OINP officially pauses the Skilled Trades stream 2025

Ontario has completed a review of the Express Entry Skilled Trades stream and uncovered systemic misuse of eligibility criteria. The conclusion is straightforward: the current structure is too easy to exploit, which compromises the integrity of assessments and wastes the province’s already limited nomination quota.

Key outcomes:
❌ OINP stops accepting Skilled Trades applications
📤 All pending applications will be returned
💰 Fees will be refunded

This hits hard for anyone who has been waiting, although it raises a simple question: do you have a backup plan.

🔎 Alternative options still open
These streams remain active and should be part of a revised strategy:
• ✔️ Employer Job Offer
• ✔️ Masters Graduate
• ✔️ PhD Graduate
• ✔️ Human Capital

🧭 How SICON can help
We reassess your entire profile, identify viable pathways, and direct you toward the stream with the strongest chance of success.

📩 Send your profile to SICON if you want a clear and realistic evaluation of your options.