Canada conducted its first Express Entry draw for work specializations in 2026

3,000 candidates received invitations.

On April 2, 2026, the first category-based selection for Trades Occupations took place in the Express Entry system this year. The government had previously announced that category-based rounds would continue in 2026, and this draw confirmed that skilled trades professionals remain a priority.

In this round, 3,000 candidates received invitations to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 477.

This draw shows that Canada continues to focus on professionals whose skills are in high demand in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and related fields.

Who received invitations?

The selection applied to candidates with work experience in occupations included in the Trades Occupations category. These include:

bricklayers;
butchers in retail and wholesale;
cabinetmakers;
carpenters;
concrete finishers;
construction estimators;
construction managers;
construction millwrights and industrial mechanics;
contractors and supervisors in oil and gas drilling and services;
electromechanical technicians;
electricians, except industrial and power system;
floor covering installers;
gas fitters;
heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics;
heavy-duty equipment mechanics;
home building and renovation managers;
industrial electricians;
machinists and machining and tooling inspectors;
other technical trades and related occupations;
painters and decorators, except interior decorators;
plumbers;
roofers;
sheet metal workers;
water well drillers;
welders and related machine operators.

So invitations went to candidates across a wide range of trades and technical occupations that play an important role in the country's economy and infrastructure development.

What this draw means

This is the first category-based draw for trades occupations in 2026. It confirms that category-based rounds remain an important selection tool in Express Entry.

This format allows Canada to more precisely invite professionals who are in demand in the labor market. In this case, we're talking about occupations related to construction, repair, equipment operation, industrial processes, and technical work.

Want to assess your chances in Express Entry? Use our CRS calculator to find out your score.

Who can participate in the draw

To qualify for the Trades Occupations category, a candidate must:

have verified work experience in one of the occupations included in this category;
during that work experience, have performed the actions described in the lead statement for the occupation according to the National Occupational Classification;
have performed a substantial number of the main duties of the occupation, including all essential duties listed in the NOC description.