Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario has suspended the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream after a provincial review found widespread issues with fraud and misrepresentation, according to a report released by the Government of Ontario.
The government’s Nov. 14 update states that the OINP identified “systemic compliance and enforcement concerns” in the Skilled Trades Stream, including systemic misrepresentation and fraud related to key eligibility criteria. Provincial officials said these issues prevented the program’s director, appointed under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, from reliably determining whether applicants met the requirements.
Based on the findings of the review, the OINP has stopped accepting new applications and will return all outstanding applications, the government said. Application fees will be refunded in full.
The report also notes that the stream’s current structure is vulnerable to misuse, undermining its ability to support Ontario’s immediate labour-market needs—particularly as the province manages a reduced number of available nomination spaces for 2025.
Applicants may submit a new Expression of Interest (EOI) under another OINP stream if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Because the Skilled Trades Stream required candidates to hold an existing Express Entry profile, many may still qualify for federal pathways—particularly the trade occupation category under express entry.
The Ontario government’s report did not say whether the Skilled Trades Stream will resume in the future.
