Canada, Ontario Suspends Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream with immediate effect, citing concerns over “systematic misrepresentation” within the program.

According to an official update, the province will no longer accept new applications under this stream. In addition, all current applicants will see their files returned without further processing, effectively halting their pathway to a provincial nomination through this specific program.

The OINP has confirmed that application fees for all returned files will be fully refunded, offering financial relief to candidates who were mid-way through the process.

The Skilled Trades Stream has historically been a popular pathway for workers in construction, industrial, electrical, and mechanical sectors who hold Canadian work experience. The sudden suspension has therefore raised uncertainty for thousands of skilled workers relying on this route to strengthen their Express Entry profile.

The province has not provided a timeline for review or reinstatement of the stream. Officials have also not clarified the nature or extent of the misrepresentation issues encountered, stating only that the suspension is necessary to preserve the integrity of Ontario’s immigration system.

Applicants and immigration professionals are now watching closely for further announcements, as the suspension adds a new layer of unpredictability to Canada’s provincial nomination landscape.