IRCC Invites 1250 Skilled Trades Candidates in First Express Entry Trade Draw of 2025

After nearly a year without a trades-only Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) opened its first trade-specific invitation round of 2025.

On September 18, IRCC invited 1,250 skilled workers from 25 designated trades to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Key Highlights: Express Entry Trades Draw 2025

• Number of Invitations Issued: 1,250
• CRS Score Cutoff: 505 and above
• Draw Date: September 18, 2025
• Eligibility: Candidates with at least 6 months of experience in one of 25 eligible trade occupations
• Tie-breaking Rule: Candidates with their profiles submitted before November 5, 2024, 22:36:09 UTC were invited.

What Makes Express Entry Trades Draw Noteworthy?

Canada's first trade-specific Express Entry draw of 2025 sent a clear message to skilled trades workers worldwide. Nearly 11 months after the last trades-only draw in October 2024, IRCC invited skilled workers with expertise in essential trade occupations to apply for permanent residency. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score jumped to 505, significantly higher than previous draws that ranged from 388 to 436 points.

The higher CRS cutoff reflects a more competitive selection process by IRCC, focusing on attracting highly qualified trades professionals. Fewer Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued this round, down from 1,800 in the last trade-specific draw. The move highlights Canada's emphasis on targeting skilled workers in priority sectors such as construction, plumbing, electrical work, welding, and construction management to help fill critical labour shortages across the country.

Trade-Specific Express Entry Draws of Previous Years

The rise in CRS over time points to a more competitive pool and possibly a shift in IRCC's policy to prioritize trade candidates with higher qualifications and stronger Express Entry profiles. By conducting a trades-only draw early in the third quarter of 2025, IRCC shows its commitment to addressing urgent labour market needs effectively. The apparent strategy is to link trade-specific draws with Canada's economic demand cycles, especially for infrastructure and labour-intensive industries.

Eligible Skilled Trade Occupations for the 2025 Express Entry Trade Draw

The recent Canadian Express Entry trade-specific draw targeted candidates experienced in one of 25 skilled trades. These occupations fall under the 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

Here's the breakdown of the eligible trades included in this draw:

• Construction estimators (NOC 22303)
• Cooks (NOC 63200)
• Construction managers (NOC 70010)
• Home building and renovation managers (NOC 70011)
• Electricians (except industrial and power systems) (NOC 72200)
• Industrial electricians (NOC 72201)
• Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Gas fitters (NOC 72302)
• Carpenters (NOC 72310)
• Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
• Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
• Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400)
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
• Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402)
• Electrical mechanics (NOC 72422)
• Water well drillers (NOC 72501)
• Other technical trades and related occupations (NOC 72999)
• Concrete finishers (NOC 73100)
• Roofers and shinglers (NOC 73110)
• Painters and decorators (NOC 73112)
• Floor covering installers (NOC 73113)
• Sheet metal workers (NOC 72102)
• Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors (NOC 72100)
• Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106)
• Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (NOC 82021)

Skilled professionals in these trades are in high demand to help fill critical labour shortages across Canada. If your work experience matches any of these occupations, you have an excellent opportunity to gain permanent residency through the Express Entry system under the trade occupations category.

Steps to Improve Your Chances in Canada's Trades Express Entry Draw

Candidates with experience in the above-mentioned trades must focus on several factors to improve their chances.

You must:

• Have at least six months of relevant work experience in an eligible skilled trade
• Ensure your trade occupation matches one of the eligible NOC codes.
• Hold educational qualifications recognized under Canadian standards
• Pursue language test improvements like IELTS or CELPIP to boost CRS scores
• Apply early and maintain an updated Express Entry profile.
• Consider additional education or certifications, if possible, to increase points under CRS.

All these factors can significantly enhance your competitiveness in the Express Entry system and increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

As labour shortages persist in the critical sectors, these draws pave a clear path for qualified trade workers worldwide seeking Canadian permanent residency. You must stay vigilant and regularly check the IRCC's official website.

For ongoing updates, follow ImmiLaw Global for trusted immigration news to stay informed on future trade draws and related policy changes. Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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