After years of dedication to securing permanent residency in Canada, a London, Ontario resident faces uncertainty following the Ontario government’s recent announcement. Ankit Patel, a 28-year-old engineer from India, arrived in Canada in 2019 as a student and has since invested significant effort into his immigration journey.
Background of Ankit Patel
Patel pursued his studies at Fanshawe College, specializing in engineering and supply chain management. After completing his education, he obtained a three-year work permit and worked as a computer numerical control (CNC) operator for various manufacturing firms, including Gnutti Carlo, Penta Equipment, and Element 5 Inc.
Application for Permanent Residency
In October 2024, with his work permit nearing expiration, Patel applied to Ontario’s Immigrant Nominee Program (ONIP) for permanent residency. This initiative, in collaboration with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is designed to expedite the permanent residency process for qualified workers and international students.
- Application Category: Skilled Trades
- Status of Application: “In status” as of January 2025
- Current Work Permit Situation: Expired
Provincial Government’s Decision
On a recent Friday, the Ontario government announced the suspension of the skilled trades stream within the ONIP. This decision followed concerns over fraudulent applications compromising the integrity of the program. The government stated that the current structure of the skilled trades stream was susceptible to misrepresentation, which detracted from its ability to address the labor market needs of the province.
In light of this suspension, Patel’s application and hopes for permanent residency were dashed. The government indicated that applicants would receive refunds for their fees, but this provided little solace for Patel and many others affected by the change.
Response from the Community
The suspension has incited frustration among impacted applicants. Patel joined approximately 150 others protesting outside the ONIP office in Toronto, calling for the province to target fraudulent applications rather than shutting down the skilled trades stream. He expressed concerns about financial depletion and the lack of options for legitimate applicants.
Expert Insights on Fraud and Program Changes
Immigration consultant Manan Gupta emphasized the urgent need for the Ontario government to tackle fraudulent applications effectively. He noted that issues of falsified work records and incorrect credentials had plagued the system nationwide. Gupta highlighted the federal government’s move to reduce the number of provincial nominee applications, creating a more competitive landscape for applicants.
Future Uncertainty for Applicants
With the ONIP’s skilled trades stream suspended, Patel finds himself facing a bleak future. He remarked on the financial strains and lack of legal work opportunities in Canada. As he considers his options, a return to India seems increasingly likely.
In 2024, Ontario accepted 21,500 applications into the ONIP, with 4,101 specifically through the skilled trades stream. These statistics underscore the importance of this pathway for many skilled workers. As the province navigates these challenges, the impact on genuine immigrants like Patel remains profound.
