Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first trade-specific Express Entry draw of 2025, inviting 1,250 candidates with skilled trades experience to apply for permanent residence.
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This marks the first draw targeting trades occupations since October 2024, nearly 11 months ago.
Draw Details – September 18, 2025
- Category: Trade Occupations (Category-Based Selection, Version 2)
- Number of Invitations (ITAs): 1,250
- Minimum CRS Score Required: 505
- Date and Time of Draw: September 18, 2025
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC were prioritized among candidates with the lowest qualifying score.
- Rank Required to Receive an ITA: 1,250 or above
This draw focused on candidates with at least 6 months of full-time work experience in one of 25 eligible trade occupations. The relatively high CRS cut-off of 505 reflects both a reduced number of ITAs and the long gap since the last trade-specific draw.
Why This Matters
Canada continues to use Express Entry to strategically target labour shortages in key sectors, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and natural resources. By focusing on skilled trades, IRCC aims to support infrastructure development and economic growth.
Eligible Occupations – Trade Category (25 Total)
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 |
| HVAC mechanics | 72402 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
| Industrial mechanics and millwrights | 72400 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Electricians (non-industrial) | 72200 |
| Welders and related operators | 72106 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 |
| Machinists and inspectors | 72100 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 |
| Construction managers | 70010 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 |
Comparison of All Trade-Specific Draws to Date
| Date | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | 1,250 | 505 |
| October 23, 2024 | 1,800 | 433 |
| July 4, 2024 | 1,800 | 436 |
| December 19, 2023 | 1,000 | 425 |
| August 3, 2023 | 1,500 | 388 |
Trend Insight:
CRS scores for trade-specific draws have increased significantly — from 388 in August 2023 to 505 in the latest draw. This may signal:
- A more competitive applicant pool
- A strategic shift toward higher-skilled tradespeople
- A limited number of ITAs available in 2025
Strategic Timing in 2025
Unlike previous years where draws occurred mid or late in the year, this draw was held in Q3, possibly aligning with government infrastructure schedules or labour market needs.
What to Do After Receiving an ITA
If you were invited in the September 18, 2025 draw, here are your next steps:
- Submit your PR application within 60 days via the IRCC portal.
- Gather required documentation, including:
- Proof of work experience in an eligible trade
- Education credentials
- Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP)
- Complete medical exams and obtain police certificates.
- Track updates from IRCC regarding processing times and any additional requirements.
How to Improve Your Chances for Future Draws
If you weren’t selected this time, here’s how to enhance your chances:
- Ensure your work experience matches an eligible trade occupation.
- Boost your CRS score by:
- Improving language test scores
- Gaining additional work experience
- Completing further education or certifications
- Submit your profile early. In tied-score scenarios, submission date/time (as seen with the November 5, 2024 tie-breaker) determines who receives an ITA.
Final Takeaway
Canada’s trade-focused Express Entry draws are a vital part of its strategy to meet economic and labour market demands. As CRS thresholds rise, it’s more important than ever for candidates to build competitive profiles and stay updated through IRCC’s official channels.
Staying proactive and well-prepared can make the difference between waiting and receiving that life-changing ITA.
