Ontario's Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
Ontario closed this stream to new applicants on June 26, 2026, as part of a redesign of its immigration program. If you already applied, your application is still being assessed under the rules that applied when you sent it. Ontario is replacing its old streams with one new stream called Ontario Workforce Priority — it has not opened yet. Check the official Ontario page for updates.
What is this program?
Ontario's Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is the province's way of nominating tradespeople who already have an Express Entry profile. Unlike the federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — which is open to anyone with trades work experience — Ontario's stream requires you to have actually worked in your trade IN Ontario. If Ontario nominates you, you get 600 extra CRS points.
Who is it for?
- You have a federal Express Entry profile (likely through CEC or FSTP)
- You have at least 1 year of skilled-trades work experience in Ontario in the last 2 years
- Your trade is on Ontario's eligible-trades NOC list
- You took a language test (English or French) within the last 2 years
- You intend to keep working in your trade in Ontario
What does it lead to?
Provincial nomination from Ontario, adding 600 points to your CRS score. Typically leads to a PR Invitation to Apply at the next federal draw. After nomination, the federal step currently takes about 6 months (IRCC's estimate) — Ontario's own step comes first.
Primary requirements
- Active Express Entry profile (usually CEC or FSTP).
- Receive a Notification of Interest from Ontario.
- 1 year of paid, full-time, authorised work experience in an eligible Ontario trade in the past 2 years.
- Eligible trade NOC codes (electricians, plumbers, construction trades, chefs, etc.).
- Language: CLB 5 in all four abilities.
- Currently legally resident in Ontario when you apply.
What you'll need to apply
- Active Express Entry profile number
- Notification of Interest from Ontario
- Ontario work-history documentation: employer letters, pay stubs, T4s
- Language test results
- Trades qualification documents
- Valid passport, medical, police certificates
Where to start
See which OPEN programs fit you (free)
Or visit the official ontario page for Ontario's Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream to read the government's own requirements.
If you want professional advice before applying, work with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
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Informational only — not immigration advice. Always confirm requirements on the official government page.