With a minimum CRS score of 436, the IRCC grants 1,800 ITAs for trade occupations in the most recent Express Entry lottery. Information about Canada’s immigration trends and recent program-specific draws.

In its second Express Entry draw of the week, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently sent out 1,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a trade profession focus. To be eligible, candidates had to receive a minimum of 436 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

This draw is the first event devoted to trade occupations since December 2023 and the first category-based selection process since April 24. According to an April communication, IRCC intends for trade occupation drawings to account for 5% of all category-based selection ITAs this year.

920 candidates with a CRS score of 739 were invited to the draw earlier this week, on July 2, which was held only for Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) candidates by IRCC. This draw is the third in a series of recent program-specific draws that have highlighted PNP events from May 30.

Candidates applying through programmes such as the Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP) are targeted in the Express Entry pool based on programme specific factors. Candidates for PNP-only draws had to have been nominated through an upgraded nomination PNP stream, which is connected with Express Entry.

Through the creation of more avenues for permanent residency (PR), the IRCC hopes to stabilise Canada’s high numbers of temporary residents this year. Many temporary residents, including those with work or study permits, apply for permanent residence through the CEC or PNP, which helps the IRCC achieve its annual goals for “Federal High Skilled Workers” without lowering the overall number of temporary residents.