On December 19, 2023, IRCC issued 1,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry round #276 in the latest Targeted Express Entry Draw for trade occupations. The CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited was 425, suggesting that even those with lower scores have opportunities to immigrate.
This draw marks the second time that trade occupations have been targeted. The first draw occurred on August 3, 2023, and saw 1500 invitations issued with a CRS cut-off score of 388. The decrease in invitations from the first to the second draw could indicate changing immigration needs or strategies.
Targeted Express Entry Draw for Skilled Trades Occupations
- Express Entry Round: #276
- Draw Type: Category-Based Targeted for Trades Occupations
- Draw Date: December 19, 2023
- CRS Cut-off Score: 425
- No. of invitations: 1,000
- Tie-breaking rule: November 04, 2023
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Book a ConsultationTargeted Express Entry for Skilled Trades Occupations
Skilled trade occupations in Canada cover a broad spectrum of fields, requiring specialized knowledge, technical expertise, and practical experience. Skilled tradespeople must qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program to be eligible for consideration in these rounds.
Learn more: A Guide to Targeted Express Entry for Skilled Trades Professionals
Here is the list of eligible occupations under this category:
| Occupation | 2021 NOC Code |
| Residential and commercial installers and servicers | 73200 |
| Elevator constructors and mechanics | 72406 |
| Machine fitters | 72405 |
| Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power systems) | 72200 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and services | 72014 |
Eligibility Requirements for Targeted Express Entry Draw in 2023
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Immigration Minister, announced the finalized categories for category-based selection in Canada’s immigration system on May 31. Bill C-19, which was enacted by the Canadian parliament in June, subsequently became law.
The chosen categories for category-based selection are as follows:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare Occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Skilled Trade occupations
- Transport occupations (including Truck Drivers)
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
You must also meet all the eligibility requirements for one of the three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
| Date | Draw Type | Invitations | CRS Cut-off Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Trade occupations (Version 2) | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 17, 2025 | Education occupations (Version 1) | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| September 4, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 2, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| August 19, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 2,500 | 470 |
| August 18, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 500 | 504 |
| June 2, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 277 | 726 |
| May 13, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 547 |
| May 12, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 511 | 706 |
| May 2, 2025 | Healthcare and social services occupations (Version 2) | 500 | 510 |
| May 1, 2025 | Education occupations (Version 1) | 1,000 | 479 |
| April 28, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19, 2025 | French language proficiency (Version 1) | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8, 2025 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7, 2025 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
Ready to Apply for Express Entry?
Book a ConsultationNeed Help with Category-Based Targeted Express Entry?
Considering a move to Canada? Our team, led by Mr. Keshav Sharma, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), is here to guide you through the process.
We’re currently offering a comprehensive service package for eligible candidates in the Targeted Express Entry pool. This includes assistance with Express Entry profile submission, document preparation, and personalized consultation with an RCIC.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to reach out to us. We’re committed to helping you navigate your immigration journey. Stay tuned for more updates.
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