Trades Occupations, 2026-Version 3
2026
Number of Draws per Year
1
Total Invitations
3,000
Average CRS
477.00
Average Draw Size
3,000
Estimate your score
Check your eligibility and estimate your points with our calculators.
| Date ▼ | Draw | CRS | Draw Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-02 | 408 | 477 | 3,000 |
About the Trades Category
The Trades category under Express Entry targets skilled tradespeople with experience in construction, maintenance, and industrial trades. Canada has a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, and this dedicated category provides a faster pathway to permanent residence for qualified electricians, carpenters, plumbers, welders, and other trades professionals.
Trades draws typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws, making it easier for skilled tradespeople to receive an Invitation to Apply even with moderate CRS scores.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 12 months of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) within the past 3 years in a trade occupation listed below.
- Experience can be in Canada or abroad, and does not need to be continuous.
- Must meet all requirements in the instructions for the draw round.
Required Occupations
| Occupation Name | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 | 2 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 | 3 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | 3 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | 3 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 | 3 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | 2 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 | 2 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 | 2 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 | 2 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 | 2 |
Showing 1 to 10 of 25 results
How to Apply
- Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
- Ensure your work experience matches one of the eligible NOC codes listed above.
- Submit your language test results and get your CRS score.
- Wait for a trades category draw and receive an ITA if your score meets the cutoff.
- Submit your complete PR application within 60 days of receiving the ITA.