Second ever Express Entry selection for trade occupations
The scores are much lower than usual.
On December 19, the Express Entry immigration draw was held — but not the usual one, but specifically for trade occupations. Such a draw has only been held once before, in August of this year.
In total, exactly 1,000 invitations were sent out today to applicants with at least 425 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System. And although the previous such drawing had an even lower passing score, this figure still looks very pleasant in comparison, for example, with the general selection for applicants of all categories, which took place the day before.
Trade occupations selections, and targeted Express Entry selections in general, are a 2023 innovation. IRCC has defined six categories for which it is going to hold special draws with slightly reduced requirements on a regular basis. In addition to trades professionals, candidates who speak French, medics, construction workers, workers in the transportation sector and agriculture are invited separately. The full list of professions can be found here.
The Express Entry system is needed to select applicants for three federal immigration programs:
Separately, we note that targeted selections for trades occupations are not the same as the Federal Skilled Trades program. Not every job eligible for the federal program is counted in the special targeted draws.
Express Entry is one of the fastest ways to immigrate to Canada. Contact us for help with assessing your chances of obtaining a permanent residence permit, finding the right immigration program and applying.
We will continue to follow the history of the Express Entry selections to keep you updated with the latest information about the passing marks and number of invitations issued.
