Canada Invites 1,250 Skilled Trades Workers in PNP Draw
Canada Express Entry: 1,250 Trade Occupation Candidates Invited in Latest Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a fresh wave of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Express Entry system — this time targeting candidates within the trade occupations category. If you’re a skilled tradesperson dreaming of starting a new life in Canada, this update is definitely worth your attention.
Key Highlights
- 1,250 candidates received ITAs in the latest Express Entry draw for trade occupations.
- The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 505.
- Eligible candidates had to submit their Express Entry profile before November 5, 2025, at 10:36 p.m. UTC.
- This is the first trades-specific draw of the year — the last one was back in October 2024.
- CRS score cut-off increased significantly due to the long gap between draws.
- Over 61,000 ITAs have been issued across all Express Entry streams so far in 2025.
What Happened in the Latest Express Entry Draw?
On its sixth draw of September, IRCC invited 1,250 candidates in the trade occupations category. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 505 and had to have created their Express Entry profile before November 5, 2025.
This draw marks the first time this year that IRCC has focused on trade occupations specifically — a noteworthy shift, especially since the previous draw in this category took place nearly a year ago in October 2024. Back then, the CRS cut-off was only 433, making the current jump to 505 quite significant.
So what’s behind this spike? The long interval between trades-specific draws has allowed more eligible candidates to accumulate in the pool. Naturally, this leads to a more competitive environment and a higher threshold for selection.
Express Entry Draw Trends in 2025
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 61,047 ITAs across various Express Entry categories. Although trade occupations just saw their first draw of the year, other categories have been more active.
Breakdown of Express Entry Draws by Category:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 17 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 9 |
| French-language proficiency | 5 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade | 1 |
It’s clear that IRCC has been placing considerable focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws this year. That said, we’re also seeing ongoing attention to candidates who speak French or work in healthcare — two areas consistently flagged as immigration priorities.
Why This Draw Matters for Tradespeople
Skilled trades are vital to Canada’s economy, and this draw highlights the government’s continued efforts to bring in experienced workers who can fill critical labour gaps. Occupations likely included in this category range from electricians and plumbers to welders and carpenters.
If you’re working in a skilled trade and want to build a future in Canada, this could be your sign to act. The requirements are competitive, but the demand is there. And with the latest draw bringing this category back into focus, more opportunities could be just around the corner.
Will There Be More Trades Draws in 2025?
It’s tough to say with certainty, but this draw could signal the beginning of more frequent selections for trade occupations in the coming months. IRCC often adapts its focus based on labour market needs, and given Canada’s ongoing demand for skilled tradespeople, additional rounds are certainly possible.
Staying up to date and maintaining a competitive profile is key, especially if you’re hoping to land an ITA in a future draw. If you meet the eligibility for the Express Entry system, particularly under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, it’s worth getting your profile in the pool sooner rather than later.
Recent Express Entry Draws at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the notable Express Entry draws so far this year:
| Date | Draw Type | ITAs Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 17 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15 | PNP | 228 | 746 |
| September 4 | French-language proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3 | CEC | 1,000 | 534 |
Each draw reflects Canada’s evolving immigration priorities — and reinforces the importance of keeping your Express Entry profile current and competitive.
Check Your Profile’s Strength
Wondering how your Express Entry profile stacks up? With CRS scores fluctuating and application volumes growing, it’s more important than ever to understand where you stand. You can use this Express Entry CRS calculator to estimate your score and identify areas for improvement.
If you’re considering immigration through a provincial program, don’t forget to explore options like the Manitoba PNP, which can add valuable points to your profile and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
Final Thoughts
This latest Express Entry draw is great news for tradespeople looking to make Canada home. While the CRS score was on the higher side, the draw indicates renewed attention to this essential occupational group. If you’re in trades and interested in immigrating to Canada, now’s a great time to ensure your profile is up to date and competitive.
Want to improve your odds of getting an ITA? Learn more about Express Entry strategies, CRS score boosters, and category-based draws in our related posts — or reach out to an immigration professional who can help you map your journey to Canada.
