IRCC has conducted its first Express Entry draw for trade occupations in 2025. This draw issued 1,250 ITAs. This draw also marks a significant development in Canada's immigration landscape. This is because trade-specific selections remain rare compared to other categories.
Details of the September 19 Draw
To qualify for this latest round, applicants must:
- Hold a minimum CRS score of 505.
- Have created their Express Entry profile before 10:36 p.m. UTC on November 5, 2025.
This is a notable draw as very few Express Entry rounds reach a CRS cut-off above 500. This makes it one of the most competitive trade draws ever held.
The previous trade occupation draw took place nearly a year ago, on October 23, 2024, when the cut-off was only 433. The sharp rise to 505 reflects both the long gap between draws and the accumulation of highly ranked candidates in the pool.
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
So far in 2025, IRCC has issued 61,047 ITAs across a wide range of categories. This includes the PNP, CEC and French-language proficiency. Education, healthcare, social services and now trade occupations are also included.
Recent draws include:
- September 17 – Education category: 2,500 ITAs, CRS 462
- September 15 – PNP draw: 228 ITAs, CRS 746
- September 4 – French-language proficiency: 4,500 ITAs, CRS 446
- September 3 – Canadian Experience Class: 1,000 ITAs, CRS 534
This September trade draw was the 6th round of invitations this month. This highlights IRCC's proactive approach to meeting immigration targets and addressing labour market needs.
Breakdown of 2025 Draw Types
As of September, IRCC has held:
- 17 PNP draws
- 9 CEC draws
- 5 French-language draws
- 4 healthcare draws
- 2 education draws
- 1 trade occupations draw
While PNP draws continue to dominate, the trade occupations category is now back in focus. This shows Canada’s recognition of the importance of skilled trades in supporting its economy.
Expected Number of ITAs in the Trade Category
According to a recently released Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) report, IRCC anticipates issuing approximately 3,300 ITAs for trade occupations in the second half of 2025. With 1250 already granted in this latest draw, there could be an additional 2050 ITAs for trade candidates before year-end.
It is important to note that IRCC retains complete flexibility in altering its ITA distributions based on economic conditions, so the exact figures may vary. The return of trade-focused draws is welcome news for skilled workers in construction, manufacturing and related industries who aim to immigrate through Express Entry.
How This Draw Impacts Applicants
The higher CRS threshold highlights the growing competitiveness of Express Entry. Candidates in the trade category should consider strengthening their profiles by:
- Enhancing their language proficiency in English and/or French
- Getting additional Canadian or international work experience
- Pursuing provincial nomination opportunities to boost CRS scores
- Keeping their Express Entry profile updated and active.
With Canada expected to continue sector-specific draws, preparing in advance is important to increase the chances of receiving an invitation.
Croyez Immigration’s Expertise
At Croyez Immigration, we specialise in guiding candidates through the complexities of the Express Entry system, including trade occupation categories. With years of proven expertise and a strong track record of successful applications, our consultants will help clients to optimise CRS scores and prepare robust documentation to secure ITAs.
As Canada places renewed emphasis on skilled trades, this draw demonstrates that opportunities are expanding for qualified professionals. Croyez Immigration is committed to helping applicants position themselves competitively in upcoming rounds.
