Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 3,500 invitations to apply for permanent residence in a new Express Entry draw targeting tradespeople.

To receive an invitation in this draw, candidates had to meet the minimum work experience requirement for the Trades category and have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 476. Candidates also needed to have created an Express Entry candidate profile before the draw cut-off.

This draw falls under the category-based selection system IRCC uses within Express Entry, which allows the department to invite candidates in specific occupation groups when labour market needs demand it. Trades category draws target candidates with qualifying work experience in skilled trades occupations.

The CRS cut-off of 476 applies to this draw only. Candidates invited now can submit a complete application for permanent residence to IRCC.

Candidates who did not receive an invitation remain in the Express Entry pool, provided their profiles stay valid. CRS scores and eligibility details for each draw are published by IRCC.

Full details of the draw, including the eligible occupations and profile cut-off date, are available in the official IRCC announcement.