In a surprise announcement late on 19 November 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) suspended its Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream with immediate effect. Provincial officials said an internal compliance review uncovered “systemic misrepresentation and fraud” that undermined the programme’s integrity.
Effective immediately, Ontario will stop accepting new applications and will return all pending files, refunding the associated C$1,500 application fee. The Skilled Trades Stream was popular with employers seeking electricians, carpenters, plumbers and other Red-Seal occupations, offering Express Entry candidates a coveted 600-point boost toward permanent residence.
![Ontario Halts Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream Citing Widespread Misrepresentation]()
The sudden closure leaves hundreds of applicants in limbo. The province recommends that affected workers explore alternative OINP categories—such as Employer Job Offer or the new Provincial Skilled Trades Qualification (PSTQ) route—or rely on federal Express Entry draws for trade occupations. Employers filling critical construction and infrastructure roles ahead of major housing and transit projects will need to revisit their talent pipelines.
Immigration lawyers note that Ontario’s action may prompt other provinces to tighten audit procedures, especially where third-party recruiters are involved. Companies should review recruiter due-diligence protocols and ensure that employment letters, trade certifications and language tests can survive a forensic document check.
While the ministry did not indicate whether the stream will reopen, insiders suggest it could be rebuilt with mandatory employer pre-screening and biometric verification. For now, mobility practitioners should redirect candidates swiftly to keep Express Entry profiles active and avoid expiry of medicals and police clearances.
Effective immediately, Ontario will stop accepting new applications and will return all pending files, refunding the associated C$1,500 application fee. The Skilled Trades Stream was popular with employers seeking electricians, carpenters, plumbers and other Red-Seal occupations, offering Express Entry candidates a coveted 600-point boost toward permanent residence.
The sudden closure leaves hundreds of applicants in limbo. The province recommends that affected workers explore alternative OINP categories—such as Employer Job Offer or the new Provincial Skilled Trades Qualification (PSTQ) route—or rely on federal Express Entry draws for trade occupations. Employers filling critical construction and infrastructure roles ahead of major housing and transit projects will need to revisit their talent pipelines.
Immigration lawyers note that Ontario’s action may prompt other provinces to tighten audit procedures, especially where third-party recruiters are involved. Companies should review recruiter due-diligence protocols and ensure that employment letters, trade certifications and language tests can survive a forensic document check.
While the ministry did not indicate whether the stream will reopen, insiders suggest it could be rebuilt with mandatory employer pre-screening and biometric verification. For now, mobility practitioners should redirect candidates swiftly to keep Express Entry profiles active and avoid expiry of medicals and police clearances.
