Canada is simplifying the immigration process for tradespeople. In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the Express Entry Trade category by adding new occupations and easing worker access to the skilled trades. If your work is in construction, maintenance or other hands-on trades this could lead to permanent residency.

 

What’s New in the Express Entry Trade Category?

 

In February 2025, IRCC announced a major update to the category-based selection system within Express Entry. The most notable change? A significant expansion of the Trade category, which now includes 25 eligible occupations—up from just 10 the year before.

New occupations now eligible include:

  • Construction Managers (NOC 70010)
  • Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
  • Roofers and Shinglers (NOC 73110)
  • Painters and Decorators (non-interior) (NOC 73112)
  • Cabinetmakers (NOC 72311)
  • Concrete Finishers (NOC 73100)
  • Floor Covering Installers (NOC 73113)
  • Construction Estimators (NOC 22303)

These occupations are in addition to other core trades like the plumber, electrician, carpenter and HVAC mechanic.

This update acknowledges an increasing demand for tradespeople in Canada and is another recognition of tradespeople’s important role within construction, housing, and infrastructure repair, especially in a country facing both a labor shortage and a housing crisis.

 

How Do Category-Based Draws Work?

 

Category-based draws were introduced to help address skill deficits in the Canadian workforce. Rather than selecting candidates only by high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, the IRCC has chosen to prioritize candidates based on their ability or status to fulfill a job vacancy, which includes:

  • Work in in-demand sectors (like trades or healthcare)
  • Possess language skills in French
  • Have recent Canadian work experience or education

 

Trade category draws generally have lower CRS cut-offs

For instance, CRS cut-offs for trade-specific draws were 433 to 436 in 2024, while general draws were 524 to 549. Obviously, there’s a huge difference. This means that someone with a good Express Entry profile who is a qualified tradesperson and has a good CRS score may still get an invitation even if their score isn’t very high.

 

Who Qualifies Under the Trade Category?

 

To be eligible, candidates must meet both the general Express Entry requirements and the specific trade category criteria.

General Express Entry Criteria:

  • Language test results (English or French – minimum CLB 5–7 depending on the program)
  • Educational credential assessment (ECA) for foreign education
  • At least 1 year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience
  • A completed Express Entry profile

 

Trade Category Requirements:

  • At least 6 months of full-time work experience in a listed trade occupation within the last 3 years
  • Job duties must match those outlined under the National Occupation Classification (NOC)
  • Apprenticeship experience may count, as long as the core duties match the NOC

Example: If you worked as a residential painter for over 6 months in the last 3 years and your job responsibilities match those under NOC 73112, you could qualify under the trade category.

 

How to Know If You’re Eligible

  • Find your NOC code
    • Use Canada’s official NOC tool to determine the code that best matches your current job title and duties.
  • Compare your work history to the NOC description
    • Your actual duties should reflect the lead statement and most of the main tasks listed under that NOC
  • Make sure your occupation is on the current trade list
    • IRCC updates the list regularly. Double-check it on their website or through official bulletins.
  • Create or update your Express Entry profile
    • Once eligible, submit or revise your profile and wait to see if you’re invited in a future category-based draw.

 

Why Canada Is Doing This

 

Skilled trades are essential to Canada’s economy. Yet, the country has long struggled to attract enough tradespeople through traditional immigration streams.

By focusing on trade occupations, IRCC is addressing a national shortage that affects sectors like:

  • Residential construction (amid a growing housing demand)
  • Infrastructure (bridges, schools, public works)
  • Renovation and energy-efficiency upgrades
  • Commercial real estate projects

This category-based strategy also ensures regional and provincial needs are reflected in federal selection, supporting labor market balance across the country.

The expansion of the Trade category in Express Entry is more than a policy update, it’s a real opportunity for qualified tradespeople around the world.

Whether you’re a roofer, estimator, cabinetmaker, or construction manager, now is the time to check your eligibility, boost your Express Entry profile, and consider your options.

Skilled hands are in high demand, and in 2025, they may just be your ticket to permanent residency in Canada.