Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted the first Express Entry draw under the newly introduced trade category. Canada is making a major shift in its immigration strategy. This targeted round focuses on federal skilled trades program, reflecting the country’s growing demand for professionals in construction, manufacturing, and related sectors.
However, this is the first trade occupations draw of 2026 and the first since September 2025, when IRCC issued only 1,250 invitations for this category in the entire year.
With category-based selection gaining momentum, this draw opens new opportunities for candidates whose occupations align with in-demand trades. It also signals Canada’s more focused approach to addressing labour shortages through immigration.
Latest Express Entry Draw Results
Canada held its latest Express Entry draw on April 02, 2026, issuing 3,000 ITAs for the Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3. The minimum CRS score was 477.
- Date of Round: April 02, 2026
- Type of Draw: Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3
- Number of ITAs Issued: 3,000
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 477
- Tie-Breaking Rule: February 14, 2026, at 20:53:54 UTC
If more than one candidate has the lowest score, the cut-off is based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Express Entry Draw: Program-Wise Breakdown
The table below outlines how Express Entry invitations in 2026 have been allocated across programs and targeted categories, providing a clearer picture of selection trends.
| Draw Type | Number of Draws | Total ITAs |
| Canadian Experience Class | 6 | 30,250 |
| French-Language proficiency | 3 | 18,000 |
| Healthcare and Social Services Occupations | 1 | 4,000 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 | 391 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 7 | 2,939 |
| Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 | 250 |
| Trades Occupations | 1 | 3,000 |
| Total | 20 | 58,830 |
Trade Occupation List with NOC Code and TEER Level
Here is the complete list of eligible trade occupations, along with their NOC codes and TEER levels, considered under the latest Express Entry Trades category:
| Occupation | NOC Code | TEER Level |
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 | 2 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | 2 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 | 2 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 | 2 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 | 2 |
| Bricklayers | 72320 | 2 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 | 2 |
| Carpenters | 72310 | 2 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 | 2 |
| Plumbers | 72300 | 2 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 | 2 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 | 2 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 | 2 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 | 2 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 | 2 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 | 0 |
| Construction managers | 70010 | 0 |
| Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 | 3 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 | 2 |
Candidates working in Canada in-demand occupations should consider obtaining a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory, as it can add up to 50 CRS points. Using a CRS score calculator can help assess how this boost improves their overall profile, ultimately increasing their chances in targeted Trades draws and securing an ITA.
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Source: canada.ca
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