On October 23, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a category-based Express Entry draw, issuing 1,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in trade occupations. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 433, slightly lower than the previous draw for this category held in July 2024.
This was the third Express Entry draw of the week, following a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw on October 22 and a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on October 21.
Highlights:
- Category: Trade Occupations
- Number of ITAs: 1,800
- Minimum CRS Score: 433
- Date: October 23, 2024
- Tie-breaking rule: March 12, 2024
IRCC’s Strategy of Targeted Draws
This draw aligns with IRCC’s strategy of holding frequent, targeted draws to address Canada’s labour market needs and manage the flow of temporary residents transitioning to permanent status. The next Immigration Levels Plan, expected by November 1, will outline the goals for 2025-2027. Those receiving ITAs in these later-year draws are likely to be admitted in 2025 due to IRCC’s six-month processing timeline for Express Entry applications.
Recent Draw Details
| Specifics | October 23 | October 22 | October 21 |
| Category | Targeted draw of 10 trade occupations | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Provincial Nominee Program |
| Invitations | 1,800 | 400 | 648 |
| CRS Cutoff | 433 | 539 | 791 |
| Tie-breaking rule | March 12, 2024 at 14:30:36 UTC | October 19, 2024 at 21:53:18 UTC | August 13, 2024 at 20:04:52 UTC |
Full list 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
Category-Based Express Entry Draws
In 2023, IRCC introduced category-based Express Entry rounds, specifically designed to invite candidates in six key categories. These categories include individuals who either demonstrate French language proficiency at CLB Level 7 or have at least six months of work experience in any of the following sectors:
- 35 healthcare occupations
- 25 STEM occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- 10 trade occupations
- 10 transportation occupations
- 3 agriculture and agri-food occupations
- These targeted draws help Canada address specific labour market needs.
How IRCC’s Trades Category Draws Align with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan
The recent Express Entry trades category draws align closely with Canada’s broader Immigration Levels Plan, which is designed to meet both economic needs and demographic challenges. The inclusion of key trades, such as residential and commercial installers, plumbers, electricians, and machine fitters, helps address labour shortages in critical industries.
In the constantly expanding but labour-scarce sectors of the Canadian economy, such as manufacturing, infrastructure development, and construction, skilled crafts are essential. The government guarantees the timely completion of major infrastructure projects, housing developments, and energy-efficient systems like HVAC installations by bringing in qualified experts in these domains. These professions are essential to the stability and growth of Canada’s economy as it works to solve housing shortages, construct more sustainable infrastructure, and satisfy the country’s expanding need for skilled workers in a variety of industries.
Additionally, by emphasising trades, the IRCC hopes to assist in lowering dependency on temporary foreign workers and assisting in their conversion to permanent residents. The objectives of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, which places a high priority on admitting skilled immigrants who can make an instant contribution to important sectors, are in accord with this. In order to solve the housing shortage, Canada plans to construct 3.5 million new homes by 2030, which is expected to maintain a high demand for tradespeople. These workers will support the economy’s overall expansion while helping to meet the pressing demand in these areas.
In essence, trades-specific draws support Canada’s immigration and economic priorities by ensuring a steady inflow of qualified workers who can fill essential roles in the country’s labour market
Congratulations to all those who received their Invitations to Apply (ITA) in this recent draw! As you move forward, ensure that you carefully follow the guidelines and complete each step of the process promptly and accurately to avoid delays. This is an exciting step toward achieving permanent residency in Canada, so being prepared and organised is crucial.
For those who did not receive an ITA this time, do not be disheartened. The next Express Entry draw is expected to take place on November 7, and there will be many more opportunities ahead. Continue to maintain your profile, stay updated on changes, and you might receive your invitation soon. Good luck!
