Canada’s immigration system has opened a new Express Entry draw targeting skilled tradespeople. A total of 3,500 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates who met the specific criteria for the Trades category.
Eligibility criteria for the trades draw
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: Minimum of 476.
- Express Entry profile creation: Must have been submitted by 12:47:55 UTC on 1 October 2026.
- For candidates whose CRS score was exactly 476, the profile had to be created on or before 28 May 2026 at 16:55:23 UTC.
- Applicants must satisfy the minimum work‑experience requirements defined for the Trades category (e.g., skilled‑trade occupations listed under NOC Skill Type B).
Work‑permit options for candidates already in Canada
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Foreign nationals in Canada with a pending permanent‑residence application may qualify for a BOWP.
- Maintained status: If the current work permit expires before a BOWP decision, maintained (implied) status can preserve work authorization, provided the holder continues to reside in Canada.
- Open work permits for family members: Eligible spouses or common‑law partners can apply for an open work permit.
2026 Express Entry draw landscape
Canada conducted 59 Express Entry draws in 2026, issuing a total of 135,215 ITAs across several categories:
| Draw type | Number of draws | ITAs issued |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 19 | 9,270 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 17 | 55,250 |
| French‑Language proficiency | 10 | 50,500 |
| Trades (including this draw) | 1 | 3,000 |
| Healthcare and social services | 3 | 11,500 |
| Physicians with Canadian work experience | 3 | 891 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian work experience | 3 | 1,000 |
| Transport | 1 | 300 |
| Skilled Military Recruits | 1 | 4 |
The trades draw on 2 April 2026 (the first draw under the newly‑revamped trades category) had a CRS cut‑off of 477 and resulted in 3,000 ITAs. The latest draw on 1 October 2026 raised the cut‑off slightly to 476 and allocated 3,500 ITAs to tradespeople.
Practical considerations for prospective applicants
- Timing is critical: Profiles must be submitted before the UTC deadline; late submissions are ineligible regardless of CRS score.
- CRS score margin: A score of 476 is just above the cut‑off for this draw; candidates close to this threshold should consider improving their score (e.g., through language testing, education credentials, or provincial nomination) before the next draw.
- Work‑permit continuity: Those already working in Canada should monitor the expiry dates of their current permits and apply for a BOWP or rely on maintained status to avoid gaps in authorization.
- Family eligibility: Spouses or partners can obtain open work permits, which may enhance the household’s overall CRS score in future draws.
Overall, the 2026 Express Entry program continues to prioritize candidates with existing Canadian ties—particularly provincial nominees and individuals with Canadian work experience—while expanding opportunities for skilled tradespeople through dedicated draws.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
