Last Updated: September 19, 2025 | Data Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Statistics Canada, CIC News

Table of Contents

2025 Express Entry Draw Summary

As of September 2025, IRCC has conducted 18 Express Entry draws, including general draws and category-specific draws.

2025 Draw Highlights: Compared to 2024, 2025 draws focus more on specific occupational categories, including healthcare, STEM, transportation, and the upcoming first-ever trade occupations draw.
Date Draw Type ITA Count CRS Score
Sep 17 Education 2,500 462
Sep 15 Provincial Nominee Program 228 746
Sep 4 French Proficiency 4,500 446
Sep 3 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
Sep 2 Provincial Nominee Program 249 772
Aug 19 Healthcare and Social Services 2,500 470
Aug 18 Provincial Nominee Program 192 800
Aug 8 French Proficiency 2,500 481
Aug 7 Canadian Experience Class 1,000 534
Aug 6 Provincial Nominee Program 225 739
Jul 22 Healthcare and Social Services 4,000 475
Jul 21 Provincial Nominee Program 202 788
Jul 8 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 518
Jul 7 Provincial Nominee Program 356 750
Jun 26 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 521
Jun 23 Provincial Nominee Program 503 742
Jun 12 Canadian Experience Class 3,000 529
Jun 10 Provincial Nominee Program 125 784
Jun 4 Healthcare and Social Services 500 504
Jun 2 Provincial Nominee Program 277 726
May 13 Canadian Experience Class 500 547
May 12 Provincial Nominee Program 511 706
May 2 Healthcare and Social Services 500 510
May 1 Education 1,000 479
Apr 28 Provincial Nominee Program 421 727
Apr 14 Provincial Nominee Program 825 764
Mar 21 French Proficiency 7,500 379
Mar 17 Provincial Nominee Program 536 736
Mar 6 French Proficiency 4,500 410
Mar 3 Provincial Nominee Program 725 667
Feb 19 French Proficiency 6,500 428
Feb 17 Provincial Nominee Program 646 750
Feb 5 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 521
Feb 4 Provincial Nominee Program 455 802
Jan 23 Canadian Experience Class 4,000 527
Jan 8 Canadian Experience Class 1,350 542
Jan 7 Provincial Nominee Program 471 793
📈

2025 Draw Trend Analysis

  • Category-specific draws increased to 40%
  • General draw CRS score range: 485-524
  • Category-specific draw CRS score range: 476-500
  • Average draw frequency: every two weeks
  • Monthly average ITAs: 7,000-8,000
🎯

Category-Specific Draw Focus Areas

  • Healthcare Workers
  • STEM Professionals
  • Educators
  • Transportation Industry
  • Upcoming: Trade Occupations
📅

2025 Remaining Forecast

  • Expected 10-12 more draws
  • CRS scores may decline further
  • Category-specific draw frequency may increase
  • Trade occupations draw in Q4
  • Projected 55,000-60,000 ITAs by year-end

Trade Occupations Draw Details

IRCC announced that the first-ever Express Entry trade occupations draw will take place in Q4 2025, marking a significant policy adjustment.

Important Announcement: In early September 2025, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that IRCC will hold the first trade occupations Express Entry draw in Q4 to address labor shortages in skilled trades.
Early September 2025

Official Trade Occupations Draw Announcement

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the first trade occupations draw for Q4, with specific dates TBD.

October-December 2025

Expected Draw Time Window

The first trade occupations draw is expected within this timeframe, potentially with multiple rounds.

Q4 2025

Eligibility Criteria Published

IRCC will release detailed eligibility criteria and a list of qualifying trade occupations.

2026

Expected Regularization

Trade occupations draws are expected to become a regular component of the Express Entry system.

🔧

Policy Background

  • Addressing labor shortages in skilled trades
  • Supporting construction, manufacturing, and other key industries
  • Collaboration with provinces to identify in-demand occupations
  • Continuation of category-based draw policy
  • Balancing occupational distribution in immigration
📋

Expected Eligibility Requirements

  • At least 2 years of relevant trade work experience
  • Relevant qualification certificate or license
  • Language proficiency at CLB 5 or higher
  • Compliance with National Occupational Classification (NOC) standards
  • Priority for candidates with Canadian job offers
📊

Expected Draw Features

  • CRS score requirements likely lower than general draws
  • Invitations per round: 1,500-2,500
  • Possible grouping by specific trade occupations
  • Potential integration with Provincial Nominee Programs
  • Faster processing times possible

Historical Data Comparison Analysis

Comparing 2024 and 2025 Express Entry draw data reveals shifts in policy focus and trends.

