New Canada Express Entry draw for trade workers

IRCC Opens Doors for Trade Workers

To begin with, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has brought exciting news for skilled trade workers. After months of waiting, the department conducted a category-based Express Entry draw on April 2, 2026, specifically targeting trade occupations.

This draw is especially important because it is the first trades draw of 2026, and notably, the first one since September 2025. As a result, thousands of candidates working in trades finally have a fresh opportunity to move forward in their immigration journey.

Express Entry Draw Details (April 2, 2026)

Now, let’s look at the key highlights of this draw:

• Date: April 2, 2026
• Category: Trade Occupations (2026 Version 3)
• Invitations Issued: 3,000
• Minimum CRS Score: 477

In simple terms, candidates with a CRS score of 477 or above were eligible to receive an invitation in this round.

Understanding the Tie-Breaking Rule

However, when multiple candidates have the same CRS score, IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule.

In this case, candidates who had a score of 477 were selected only if they had submitted their profiles before February 14, 2026 at 20:53:54 UTC.

Therefore, even if someone had the required score, submitting the profile later could mean missing the invitation.

Major Changes in the Trades Category (2026)

Meanwhile, significant updates were introduced earlier this year that directly impacted this draw.

Here are the key changes:

• The required work experience has increased to 12 months
• Cooks and chefs have been removed from the category
• Butchers have been added
• The number of eligible occupations has expanded to 25 roles

As a result, the focus has now shifted more towards construction, mechanical, and industrial trades, rather than food-related occupations.

Who is Eligible for This Category?

To qualify under this category, candidates must have:

• At least 12 months of work experience
• Experience gained within the last 3 years
• Work experience in one of the eligible trade occupations

Importantly, this experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad, and it does not need to be continuous.

Some of the common eligible occupations include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and mechanics.

How to Increase Your CRS Score

In addition, candidates can improve their chances by obtaining a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.

This can help them gain up to 50 extra CRS points, which can make a significant difference in future draws.

What to Do After Receiving an Invitation

If you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the next step is crucial.

You have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This includes:

• Language test results
• Educational assessments
• Work experience documents
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical examination reports

It is important to act quickly, as some documents may take time to process. Missing the deadline will result in losing the invitation.

What Can We Expect Next?

Looking ahead, this draw suggests that IRCC is planning to issue more invitations for trade workers in 2026.

In fact, with 3,000 invitations already issued compared to just 1,250 in all of 2025, it is clear that the targets are higher this year.

Consequently, CRS scores may gradually decrease as more candidates receive invitations and leave the pool.

However, since there is no fixed schedule for these draws, candidates should remain prepared at all times.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this latest Express Entry draw is a positive step for skilled trade workers aiming to settle in Canada.

Therefore, if you are eligible, make sure your profile is active, your documents are ready, and you stay updated with future draws.

Because in the world of Express Entry, opportunities can appear without any prior notice.

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).