Canada Issues 1,250 ITAs in First Express Entry Draw of 2025 for Trades

In a major development for skilled trades workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first trades-category Express Entry draw of 2025, issuing 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The draw, held on September 18, 2025, demonstrates Canada’s continued emphasis on accommodating trades professionals, such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and industrial technicians, in its immigration planning.

For many applicants in the trades, this targeted draw offers renewed hope, especially as the category-based rounds become more frequent. Many trade candidates have often faced tougher competition in general draws; this dedicated round levels the playing field by focusing on occupation-specific demand.

Details of the Draw

• Draw Number: #368
  
  

• Date of Draw: September 18, 2025
  
  

• Type of Draw: Category-based – Trades occupations only
  
  

• Number of ITAs Issued: 1,250
  
  

• Minimum CRS Score (cut-off): 505
  
  

• Tie-Breaker / Profile Submission Cut-off: Profiles submitted before November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC were eligible in case of ties at the CRS cut-off.

Overview of the Draw

• The trades-category draw is part of IRCC’s category-based rounds, which are designed to target professions in high demand rather than relying solely on general eligibility criteria.

• In this draw, only candidates with trade-occupation experience were considered. Trades occupations often involve skilled technical work, hands-on roles, and are critical for infrastructure, manufacturing, construction, and maintenance sectors across Canada.

  
  

• By holding this trades-only draw, IRCC acknowledges the labor shortages in these essential sectors. The cut-off CRS score of 505 is relatively high compared to many general draws, reflecting strong competition even among trades applicants.

• However, for those in trades, this round presents a clearer and more focused opportunity to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.

Impact on Immigration Landscape

1. Encouraging Skilled Trades Migration

This draw signals that Canada is serious about filling its trade gaps. With infrastructure projects, housing demands, and industrial growth in many provinces, skilled tradespeople are increasingly central to immigration priorities.

2. CRS Threshold Remains Steep

Despite being category-based, the required CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score of 505 remains high, meaning only highly qualified trade applicants (those with strong language scores, good work experience, and possibly Canadian or similar credentials) will be successful. For many, optimizing language test results or gaining more relevant experience will be essential.

3. More Predictable for Trade Candidates

Having a dedicated draw reduces uncertainty for trade applicants. Instead of competing in broader draws, they participate in events where their occupation directly qualifies them, thereby improving planning and preparation.

4. Boost to Provincial and National Labor Markets

Regions with labor shortages in skilled trades (construction, manufacturing, repair services, etc.) may benefit faster as new residents with these skills arrive. This can help alleviate bottlenecks in housing, infrastructure, utilities, and industrial sectors.

5. Encouraging Applicants to Submit Early and Strengthen Profiles

The presence of a tie-breaker date shows that early profile submission matters. Applicants in trades will need to ensure their documents, language scores, and other profile components are in top shape ahead of possible future rounds.

Canada Express Entry Draw List 2025