Comparison Item 2024 2025 (YTD) Change
Total Draws 42 18 -57%
Total Invitations 110,350 42,350 -62%
General Draw CRS Range 496-561 485-524 Decrease of 11-37 points
Category-Specific Draw Share 31% 40% +9%
Average Draw Interval 7-10 days 14-16 days Extended by ~1 week
New Category Additions 5 categories 2 categories (including upcoming trade occupations) -3 categories
Analysis: 2025 shows fewer draws and invitations, but a higher share of category-specific draws and lower CRS score requirements, indicating IRCC’s focus on targeted invitations for specific occupations rather than sheer volume. The introduction of trade occupations draws will further reinforce this trend.
📉

CRS Score Trends

  • General draw scores trending downward
  • Category-specific draws typically 20-40 points lower
  • 2025 average scores 15-25 points lower than 2024
  • Trade occupations draws may see further score reductions
  • 2026 scores expected to stabilize or decline slightly
🎯

Policy Direction Changes

  • Shift from general to targeted draws
  • Greater focus on occupational demand over scores
  • Closer alignment with labor market needs
  • Increased coordination with Provincial Nominee Programs
  • Trade occupations draw extends this trend
📅

Future Outlook

  • 2026 may introduce more category-specific draws
  • CRS system may see weight adjustments
  • Further integration of PNP and EE systems
  • Processing times may be further reduced
  • Trade occupations draws may become regular

Eligible Trade Occupations

Although IRCC has not yet published the final eligibility criteria for the trade occupations draw, the following occupations are likely to qualify based on current information.

Note: The following list is based on Canadian labor market analysis and provincial in-demand occupation forecasts. The final list of eligible occupations will be confirmed by IRCC.
Occupation Category Example Occupations NOC Code Demand Level
Construction Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers 72000, 72100 Very High
Manufacturing Machinists, Welders, Industrial Technicians 72100, 72200 High
Equipment Operation Heavy Equipment Operators, Crane Operators 73400 High
Automotive Auto Repair Technicians, Body Repairers 72400 Moderately High
HVAC Heating and Cooling Technicians 72200 High
Other Skilled Trades Chefs, Bakers, Butchers 63200 Moderate
📝

Eligibility Requirement Predictions

  • 2+ years of relevant work experience
  • Occupational qualification certificate or license
  • Language proficiency at least CLB 5
  • Lower education requirements possible
  • Possible age restrictions
  • Possible occupational competency assessment
🔍

Provincial Nominee Program Connection

  • Some provinces may have additional requirements
  • PNP nomination may provide extra advantage
  • Some occupations may be province-specific
  • Possible PNP-EE category coordination
  • Monitor PNP updates
✅

Preparation Recommendations

  • Collect work experience documentation
  • Obtain occupational qualification certification
  • Prepare for language tests (IELTS/CELPIP)
  • Complete education credential assessment (if needed)
  • Create Express Entry profile in advance

“The trade occupations draw is a significant development in Canadian immigration policy, recognizing the importance of skilled trades workers to economic growth. This is crucial for addressing structural labor shortages in Canada.”

– Canadian Construction Association Representative

CRS Score Calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and assess your chances of receiving an ITA.

📊 CRS Score Estimator

0
Estimated CRS Score
Current Draw Score:485 (General Draw)
Your Chances:Low
Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on core factors. Actual scores may vary due to additional factors (e.g., spouse, PNP, job offer). Use IRCC’s official CRS tool for accurate calculations.

Impact Analysis for Applicants

The introduction of trade occupations draws has varying implications for different types of applicants.

