Trade Occupations
On July 4, 2024, the anticipation was palpable as the draw hinted that the next round would emphasise trade occupations. As predicted, this forecast came to fruition on July 5, 2024, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent out 1,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 436 or higher. These candidates, possessing at least six months of experience in one of the ten specified trade occupations, found themselves at the centre of this trade-focused draw. This significant development underscores the increasing value placed on skilled trades within the Canadian immigration landscape.
Trade Occupation Memo
Today’s results mark the first category-based selection draw since April 24, and the first draw specifically for trade occupations since December 2023. This event is a significant milestone in the Canadian immigration landscape.
This year, preference would be given to category-based draws, as per an internal memo from the IRCC. In category-based selection draws this year, trade occupation draws are anticipated to make up about 5% of all ITAs, according to an IRCC bulletin published last year in April .
The Memo stated the number of ITA rounds planned in 2024 by round type are as followed:
- General: no target specified.
- French: 30%
- Healthcare: 15%
- STEM: 25%
- Trade: 5%
- Transport: 3%
- Agriculture and Agri-Food: 0.5%.
Key Takeaways for Express Entry Candidates
- Invitation Round: #300
- Date and Time of Round: July 4, 2024 at 13:30:48 UTC
- Type of Draw: Trade occupations
- Number of ITAs Issued: 1,800
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate Invited: 436
- Tie-Breaking Rule: July 16, 2023 at 15:44:59 UTC
10 Trade occupations Canada with all the job titles
- 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
- 72405 – Machine fitters
- 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- 72310 – Carpenters
- 72300 – Plumbers
- 72200 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 72106 – Welders and related machine operators
- 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
Analysis of the Draw
The first Trades Occupation Express Entry draw for 2024 has just taken place, marking the second draw in July. Given that the tie-breaking rule dates back quite a while, it’s likely that there are numerous trades applicants in the Express Entry pool with the same Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Consequently, the tie-breaking rule might disappoint some applicants who entered the pool after July 16 of last year.
Notably, this is the first category-based draw we’ve seen since April 2024, which is unexpected since an IRCC internal memo earlier this year indicated a focus on category-based draws for 2024.
Additionally, this draw is significant as it represents the largest Trades Occupations draw ever conducted.
In conclusion, IRCC has been actively issuing invitations to apply (ITAs) in 2024, with a total of 46,174 ITAs distributed across 22 Express Entry draws so far. The most recent draw on July 4, 2024, had a higher CRS cutoff and invited more candidates, indicating increased competition within the Trades Occupations pool. The next Express Entry draw is anticipated on July 5, 2024. This heightened activity and the larger number of ITAs issued in the recent draw underscore the growing interest and competitiveness in the Trades Occupations category, reflecting Canada’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled trades professionals to meet labor market needs.
