Largest-Ever Express Entry Trades Draw on Oct 1 Issues 3,500 ITAs

Key Takeaways

Type of draw: Category-based — Trade occupations

Invitations issued: 3,500

Minimum CRS score: 476

Tie-breaking rule:  May 28, 2026 at 16:55:23 UTC

Prediction for next draw: Category-based draw on October 2, 2026. Check our dedicated page for more on when we’re expecting the next Express Entry draw.

Our Analysis of this Express Entry Draw

Today’s draw is the second category-based draw for trade occupations in 2026. IRCC invited 3,500 candidates with qualifying trades work experience to apply for permanent residence, with a minimum CRS score of 476 required.

With 3,500 ITAs issued, the October 1, draw was the largest ever trades draw since the category was first prioritized in 2023. Previously, on April 2, IRCC had issued 3,000 invitations at a minimum CRS of 477. Today’s draw comes fivemonths later.

The cut-off dropped just one point since April, despite the much largest draw. The draw size suggests IRCC is maintaining a meaningful pace for this category.

It is also worth noting that cooks were removed from the trade occupations category before the April draw. That change shifted the occupational mix of who receives ITAs. With cooks no longer eligible, invitations are now going to a broader range of trades, including electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and other skilled workers in construction and industrial sectors.

The total number of trade occupations ITAs issued this year now stands at 6,500.

When Do We Expect the Next Trades Occupation Draw

Trades is a growing priority for the Canadian economy. In late April, the federal government’s Spring Economic Updatecommitted to recruiting and training 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2030 to boost housing construction, infrastructure, and defence sectors. The government has also announced new funding for apprenticeships and paid training pathways as part of that push.

Notably, 2026 has already proven to be a better year for the trades occupation category than previous ones. Trades category draws only saw 2,500, 3,600, and 1,250 ITAs in 2023, 2024, and 2025 respectively. This puts 2026’s 6,500 ITAs well ahead of earlier years.

Although this is only the second draw in the category this year, many provinces have been prioritizing candidates with skilled trades experience as well.

This means that IRCC is likely getting skilled trades candidates through other economic immigration programs as well. As a result, it is hard to predict if there will be another category-based draw for trades occupations.

What This Means for You

If you received an ITA today, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.

If your CRS score is below today’s cut-off, there are a few ways to improve your position. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score and would make an ITA in any future draw almost certain. You can also look at whether retaking a language test or adding a result in your second official language would push your score up.

IRCC is also in the process of reforming the Express Entry system and making changes to CRS scores. One of the proposed changes is to award extra points to candidates with a Red Seal certification (instead of anyone with a Certificate of Qualification). If you plan to enter the Express Entry pool in the coming months as a trades worker, you can maximize your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence by getting your certifications in place first.

Further Resources for Trades Occupation Candidates

• Learn more aboutTrades occupation category draws 

• See the latest Express Entry draw results
• Check the current state of the Express Entry pool
• Use our CRS score calculator to see where you stand