Canada’s First 2025 Express Entry Draw Awards 1,250 ITAs
Good news for international job seekers considering a move to Canada! On September 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced its first trade-specific Express Entry draw of the year, inviting 1,250 candidates from eligible skilled trades to apply for permanent residency. If you’re exploring opportunities in Canada, this could be your chance!
The recent draw targeted individuals with at least six months of experience in one of the 25 eligible trade occupations, who also had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 505 or higher. But, what does this mean for you? The CRS is used to evaluate candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. A higher score boosts your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian PR.
Understanding the LMIA and PPR Pathways
For many international applicants, sponsorship is crucial. In Canada, employers often need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign workers, showing that no qualified Canadians are available for the job. If you’re looking for work, having an employer willing to obtain an LMIA can greatly enhance your chances of entering the market.
Also worth mentioning is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate individuals for PR based on local labour shortages and economic needs. Many provinces are looking for skilled tradespeople, making this an excellent route for individuals in trades. If you’re seeking jobs, our website, VisaJobsCanada.com, showcases numerous opportunities that offer visa sponsorship, connecting you with employers eager to bring international talent to Canada.
Key Highlights from the Recent Express Entry Draw
- Category: Trade occupations
- Date: September 18, 2025
- Number of invitations issued: 1,250
- Lowest CRS score invited: 505
- Tie-breaking rule: November 5, 2024
This draw’s CRS score cutoff is notably higher than previous draws. The increase suggests a more selective approach, potentially due to a smaller pool of high-scoring candidates. As Canada aims to fill urgent labour shortages in sectors like construction and manufacturing, having relevant skills and experience is vital.
Eligible Trade Occupations
For those of you considering this route, here’s a list of some of the 25 eligible trades:
- Electrical mechanics
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Construction managers
- Cooks
For a complete list of eligible occupations, feel free to check the Express Entry guidelines on the official IRCC website.
Preparing for Your Application
If you’re one of the lucky candidates who received an ITA, it’s important to act quickly. You’ll need to submit a complete permanent residency application within 60 days. This includes providing necessary documents like proof of work experience, educational credentials, and language test results—don’t forget your medical exams and police certificates!
To maximize your chances, keep improving your CRS score by enhancing language test results and gathering additional work experience. The earlier you submit your profile, the better, especially considering the tie-breaking rules that favour earlier submissions.
With Canada’s immigration policies continually evolving, staying informed is crucial. Monitoring the latest updates on the IRCC website can provide you with helpful insights and opportunities as they arise.
What do you think?
Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Canada? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.