Canada Issues 3,500 Express Entry Invitations to Tradespeople
Introduction
Canada has held another Express Entry draw, this time focusing on candidates working in the trades.
On October 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 3,500 tradespeople to apply for permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry.
To receive an invitation, candidates needed to meet the work experience requirements for the Trades category and have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476. They also needed to create their Express Entry profile before the required deadline.
What Happened in the Latest Express Entry Draw?
In the latest draw, IRCC issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
The minimum CRS cut-off was 476. Candidates with this score needed to have created their Express Entry profile on or before May 28, 2026, at 16:55:23 UTC to qualify under the tie-breaking rule.
This draw is particularly important for skilled trades workers because it shows that Canada continues to select candidates through category-based Express Entry draws.
Who Was Eligible for This Draw?
The draw targeted candidates who met the requirements of the Trades category.
However, simply having experience in a trade does not automatically guarantee an invitation. Candidates must also meet the specific eligibility requirements and have a CRS score high enough for the draw.
In this round, the required score was 476.
Therefore, tradespeople who have an Express Entry profile should continue to monitor their CRS score and the latest invitation rounds.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA?
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an important step, but it is not the same as receiving permanent residence.
After receiving an ITA, the candidate needs to submit a complete permanent residence application within the required period.
The application should include the documents needed to support the information provided in the Express Entry profile.
Therefore, candidates should make sure their personal information, work experience, education and other details are accurate and supported by the required documents.
Can Tradespeople in Canada Continue Working?
For eligible foreign nationals already living in Canada, there may be another option to maintain their ability to work while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Candidates who have applied for permanent residence through Express Entry may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
If their current work permit expires while their BOWP application is still being processed, maintained status may allow them to continue working under the same conditions, as long as they continue to live in Canada.
Additionally, eligible family members may also be able to apply for an open work permit.
Canada Has Held 59 Express Entry Draws in 2026
With the October 1 draw, Canada has now held 59 Express Entry draws in 2026.
So far, the draws have focused heavily on candidates who have a connection to Canada, especially people with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience.
The draws held this year include:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 19 draws
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 17 draws
- French-language proficiency: 10 draws
- Physicians with Canadian work experience: 3 draws
- Healthcare and social services: 3 draws
- Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience: 3 draws
- Trades: 2 draws
- Transport: 1 draw
- Skilled Military Recruits: 1 draw
This shows that IRCC is continuing to use different Express Entry categories to select candidates based on Canada’s immigration priorities.
How Many ITAs Has Canada Issued in 2026?
The latest draw also pushed Canada’s total number of Express Entry invitations higher.
According to the source, IRCC has issued 135,215 ITAs through Express Entry during 2026.
The largest shares have come from:
- Canadian Experience Class: 55,250 ITAs
- French-language proficiency: 50,500 ITAs
- Healthcare and social services: 11,500 ITAs
- Provincial Nominee Program: 9,270 ITAs
- Trades: 6,500 ITAs
- Senior Managers: 1,000 ITAs
- Physicians: 891 ITAs
- Transport: 300 ITAs
- Skilled Military Recruits: 4 ITAs
As a result, trades have become an important part of Canada’s Express Entry selection activity this year.
What Does the Latest Draw Mean for Tradespeople?
The October 1 Express Entry draw is a positive development for eligible skilled trades workers.
With 3,500 ITAs issued and a CRS cut-off of 476, candidates in the Trades category have another opportunity to move toward Canadian permanent residence.
However, an ITA is only the beginning of the PR application process. Candidates should carefully review their eligibility, prepare the required documents and make sure their application is complete and accurate.
Final Takeaway
Canada continues to use Express Entry to select skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s labour market.
The latest draw invited 3,500 tradespeople with a minimum CRS score of 476. At the same time, the 2026 Express Entry results show that Canada is continuing to conduct category-based draws for different groups of candidates.
Therefore, skilled trades workers who are interested in Canadian permanent residence should keep track of their Express Entry profile, CRS score and future invitation rounds.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
