Canada continues to address labour shortages through targeted immigration pathways, and this week marked the country’s first trades-specific Express Entry draw of 2025. The draw highlights the growing importance of skilled trade workers in Canada’s economic strategy and provides new opportunities for eligible candidates.
Key Highlights of the Draw
On September 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a category-based Express Entry draw focused on trade occupations. The results were as follows:
- Invitations Issued: 1,250
- Minimum CRS Score: 505
- Eligibility: At least six months of recent work experience in one of 25 eligible trade occupations
The CRS cut-off score of 505 reflects the continued competitiveness of Express Entry, even in category-specific draws.
Why This Draw Matters
This is the first trades-focused round of invitations this year, signaling Canada’s commitment to filling essential roles in construction, manufacturing, and related skilled trade sectors. With infrastructure growth and housing demands rising, skilled trades are critical to meeting national labour market needs.
For candidates, this means that having a background in the trades not only increases eligibility under this category but also positions them strongly within Canada’s immigration priorities.
What This Means for Applicants
- High Competition: A cut-off of 505 demonstrates that while opportunities exist, candidates still need strong overall profiles.
- Pathway for Trades Professionals: Those in eligible occupations now have a clearer pathway to permanent residency through Express Entry.
- Future Opportunities: More category-based draws targeting trades are expected throughout 2025, offering multiple chances for candidates to be selected.
Next Steps for Candidates
If you were not selected in this draw, it’s important to:
- Keep your Express Entry profile updated with the latest work experience, language test results, and educational credentials.
- Consider ways to improve your CRS score, such as retaking language exams or gaining additional Canadian work experience.
- Monitor upcoming draws, as IRCC continues to alternate between different categories, including healthcare, education, and STEM fields.
The latest trades draw demonstrates Canada’s ongoing reliance on skilled tradespeople to drive economic growth and support vital industries. For those in trade occupations, this marks an encouraging step forward, though the high CRS cut-off also underlines the competitive nature of the program.
Congratulations to the 1,250 candidates invited — and for those still waiting, more opportunities are on the horizon as Canada continues to expand its category-based selection draws in 2025.