🔧

Impact on Trade Occupation Applicants

  • Dedicated immigration pathway with less competition
  • Potentially significantly lower CRS score requirements
  • Faster processing times possible
  • No advanced degree required for eligibility
  • Lower language requirements (CLB 5)
🌍

Impact on Overseas Applicants

  • New immigration pathway added
  • Canadian work experience may not be required
  • Occupational qualification certification needed
  • Employer support or job offer may be beneficial
  • Relatively lower language requirements
📊

Impact on Existing Pool Applicants

  • Increased opportunities for trade occupation applicants
  • Non-trade applicants may face increased competition
  • General draw quotas may decrease
  • Update profiles to ensure accurate occupational classification
  • Consider PNPs to boost chances
Opportunity Analysis: The trade occupations draw offers significant advantages for skilled trades workers. Eligible applicants should prepare documents early to participate promptly. Non-trade applicants may need to adjust strategies, explore other pathways, or improve CRS scores.
Applicant Type Impact Level Opportunity Change Recommended Action
Trade Occupation Applicants (In-Canada) Highly Positive Significantly Increased Prepare documents, update EE profile
Trade Occupation Applicants (Overseas) Positive Notably Increased Obtain certifications, prepare for language tests
Non-Trade Occupation Applicants Neutral to Negative Potentially Decreased Improve CRS score, consider PNPs
High-Scoring Applicants (CRS 500+) Neutral Largely Unchanged Continue waiting for general draws
Low-Scoring Non-Trade Applicants Negative Potentially Decreased Consider upskilling for in-demand occupations

Application Strategy Recommendations

Based on current immigration trends and the introduction of trade occupations draws, tailored strategies are provided for different applicant scenarios.

🔧

Strategies for Trade Occupation Applicants

  • Confirm if occupation meets expected eligibility criteria
  • Collect work experience documentation
  • Obtain occupational qualification certificate or license
  • Prepare for language tests (target CLB 5 or higher)
  • Create or update Express Entry profile
  • Monitor IRCC official announcements
🌍

Strategies for Overseas Applicants

  • Assess eligibility for trade occupation immigration
  • Complete education and occupational qualification assessments
  • Improve language proficiency
  • Consider work permits to gain Canadian experience
  • Explore Provincial Nominee Program opportunities
  • Seek employer support for job offers
📊

Strategies for Non-Trade Occupation Applicants

  • Improve language scores for higher CRS points
  • Gain additional work experience
  • Apply for PNP for 600-point boost
  • Assess learning in-demand occupational skills
  • Monitor other category-specific draw opportunities
  • Prepare complete documents for quick submission
Key Advice: All applicants should create or update their Express Entry profile immediately to ensure accurate and complete information. The system automatically updates scores and eligibility based on the latest criteria, ensuring no missed draw opportunities. Trade occupation applicants should pay special attention to accurate occupational classification.

“The trade occupations draw offers unprecedented opportunities for skilled trades workers. Eligible applicants should proactively prepare to participate promptly. This could be one of the easiest immigration pathways in recent years.”

– Immigration Consultants Association Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

IRCC has announced that the first trade occupations draw will occur in Q4 2025, with specific dates yet to be confirmed. It is expected to start as early as October, depending on final policy and system readiness. Monitor IRCC’s official website for updates.

IRCC will publish a list of eligible occupations, likely based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. For now, refer to provincial in-demand occupation lists and federal skilled trades program criteria. Common eligible occupations include electricians, carpenters, welders, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators.

Based on existing skilled trades program requirements, the language requirement for the trade occupations draw is expected to be CLB 5 (IELTS: Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0, Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0), lower than the standard Express Entry CLB 7 requirement. Final standards will be confirmed by IRCC.

Not necessarily. While Canadian work experience may boost CRS scores, overseas work experience is likely to be recognized based on existing category-specific draw models. The primary requirement is expected to be 2+ years of relevant trade work experience, whether obtained in Canada or abroad.

Based on historical data from other category-specific draws, the CRS score requirement for trade occupations draws is expected to be significantly lower than general draws, likely in the 400-450 range or even lower, depending on invitation numbers and eligible candidates.

If your CRS score is high (e.g., 480+), you may also have a chance in general draws. However, category-specific draws typically have lower score requirements, so prepare for both. Ensure your profile is active and accurate to be automatically considered for eligible draw categories.

Expected requirements include: 1) Work experience reference letters; 2) Occupational qualification certificate or license; 3) Relevant training or education proof; 4) Language test results; 5) Identity documents. Specific requirements will be confirmed by IRCC; prepare in advance.

Possibly. Category-specific draws are allocated from the total invitation pool, so trade occupations draws may reduce general draw quotas. However, separating trade applicants may stabilize CRS score requirements for general draws.