Canada’s First Express Entry Draw for Trade Occupations in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Canada has kick-started a new phase of immigration in 2025 by holding its first Express Entry draw for trade occupations. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the trades category, marking a crucial step for skilled professionals like electricians, carpenters, cooks, and mechanics who want to build a future in Canada.

This draw demonstrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to attracting skilled tradespeople to address growing labor shortages across provinces.

Key Highlights of the Draw

• Number of ITAs issued: 1,250

• Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: 505

• Eligibility requirement: Candidates must have created their Express Entry profile before November 5, 2025, 10:36 PM UTC

This CRS cut-off is noticeably higher than many other category-based draws. The last trades-focused draw in October 2024 had a much lower CRS cut-off of 433, showing just how competitive the pool has become after a long gap between draws.

Why the CRS Cut-off Was High

The increase to 505 CRS points is due to the backlog of candidates in the trades category. With nearly a year since the last draw, more qualified profiles had accumulated in the Express Entry system. This naturally made the selection more competitive.

It’s also worth noting that very few category-based draws in the past have crossed the 500 CRS threshold, making this a remarkable event.

Breakdown of 2025 Express Entry Draws So Far

Here’s how IRCC has distributed ITAs in 2025 up to September:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 17 draws

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 9 draws

• French-language category: 5 draws

• Healthcare & Social Services: 4 draws

• Education: 2 draws

• Trades: 1 draw (this latest one)

So far, 61,047 ITAs have been issued across all Express Entry categories in 2025.

Future Outlook for Trades Draws

According to recent Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) data, IRCC plans to issue 3,300 ITAs for trades occupations in the second half of 2025. Since 1,250 invitations have already been issued, an estimated 2,050 more ITAs could still be released this year.

However, IRCC can adjust this schedule anytime based on labor market needs.

Real-Life Examples of Eligible Candidates

To better understand how candidates in skilled trades can succeed, let’s look at some real-time scenarios:

Example 1: Kavitha – Skilled Cook

• Background: 25-year-old from India with a Canadian degree in Hospitality Management.

• Work Experience: 2 years abroad + 1 year in Canada.

• Language: English CLB 10.

• Special Qualification: Licensed Cook in Ontario.

• CRS Score: 514
  ✅ Kavitha easily met the CRS cut-off and received an ITA.

Example 2: Mohamed – Carpenter

• Background: 31-year-old from Bangladesh with a degree in Carpentry and Industrial Design.

• Work Experience: 3 years foreign + 1 year Canadian.

• Language: English CLB 9.

• Additional Factor: Brother already a PR in Canada.

• CRS Score: 521
  ✅ Family ties and Canadian education boosted his CRS, making him a strong candidate.

Example 3: Jonathan – Electrical Mechanic

• Background: 32-year-old from Nigeria with a Canadian diploma in Electrical Techniques.

• Work Experience: 3 years foreign + 3 years Canadian.

• Language: English CLB 10.

• Spousal Advantage: Wife has a Master’s in Education and Canadian work experience.

• CRS Score: 506
  ✅ Jonathan qualified, and his spouse will also benefit from PR through his application.

Why This Matters for Skilled Trades Professionals

Canada faces shortages in several key trade sectors such as construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. This Express Entry draw shows that the government is:

• Actively prioritizing tradespeople to fill urgent labor gaps.

• Rewarding candidates with Canadian education, work experience, or family ties.

• Offering opportunities for both new immigrants and international students in trades-related programs.

Tips for Future Applicants in Trades Categories

1. Improve Language Proficiency – Achieving CLB 9 or higher in English/French can significantly boost CRS scores.

2. Gain Canadian Work Experience – Even 1 year of local experience can make a big difference.

3. Obtain Certificates of Qualification – Many trades in Canada require licensing, which adds valuable CRS points.

4. Leverage Family Ties – Having a sibling in Canada who is a PR or citizen provides additional points.

5. Stay Updated – Monitor IRCC draw patterns and prepare documentation in advance.

Conclusion

The first trades Express Entry draw of 2025 is a positive sign for skilled workers aiming for Canadian Permanent Residency. With more ITAs expected before the year ends, now is the right time for trades professionals worldwide to strengthen their profiles and seize this opportunity.

Whether you’re a cook, carpenter, welder, or electrician, Canada is opening its doors wider for you.