Canada's Express Entry Trade Category Expands, Boosting Chances for Skilled Tradespeople
Canada's Express Entry system has revamped its Trade category, effective February 27, 2025. This update expands opportunities for skilled tradespeople seeking Canadian permanent residence.
The revised Trade category now encompasses 25 eligible occupations, the most of any category in 2025. These include roles like electricians, welders, plumbers, and carpenters, among others. Applicants should compare their job duties and experience with the given list to find a match.
Applicants must have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in one of these eligible occupations within the past three years. Previously, this requirement was six months of work experience in a single occupation, but it is now specified that it must be within a single occupation. Additionally, apprentices in eligible trades are also considered for this category.
The new Trade category has seen a significant increase, with 19 new occupations added and four removed. In 2024, the CRS cut-off for Trade occupations ranged between 433 and 436, notably lower than general draws, which ranged from 524 to 549.
The overhaul of the Trade category in Canada's Express Entry system presents a significant opportunity for skilled tradespeople. With a lower CRS cut-off and more eligible occupations than any other category in 2025, qualifying for the Trade category increases one's chances of receiving an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
