Express Entry Prioritizes New Trade Category: Do You Qualify?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced sweeping changes to Canada's Express Entry system on February 27, 2025. The most notable shift is the expansion of the Trade occupations category—an update designed to respond to the evolving needs of the Canadian labor market while offering a faster, more inclusive route to permanent residence for skilled tradespeople.

Under the new guidelines, the Trade category now encompasses 25 occupations, up from previous limits. Nineteen new occupations have been incorporated, while four previous ones were removed from the eligibility list. This strategic realignment recognizes a broad spectrum of skill sets—from bricklayers and cabinetmakers to construction managers and industrial electricians. Applicants can now benefit from a more transparent selection process using National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, ensuring that every candidate’s work experience is evaluated with precision.

For tradespersons, this means a significant advantage. Those who meet the minimum requirement of at least six months of full-time continuous work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in a single eligible trade over the past three years are now more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. Importantly, the new policy mandates that the requisite work experience must be accumulated within one occupation—preventing the aggregation of experience across multiple trades. This change not only underscores the emphasis on specialized skills but also streamlines the evaluation process for both applicants and immigration officials.

The government has made detailed instructions available for potential applicants to verify their eligibility. First, candidates are encouraged to use the Government of Canada’s NOC website to research and filter the most appropriate NOC codes corresponding to their work experience. Next, an additional verification through the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) site ensures that the actual job duties align closely with the lead statements and core responsibilities required. Finally, applicants can confirm if their NOC code appears in the updated Trade category table. This step-by-step method helps reduce application errors and enhances the overall efficiency of the Express Entry draws.

An essential element of this update is the significant difference in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores required for candidates under the Trade category as compared to general draws. In 2024, general Express Entry draws demanded CRS scores between 524 and 549, whereas eligible candidates in the Trade category were successfully invited with scores ranging between 433 and 436. This marked gap highlights the government’s commitment to facilitating a smoother immigration pathway for skilled trades workers—an approach that not only broadens the talent pool but also addresses critical labor shortages across various sectors.

Alongside the refined occupational list, the policy update includes a helpful guide on alternate job titles for some of the newly added trade occupations. For instance, bricklayers might also be identified as apprentice bricklayers, brick masons, or even refractory bricklayers. Similarly, cabinetmakers could appear on record under titles such as cabinetmaker apprentice or custom wood furniture maker. Such clarifications are crucial in today’s diverse job market, ensuring that the nuances of trade terminology do not hinder an applicant’s chance at permanent residency.

Experts believe that these targeted changes will not only expedite the Express Entry process for qualified candidates but also assist Canada in meeting its economic and labor market demands. With more tradespeople able to secure ITAs at a lower CRS threshold, the new Trade category is poised to become one of the most dynamic facets of Canada’s immigration landscape. The reform reflects the country’s forward-thinking strategy of adapting immigration policies to foster a more inclusive, skilled, and robust workforce.

For those considering applying, it is advisable to carefully review the updated list of eligible occupations and verify that their roles align with the detailed guidelines provided by the government. With a more merit-based and occupation-specific system in place, Canada is setting the stage for an influx of skilled trades professionals eager to contribute to its vibrant economy.

Looking ahead, this revamp may pave the way for further innovation in the way Canada welcomes immigrants. As the labor market continues to evolve, so too might the policies designed to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world. For now, skilled tradespeople have every reason to explore this promising avenue toward Canadian permanent residence.