Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has reopened opportunities for thousands of skilled trades workers who have been waiting for months.
On April 2, 2026, the department held a category-based Express Entry draw focused specifically on trade occupations, targeting candidates both in Canada and abroad.
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This marks the first trades draw of 2026 and the first since September 2025, when only 1,250 invitations were issued for the entire year in this category. For many candidates in the pool, especially carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and welders, this long-awaited draw signals renewed momentum.
Express Entry Draw Details For April 2, 2026
Here is a complete summary of the latest trades-focused draw:
- Date and Time: April 2, 2026
- Draw Category: Trade Occupations (2026, Version 3)
- Invitations Issued: 3,000
- Minimum CRS Score: 477
- Rank Required: 3,000 or higher
- Tie-Breaking Rule: February 14, 2026 at 20:53:54 UTC
The tie-breaking rule applies when multiple candidates have the same CRS score. In this case, only those who submitted their profiles before the specified date and time received invitations. Candidates with a score of 477 who applied after that timestamp were not selected.
Key Changes To The Trades Category In 2026
On February 18, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab introduced major updates to Express Entry categories that directly impact trades candidates.
- Work experience requirement increased to 12 months: This reduces the number of eligible candidates and may influence CRS cutoffs
- Cooks (NOC 63200) removed: Eliminates a large portion of previous applicants
- Chefs (NOC 62200) removed: Further narrows eligibility to core trades
- Butchers (NOC 63201) added: Replaces the former agriculture and agri-food category for this role
- Expanded occupation list: Now includes 25 eligible occupations, up from 10 in 2023
These updates shift the focus toward construction, industrial, and mechanical trades rather than food service roles.
Eligible Trade Occupations
To qualify, candidates must have at least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the past three years in one of the eligible occupations. This experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad and does not need to be continuous.
The updated list includes roles such as construction managers, machinists, welders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC mechanics, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, painters, roofers, and butchers, among others.
Candidates may also boost their CRS score by up to 50 points by obtaining a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
Next Steps For Invited Candidates
Candidates who received an invitation now have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This deadline is strict and cannot be extended.
Applicants must include all required documents, such as:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessments
- Police certificates
- Medical examinations
- Proof of work experience
It is important to start gathering documents immediately, as some items, like police certificates, may take weeks to obtain. Missing the deadline will result in losing the invitation and returning to the Express Entry pool.
What This Means Going Forward
The issuance of 3,000 invitations suggests that IRCC has set higher targets for trades in 2026, especially compared to the total of 1,250 invitations issued in 2025.
If this trend continues, CRS cutoffs may decrease as higher-scoring candidates receive invitations and exit the pool. However, there is no fixed schedule for trades draws, and selections may vary depending on labour market needs.
Candidates should keep their profiles active and documents ready, as draws can occur without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to perform all duties listed under my NOC code?
No, but you must meet the lead statement of your occupation and perform a substantial number of the main duties, including all essential ones. Job title alone is not sufficient if your responsibilities do not match the NOC description.
Can candidates outside Canada receive invitations?
Yes. Work experience gained either in Canada or abroad is eligible, provided you meet the criteria under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What if my CRS score is below 477?
You will remain in the pool and may be considered for future draws. Improving language scores, obtaining a certificate of qualification, or securing a provincial nomination can help increase your CRS score.
Will trades draws continue in 2026?
Yes. Trade occupations remain one of the active Express Entry categories for 2026, and the high number of invitations in this draw indicates more rounds are likely in the coming months.
