Canada’s 2025 Express Entry Draws Prioritizes Skilled Trades for the First Time

IRCC held an Express Entry draw on 18th September 2025, specifically targeting trade occupations for the first time this year. This draw is exclusively important for two reasons:

• It was the first draw for trade occupations in 2025 and the first since October 23, 2024.
• It signals Canada’s commitment to welcome skilled workers in high-demand sectors, providing a targeted pathway for different professions (including trades) to permanent residency.

This is yet another prime example of category-based selection, where IRCC can invite candidates with specific skills and occupations based on the country’s economic needs. This draw invited 1250 skilled workers from the trades occupation category. The required CRS score was 505.

Which Trade Occupations Were Targeted in This Express Entry Draw?

You can find the complete list of 25 eligible trade occupations on the IRCC website.

Eligibility criteria for the 18th September 2025 draw

Candidates needed at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in one of these occupations within the last three years. This experience could be from within Canada or abroad.

Previous 2025 Express Entry Draws

IRCC issued 61,047 ITAs so far in 2025 through Express Entry Draws. This trade-focused round was the sixth Express Entry draw of September, painting a clear picture of a very active month. By issuing invitations across various categories, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and draws for candidates in education and with French-language skills, Canada is demonstrating a multi-faceted strategy to attract a diverse range of talented newcomers.

Why is this Draw Important for Skilled Workers?

The first Express Entry draw for trade occupations is noteworthy for skilled workers from all over the world due to several reasons.

Directly address a critical labour shortage

Canada conducted the draw for trades occupations because it is facing a significant shortage of skilled trade workers. So, if you are a skilled worker, keep an eye on the in-demand occupations or the market gap in the country to predict the targeted occupation for the next draw.

Builds hope for in-demand workers beyond CRS score

In general Express Entry draws, candidates from all professions compete against each other primarily based on their CRS scores. The competition is tough and biased since it often favours candidates with master’s or PhDs and high language proficiency scores.

This 2025 draw targeting the trades workers carves out a separate path. It ensures that in-demand workers like those in the trades category can get access to a realistic and accessible route to permanent residency.

Values “Hands-on” skills

The draw sends a powerful message that Canada highly values and urgently needs skilled trades. It recognizes and appreciates the skills required to be a plumber, carpenter or mechanic. These support key sectors of the Canadian economy, such as construction, infrastructure and manufacturing.

How Shall The Future Draws Look for Trades Workers?

The current list of targeted trade occupations is focused on the most critical shortages in the construction and industrial sectors. These needs are directly linked to national priorities like addressing the housing crisis and building infrastructure.

You can expect the demand for these occupations—such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and welders—to remain high. It’s also possible that the government may adjust the list in the future based on new labour market data, potentially expanding it to include other in-demand trades.

The opportunities for skilled trades professionals in Canada are clearer than ever, but navigating the Express Entry system requires precision. Ensuring your profile is perfectly optimized, from selecting the exact NOC code to highlighting your experience, is the key to turning this opportunity into an invitation.

This is where expert guidance can illuminate the path forward. At Onkar Immigration, we specialize in helping skilled workers from India present a compelling case to Canadian immigration authorities. We’re here to help you demystify the process, strategize your application, and ensure your profile stands out in the next trades-focused draw. Your skill is in demand; let’s make sure your application proves it.

admin

See Full Bio