If you are waiting for Canada Express Entry 2026 updates or the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) status, yesterday brought a mix of massive hope and sudden disappointment. On December 10, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its largest Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of the year, inviting 6,000 candidates with a CRS score of 520. However, in a shocking move, Ontario has simultaneously suspended its popular Skilled Trades Stream immediately due to widespread fraud. This article details the step-by-step process for those invited and the critical next steps for those whose Ontario applications are being returned.
The Good News: 6,000 Invitations Issued (Dec 10 Draw)
Yesterday, IRCC surprised the immigration community by issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). This is a significant signal that Canada is rushing to meet its 2025 targets before the year ends, setting a strong precedent for the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan.
Draw Details:
- Program: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Number of Invitations: 6,000
- CRS Cutoff Score: 520
- Tie-Breaking Rule: July 15, 2025
Why This Matters for 2026: A score of 520 is still high, but the sheer volume (6,000 invites) suggests that IRCC is clearing the backlog of in-Canada candidates. If you have valid work experience in Canada (at least one year), the CEC remains your golden ticket for 2026. This draw specifically targets those already contributing to the Canadian economy, reinforcing the government’s “domestic first” strategy. You can verify the official draw results on the IRCC Express Entry Rounds of Invitations page.
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The Bad News: Ontario (OINP) Suspends Skilled Trades Stream
While the federal government is inviting people, the province of Ontario has slammed the brakes on one of its most popular pathways.
Effective immediately, the OINP Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream is suspended.
Why? The Ontario government cited “widespread misrepresentation and fraud” as the primary reason. An internal audit revealed that a high percentage of applications contained fake employment letters or unverifiable work experience. To protect the integrity of the system, they have stopped accepting new applications. You can read the full suspension notice on the OINP Program Updates News Feed.
What Happens to Pending Applications? If you have already applied to this stream and your application is pending, it will likely be returned to you unprocessed.
- Refunds: The OINP has confirmed that full application fee refunds will be issued for returned applications.
- Impact: This leaves thousands of tradespeople (plumbers, electricians, construction workers) in limbo just before 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide: What To Do Now?
Depending on which side of the news you fall on, here is your immediate action plan.
Scenario A: You Received an ITA in the Draw
Congratulations! You now have 60 days to submit your full application for Permanent Residence.
- Log in to your GCKey: Verify the invitation in your IRCC Secure Account.
- Medical Exam: Book an upfront medical exam immediately. Use the official Find a Panel Physician tool to find an approved doctor near you.
- Police Certificates: Order police certificates from every country you lived in for 6+ months. See the specific requirements for each country at the How to get a police certificate page.
- Submit: Upload all documents and pay the biometric and processing fees before the 60-day timer expires.
Scenario B: Your OINP Application Was Returned
This is frustrating, but you must pivot quickly to stay legal in Canada for 2026.
- Check Your Refund: Monitor your bank account for the fee refund from the Ontario government.
- Switch Streams: Look immediately at the Human Capital Priorities Stream or the Employer Job Offer Stream. These are still open but require a valid job offer or specific tech/health skills.
- Federal Trades: Since the OINP stream is closed, update your federal Express Entry profile to ensure you are eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the OINP Skilled Trades Stream reopen in 2026?
There is no official date yet. Ontario has stated the suspension is indefinite until they fix the fraud detection system. It is safer to assume it will remain closed for early 2026.
My CRS score is 519. Did I miss the draw?
Yes, unfortunately. The cutoff was exactly 520. However, with 6,000 people removed from the pool, the score may drop slightly in the next draw if no new high-scoring candidates enter.
Can I apply for a refund if my OINP application was rejected for fraud?
No. If your application was rejected specifically because they found fake documents, you are not entitled to a refund and may face a 5-year ban from Canada. The current refunds are only for unprocessed applications returned due to the program suspension.
