Express Entry Now Prioritizes New Trade Category: Do you qualify?

Canada’s immigration system has recently made significant changes, where the government has prioritized skilled workers in trades for permanent residency through the express input system. If you have experience with a business, this can be a golden opportunity for you to wait to secure a new life in Canada.

Immigration, refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a major change in Canada’s express input system on February 27, 2025. The most remarkable change is the expansion of the business enterprise category—an update, an update, ready to respond to the developed requirements for the Canadian labor market, offering a sharper and more solar route.  This blog will walk you through these important changes, the eligibility criteria, and how Idea Immigration can help you secure your future in Canada.

What Is Express Entry and How Does It Work?

The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary way of handling skilled workers, including those applying under the Federal Skilled Worker and Trade Program, and the Canadian Experience Class for permanent residency. The system uses a comprehensive ranking system (CRS) to score opportunities based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language mastery.

Prospects with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for Permanent Residency through regular express entry draws. However, construction, production and transport, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) prioritize candidates with experience in selected trades due to the growing need for skilled labor in areas such as Canada (IRCC).

This means if you’re a tradesperson with the right qualifications, you could now receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) faster than ever before.

Which Trades Are in Demand?

In 2025, the Trade category extended more than any other, with the highest number of new professions added. It now contains a total of 25 professions.

• Plumbers(72300)
• Welders(72106)
• Electricians(72200)
• Carpenters(72310)
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics(72401)
• HVAC technicians (72402)
• Truck and transport mechanics(73110)
• Machinists (72100)
• Construction manager(70010)

This list may evolve based on labor market needs, so staying updated with the latest announcements is key.

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Trade Category

To be eligible for the Trade category under Express Entry, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• At least 6 months of continuous full-time experience (or equivalent part-time) in one of the listed professions. This work experience must align with the National Occupation Classification (NOC) code associated with your profession.
• Experience must be within the last 3 years.
• Your job experience must closely match the NOC’s code statements and duties. You can confirm this by consulting the Government of Canada’s NOC website and the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) site.
• The CRS cut-off for the Trade category is generally much lower than that of general express entry draws.

How do Express Entry classes increase the opportunity to get Canadian permanent stay?

If you qualify for a category-based draw, you’re more likely to agree an invitation to apply for PR through Express Entry.

That’s because you can be invited in a category-based draw with a particularly lower CRS score than for a general or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw.

In 2024, for example, the CRS cutting for the general draw was between 524 and 549.

The same year, however, the CRS cutting for businesses was between 433 and 436.

This means that if you fall under an eligible category, such as the Trade professions, your chances of receiving an invitation considerably improve, even with a lower CRS score.

Final Thoughts: Time to Build Your Canadian Dream

If you’re in a skilled trade and dreaming of a life in Canada, the Canada Express Entry Trade classification could be your fast-track route to permanent residence. Begin by checking your NOC code, assuring you satisfy the criteria, and submitting an Express Entry profile.  Need help with your express entry application? Contact a certified immigration consultant to guide you through the procedure and improve your probabilities of success. This pathway doesn’t just offer a visa, it’s a door to a better future in Canada.