director could no longer confidently determine whether applicants truly met the requirements. 

According to the notice, the way the stream is currently structured makes it vulnerable to this kind of misrepresentation.  

Because of these findings, the OINP director has: 

• suspended intake of new Skilled Trades Stream applications, and

• initiated the return of all outstanding applications, as outlined under section 7 of Ontario Regulation 421/17. 

Every application that’s returned will also have its fees refunded. 

For anyone still hoping to immigrate through Ontario, the province emphasizes that you can submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) under another OINP stream – so long as you meet that stream’s eligibility criteria. 

What This Means for Your Immigration Plans 

It’s frustrating, no doubt. But there’s one relief, if you are impacted by this, getting your file sent back isn’t a refusal. It won’t hurt your immigration record. It simply means Ontario stopped processing the Skilled Trades stream altogether. 

What’s Still Unclear Right Now 

• How many people will be affected: Ontario has not released updated timelines. Previously, Skilled Trades Stream files took around 90 days, which suggests that many applications from the last published draw in October 2024 (1,307 invited) would normally have been processed by now. However, without current updates, it’s still unclear how many files were actually in progress when the suspension took effect. 

• Existing nominations: The order does not say whether applicants who already received their nomination will have it revoked. Generally, nominations issued based on false or misleading information can be cancelled but the notice does not state that all existing nominations will be withdrawn. 

Your Options If You Still Want to Apply to Ontario 

If you still want to immigrate to Ontario, you can still explore streams like: 

Express Entry Trade Category 

A simple alternative is Express Entry’s own Skilled Trades category, especially since you already needed an Express Entry profile for the OINP stream. To be eligible, you’ll need six months of recent experience in a qualifying trade, such as electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, and similar roles. That said, it’s worth noting that 2025 has only seen one Trade category draws so far, which means this pathway hasn’t been very active this year. 

Alternative OINP Streams 

Ontario has also confirmed that you can submit a new profile under another OINP stream if you meet the requirements. These include: 

Enhanced streams (linked to Express Entry): 

• Human Capital Prioritie

• French-Speaking Skilled Worker 

For now, these programs are still listed on the OINP website, but they haven’t been active in 2025, so it’s unclear what the province intends to do with them in the long run. And since these streams are linked to Express Entry, applicants can only apply if they receive a notification through their Express Entry profile. 

Employer Job Offer 

• Foreign Worker

• International Student

• In-Demand Skills 

Graduate Streams 

• Master’s Graduate

• PhD Graduate 

Each stream has different criteria, so the best next step is reviewing where your experience fits. 

The important thing now is updating or fixing your Express Entry profile if anything in it has changed. Make sure your work history is accurate, your job duties match your NOC code, and your documents are clean and consistent. Part of the reason OINP suspended this stream is that many applications contained information that didn’t line up with the program’s eligibility criteria. 

If You Work in a Skilled Trade Occupation, Here Is What You Can Do

Anyone who still wants to be considered by Ontario will need to submit a new profile under another OINP stream if they are eligible, or keep their Express Entry profile active for federal options. 

 A few practical steps can help you stay ready: 

• Keep your Express Entry and EOI profiles accurate

• Check your NOC code and job duties carefully

• Look at other Ontario streams that match your experience

Skilled trades are still badly needed in Ontario, and while the suspension of the Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream might feel like a closed door, it isn’t the end of the road. If you’re serious about working and living in Canada, there are still other paths forward, although all will be competitive. The best thing you can do is stay informed, keep your documents in great shape, and explore every pathway available.