Canada held its latest Express Entry draw on September 18, 2025, targeting candidates under the Trade Occupations category. This round highlights the country’s ongoing focus on bringing in skilled workers to support industries that are facing critical labour shortages.
Key Highlights of the Draw
• Category: Trade Occupations
• Date: September 18, 2025
• Number of Invitations Issued: 1,250
• Minimum CRS Score Required: 505
• Tie-Breaking Rule: November 05, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC
• Rank Needed: 1,250 or above
What This Means for Candidates
The cut-off score of 505 reflects the high competition in the pool, especially for trade-specific applicants. Candidates with experience in occupations such as electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, heavy equipment mechanics, and other skilled trades are seeing increasing opportunities through these targeted rounds.
This draw is also significant because it continues Canada’s category-based selection system, which was introduced to prioritize workers with experience in high-demand fields such as:
• Health care
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Trades
• Transport
• Agriculture and agri-food
Why Trades Are a Priority
Canada is experiencing a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople due to:
• An aging workforce and retirements in key industries
• Increased demand for housing and infrastructure projects
• Expansion in sectors like construction, energy, and manufacturing
By inviting candidates through this stream, Canada aims to ensure that the economy has the right talent to keep up with growth and development goals.
What Should Candidates Do Next?
If you are working in the trades and have a competitive CRS score:
1. Keep your Express Entry profile updated with accurate work experience, education, and language test results.
2. Gain provincial nomination (PNP) if eligible, since it adds 600 points to your CRS score.
3. Improve your CRS score by retaking language tests or adding additional credentials.
Final Thoughts
The September 18, 2025 draw shows that Canada is serious about welcoming skilled tradespeople, not only to address current labour gaps but also to build a stronger economy for the future. If you’re a trades professional considering immigration, this is the right time to prepare your profile and explore both Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.
👉 Stay tuned for the next rounds, as cut-offs may fluctuate depending on the pool size and occupational demand.
