Ontario halts Express Entry Skilled Trades stream after integrity review — pending applications returned and fees refunded

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has suspended intake for its Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream effective immediately, following an internal review that uncovered widespread program misrepresentation. The province announced it will return all pending applications submitted under this stream and refund associated application fees.

The move represents a significant change for tradespeople who had been relying on this fast pathway to provincial nomination and permanent residence. OINP officials say the suspension is necessary to protect program integrity and to ensure nomination slots are allocated to candidates who genuinely meet Ontario’s labour-market needs.

What OINP changed today

• The Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream has been suspended with immediate effect.
• All pending applications submitted under that stream will be returned to applicants.
• Application fees for returned files will be refunded.
• The OINP has not indicated whether or when the Skilled Trades Stream will reopen.
• Candidates may apply to other OINP streams if they meet eligibility requirements.

Why the suspension happened

According to the OINP’s assessment, the Skilled Trades Stream was vulnerable to systemic misrepresentation and fraud. The province concluded that irregularities were widespread enough to undermine reliable verification of applicants’ eligibility — including whether work experience, job offers and licensing claims were genuine. With Ontario operating under a reduced nomination allocation for 2025, officials said they must protect a limited number of nomination slots and prioritize applicants who demonstrably meet provincial labour needs.

Who is affected

• New applicants: Those planning to apply to the Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream must pause their submissions until OINP announces a reopening (if any).
• Pending applicants: All applicants with files currently in the Skilled Trades queue will receive their application package back and a refund of their OINP fee. These applicants will need to consider alternative pathways if they wish to continue pursuing provincial nomination.
• Employers and recruiters: Businesses relying on this stream for recruitment will need to revise hiring and retention plans and may have to explore other provincial or federal mechanisms to retain foreign-trained trades workers.

What OINP recommends for affected candidates

• Consider alternative OINP streams — such as Employer Job Offer streams, Human Capital categories, or in-demand/strategic employer-led streams — if you meet those eligibility criteria.
• Keep documentation and evidence — maintain originals and certified copies of employment records, pay stubs, licences/certifications, letters from employers, and any correspondence proving the authenticity of your application. Clear, well-documented files reduce future risk of refusal or return.
• Seek professional advice — contact a registered immigration consultant or lawyer (RCIC or equivalent) to review options, prepare alternative applications, or address any integrity concerns in prior submissions.

Practical steps for people whose applications are returned

1. Watch your email and OINP account for official notices confirming return and refund details.
2. Confirm refund processing timelines with OINP; keep bank/payment receipts.
3. If you want to pursue permanent residence via Ontario, evaluate other OINP streams and whether you can meet their criteria (job offer, in-province work experience, language, licensing).
4. If you had received a Notification of Interest (NOI) or other preliminary communication, preserve all supporting evidence in case OINP requests clarification later.
5. If you suspect fraud was involved in your file (for example, if a third party submitted documents on your behalf), document your involvement and seek legal counsel.

Broader context and implications

Ontario’s decision follows a wider trend of provinces tightening controls and focusing nominations on candidates who demonstrably meet local labour needs and program integrity expectations. Reduced federal nomination allocations in 2025 increased pressure on provinces to protect limited nomination slots from abuse. For trade occupations — which historically depend on on-the-ground verification and employer engagement — Ontario’s action signals that verification and compliance will be strictly enforced.

The suspension may also temporarily slow the pathway to permanent residence for tradespeople who rely on employer-sponsored or Express Entry-aligned PNP routes. Employers should assess alternatives such as provincial Employer Job Offer streams or federal pathways where eligible.

Bottom line

The OINP suspension of the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is an immediate, integrity-driven response to systemic misrepresentation. Affected applicants will have their files returned and fees refunded; they should act quickly to preserve documentation, explore alternative streams, and get professional advice to navigate the next steps.