Ontario pauses skilled trades route to PR, alternate routes remain open

The province of Ontario in Canada has paused its Ontario Skilled Trades Stream, returned all pending applications, and confirmed a full halt on new submissions, although alternate routes remain open.

The suspension, which took effect on November 14, 2025, affects one of the most popular pathways for trades professionals with existing experience in the province who are hoping to settle permanently.

According to Eivy Joy Quito, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) at ImmigCanada, the stream has not been cancelled, rather Ontario is preparing adjustments designed to strengthen eligibility checks and prevent systemic issues in future.

“When the programme reopens, applicants can expect clearer guidelines, improved verification processes, and stronger control measures. In the meantime, candidates are advised to update their CVs, gather employment evidence, and create or renew their Expressions of Interest under other Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme (OINP) categories”, she notes.

For thousands of applicants, the pause has created uncertainty. Yet it also reinforces something Canada places high value on: a fair, transparent, and robust immigration system that protects genuine workers and preserves opportunities for candidates who meet programme requirements. As a result, many individuals are now reassessing their options and exploring alternative pathways to build their future in Ontario and across Canada.

Read also: Canada-based immigration consultant shares insights for successful PR application

Why Ontario paused the Skilled Trades Stream

Ontario conducted a comprehensive review of the Skilled Trades Stream and identified widespread issues that limited the province’s ability to confirm whether applicants genuinely met the eligibility criteria. The review revealed concerns that left the stream vulnerable to misrepresentation, leading to delays and undermining the fairness of the system. In response, Ontario acted immediately to protect the integrity of the programme and ensure that resources are directed towards genuine candidates who address real labour needs in the province.

Although the pause is temporary, it is significant. Ontario’s priority is to maintain a strong immigration system that selects skilled workers who truly meet its local labour demands.

What the change means for applicants

All applicants who submitted files under the Skilled Trades Stream will have their applications returned, along with a full refund of fees. No application will proceed to processing.

While this may be disappointing, Ontario encourages eligible applicants to submit a new Expression of Interest under other provincial categories. The province remains committed to supporting skilled newcomers, and this redirection opens up more suitable and better-aligned pathways.

Read also: Canada halts overseas caregiver PR route amid backlog crises

Alternative routes

Applicants may wish to explore several alternative immigration options. Ontario’s Employer Job Offer pathways remain open to candidates who have a valid job offer from an employer in the province. In addition, the Ontario Human Capital streams continue to provide opportunities for candidates with strong educational backgrounds, work experience, or language proficiency.

Trades professionals may also be considered under federal programmes through Express Entry, including category-based selection rounds that specifically target skilled trades profiles. Beyond Ontario, other Provincial Nominee Programmes across Canada also offer streams tailored to trades professionals seeking permanent residence. These options collectively ensure that skilled workers still have viable routes to settle in Canada, despite the temporary pause in Ontario’s Skilled Trades Stream.

Ontario remains firmly committed to meeting labour needs in the construction, manufacturing, automotive, and infrastructure sectors. Skilled trades talent continues to be in high demand across the country, and this update forms part of the province’s efforts to strengthen and streamline those opportunities.

Ngozi Ekugo is a Snr.Correspondent at Business day. She has an MSc in Management from the University of Hertfordshire, and is an associate member of CIPM. Her career spans multiple industries, including a brief stint at Goldman Sachs in London,

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date