IRCC invites 3,000 Candidates in First Category-Based Draw for Trades this Year

Key Takeaways    

Type of draw: Category-based selection for trade occupations, 

Invitations issued: 3,000 

Minimum CRS score: 477 

Tie-breaking rule: February 14, 2026 at 20:53:54 UTC 

Prediction for next draw: Provincial Nominee Program on April 13. 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 first category-based draw for trades this year. The last draw was on September 18, 2025 and invited 1,250 candidates with a minimum CRS of 505. It was the only draw for trade occupations in 2025.  

Today’s draw is the largest trades draw since category-based selection was introduced in 2023.  The second-largest were in 2024 with two seperate draws in for 1,800 candidates.

The CRS today is in line with other occupational category-based selection draws we’ve seen this year, but still on the high side, likely a result of the pent-up supply of trade workers within the pool. 

Another notable aspect of this draw is that it is the first trades draw since cooks were removed from the category.

Before their removal, there were estimates that 60%+ of trades ITAs would go to cooks because of the high volume of them in the pool.  This larger draw, plus the removal of cooks, should result in a diversification in trade occupations that we haven’t seen before.

Still, the CRS for category-based selection draws is generally a little lower than we see for program-based draws. For example, this weeks Canadian Experience Class draw required a minimum CRS of 509 and Monday’s Provincial Nominee Program had a minimum score of 802. 

Comparatively lower CRS scores for occupation-based categories make sense as Canada seeks to fill up the gaps in Canada’s labour force. A draw for trade occupations has been highly anticipated for a while due increased demand. There has been a growing awareness that Canada needs more tradespeople. We wouldn’t be surprised to see more trade draws this year.

Provinces have been responding in their own way. For example, Ontario is now issuing more Provincial Attestation Letters to international students attending colleges, where most trades programs are found, rather than universities.  

What Does this Mean for Express Entry Candidates? 

If you aren’t eligible for this draw, you might be in the next one depending on your occupation or your Express Entry program. No matter the draw, it’s always a good idea to maximize your score. 

The biggest CRS increase you can get comes from getting a provincial nomination. It adds 600 points to your overall score. Every province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) has a PNP with streams targeting candidates with specific education or in-demand work experience. If you are an Express Entry candidate already, there’s a decent chance you will be eligible for a PNP stream.  

You can also try retaking a language test to see if you can get a higher score. It could also be beneficial to try getting a score in a second official language (English or French).   

If you’ve maxed out your language tests, getting more education might be a good idea. Extra credentials add extra points.  

Finally, married or common-law candidates can consider adding their spouse or partner to their application if they are eligible for Express Entry. 

Further Resources for Express Entry Candidates   

• Learn more about the latest Express Entry draws.     
• Check the state of the Express Entry pool.     
• Learn when to expect the next Express Entry draw.