On April 2, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the first occupation-specific Express Entry draw of the year targeting candidates in skilled trades occupations. In round #408, IRCC issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under a category-based selection, continuing the federal government’s strategic approach to filling critical labour shortages in Canada’s trades sector.
Round #408 at a Glance
The CRS cut-off of 477 represents a significant 33-point decrease from the last trades-specific draw, which was held in September 2025. Go Canada Services This drop reflects the continued build-up of eligible trades candidates in the Express Entry pool and signals more accessible pathways for qualified tradespeople pursuing Canadian permanent residence.
2026 Year-to-Date Context
As of April 2, 2026, IRCC has held 20 Express Entry draws, issuing 58,830 invitations to apply for permanent residence. Amir Ismail And Associates In 2026, IRCC moved decisively toward targeted category draws over broad CRS-based general draws, with five new categories launched in February alone. The result is a system where a candidate’s NOC code and occupation history matter as much as their CRS score. Amir Ismail And Associates
Who Qualifies for the Trades Occupations Category?
To be eligible for a category-based Trades Occupations draw, candidates must meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry — meaning they must be eligible for at least one of the three programs managed under the system (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program) — and must have accumulated at least 12 months of full-time work experience in a qualifying skilled trades occupation within the past three years. Candidates must also meet all requirements set out in the applicable Ministerial Instructions for the round. For a full list of eligible NOC codes and category requirements, candidates and practitioners can consult the IRCC category-based selection page directly.
Why Skilled Trades?
Canada’s sustained investment in infrastructure, housing construction, and clean energy projects has created persistent demand for trades professionals across the country. Category-based draws allow IRCC to pull eligible candidates from the Express Entry pool at cut-off scores that may fall well below what a general draw would require, giving qualified tradespeople a meaningful advantage in the current immigration landscape. A candidate with a CRS score in a qualifying trades occupation may receive an ITA before a general draw ever reaches that score. Amir Ismail And Associates
Practitioners advising clients in trades occupations should ensure those clients have active, up-to-date Express Entry profiles and that their NOC codes are accurately classified to remain eligible for future category-based rounds. For the complete history of Express Entry rounds, visit the official IRCC page: Express Entry rounds of invitations — Canada.ca
Join Us: Express Entry Applications 2026
If you work with skilled worker clients navigating the Express Entry system, LPEN’s upcoming course Express Entry Applications 2026 on July 29, 2026 offers an in-depth, 5-hour look at the Express Entry system and mastering federal applications. Instructor Andrew Carvajal covers current draw trends, category-based selection strategy, and everything practitioners need to advise clients effectively in today’s landscape. Learn more and register here.
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