Canada invites 1,800 in Express Entry draw for trade occupations

In the latest development from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 1,800 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued through the Express Entry program in a category-based selection draw. This draw specifically targeted candidates working in trade occupations, requiring a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 433 to qualify. This event marks a significant step in Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled workers, particularly those in trades, as part of its broader immigration strategy.

This draw is particularly notable as it is the first trade-occupation-specific category-based selection since July 4, when another 1,800 candidates were invited with a minimum CRS score of 436. It is also the first draw focused on trade occupations that did not prioritize French proficiency since July 5.

The latest draw is part of a busy week for Express Entry selections, being the third such event in just a few days. On October 22, a separate draw invited 400 candidates from the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), requiring a minimum CRS score of 539. The day before, on October 21, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw took place, where 648 candidates with a CRS score of 791 or more received ITAs.

In recent months, IRCC has developed a pattern of holding multiple Express Entry draws during the same week, with selections often including PNP and CEC-specific categories. This strategic move reflects IRCC’s focus on increasing the number of domestic draws, particularly targeting temporary residents already living and working in Canada. The department's approach addresses the dual goals of reducing the temporary resident population and meeting its targets for new permanent residents under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.

The next iteration of this plan is expected to be unveiled by November 1, which will outline immigration goals for 2025-2027. The target for 2024, which was set to welcome 110,770 new permanent residents, has yet to be confirmed as achieved. However, many of the ITAs issued in the latter half of 2024 are more likely to result in admissions in 2025, as IRCC’s processing timeline for Express Entry applications generally spans six months.

For those unfamiliar with the system, Express Entry is Canada’s primary application management system for its three key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). These programs aim to fill critical gaps in Canada’s labour market by selecting candidates based on their human capital factors, such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.

The selection process is driven by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points to candidates based on these factors. Higher scores increase a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA in future draws. Notably, candidates nominated through a provincial program receive an automatic 600-point boost to their CRS score, making them highly competitive.

Canada’s ongoing focus on Express Entry and its consistent draws highlight the country’s commitment to filling labour shortages while supporting its economic growth through immigration.