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Canada Expands Express Entry Trade Category in 2025 — Great News for Skilled Workers
On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the Express Entry system, particularly enhancing the Trade Occupations category.
This overhaul aims to address labor shortages in Canada's construction, manufacturing, and maintenance sectors by expanding the list of eligible occupations and adjusting eligibility criteria.
Expansion of the Trade Occupations Category
The Trade Occupations category saw the most substantial growth among all Express Entry categories in 2025.
Nineteen new occupations were added, bringing the total to 25 eligible trades.
This expansion reflects Canada's commitment to attracting skilled tradespeople to support its infrastructure and economic development goals.
Eligibility Criteria for the Trade Category
To qualify under the Trade Occupations category, candidates must:
Have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in a single eligible occupation within the past three years.
Meet the minimum requirements of one of the federal economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Demonstrate that their work experience aligns with the lead statement and a substantial number of the main duties listed for their occupation in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
Impact on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Scores
One of the significant advantages of qualifying under the Trade Occupations category is the potential for lower CRS score requirements. In 2024, general Express Entry draws had CRS cut-offs ranging between 524 and 549.
However, draws targeting trade occupations had significantly lower cut-offs, ranging between 433 and 436.
This trend suggests that candidates in the Trade category may have a higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, even with lower CRS scores.
Steps to Determine Eligibility
Identify Your NOC Code: Visit the Government of Canada's NOC website and use the "Filter items" search bar to find the NOC code that best matches your work experience.
Consider searching for different title variations if needed.
Verify Job Duties: Cross-reference your NOC code on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) site under the "Search by NOC Code" tab. Ensure your role closely aligns with the lead statement and includes a substantial number of the listed duties.
Check Eligibility: Confirm that your NOC code is among the 25 occupations listed under the Trade category.
The 2025 enhancements to the Express Entry system's Trade Occupations category present a valuable opportunity for skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residence in Canada.
By expanding the list of eligible occupations and potentially lowering CRS score requirements, Canada aims to attract and retain talent essential for its economic growth and infrastructure development.
Prospective applicants should assess their eligibility promptly to take advantage of these favorable changes.
