The Trades Occupations category draw was conducted by IRCC on April 2, 2026. This is the first draw under the revised trades category. The draw focused on candidates with experience in skilled trades. 3,000 ITAs were sent to eligible candidates.
The skilled trades sector continues to face significant labour shortages across the country. Candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 477 and who submitted their profiles before 8:53 p.m., Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), on February 14, 2026, were regarded for the draw.
Trades occupations have been consistently prioritized in 2025 and 2026. The revised trades category has introduced changes in the eligibility criteria to meet the current labour market requirements.
Express Entry draws in 2026 have largely focused on candidates already in Canada, especially those with provincial nominations and Canadian work experience. In 2026, IRCC has sent out 58,830 ITAs across the different draw types. The Canadian Experience Class has sent the most number of invitations (30,250 ITAs). The most number of draws have been conducted under the Provincial Nominee Program (7 draws).
The latest draws reflect how Canada is focusing on more targeted and demand-driven draws to fill the gaps in the critical workforce.
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