Do Skilled Trades Candidates still have a PR pathway?
By Anne Lui, founder and principal consultant of Hopeway Immigration
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted targeted draws on February 18, 2026 under two of the Employer Job Offer streams. This is an important signal to the market: skilled trades candidates can still secure provincial nomination in Ontario.
This comes at a time of uncertainty for many trades professionals, particularly following last year’s closing of the OINP’s Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream. Many trade applicants who relied on the Express Entry-linked pathway were caught off-guard. But the latest draw shows that opportunities remain, especially for those with employer support.
1,404 Invitations Issued Under Employer Job Offer Streams
In the draw on Feb 18, Ontario issued a total of 1,404 invitations across these two streams.
- 951 Invitations under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
- 453 Invitations under the Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
This is significant.
For candidates working in construction, industrial trades, transportation, maintenance, and other in-demand occupations, this is a strong signal that nomination is still possible as long as there is an eligible job offer.
The OINP Quota Has Increased by 31.3% in 2026
Ontario’s nomination allocation has picked up once again after a dramatic reduction in 2025.
Here is the recent quota trend:
- 2024 quota: 21,500
- 2025 quota: 10,750 (cut by half)
- 2026 quota: 14,119
This rebound is meaningful in the way that it may lead to:
- More frequent draws
- Larger draw sizes
- Broader inclusion of NOC codes with more locations covered
- Greater flexibility in program delivery
What This Means for Skilled Trades Candidates
Despite the closure of the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream, the recent OINP draws show that:
- PR pathways still exist for skilled trades candidates in Ontario.
- Employer support is key to getting a nomination.
- The province is actively issuing invitations.
- Increased quota supports more program activity ahead.
However, for those without employer’s support may need to wait for the federal Express Entry program to revive the draws for skilled trades.
The process can be confusing and timelines are tight
The OINP process starts with the employer’s submission of your job offer to the OINP office through the employer portal. Within 30 days, the employee applicant has to submit an expression of interest and will be ranked according to a number of scoring factors. If the applicant gets an invitation to apply, the employer will have 14 days to submit their application and the applicant will have 17 days to file their OINP application. This requires close coordination with your employer, accurate documentation, and zero margin for error.
Immigration is a life-changing decision and it’s not something you should leave to chance. Your future deserves more than guesswork, it deserves the right guidance.
At Hopeway Immigration, we combine experience, strategy, and personalized guidance to help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence. We manage the complexities so you don’t have to, reducing your stress and maximizing your chances of success. Our company is based in North York of Toronto, serving neighborhoods of Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan.
Book a meeting today or call 437-430-1230 to learn more details.
