Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued its first Express Entry draw for 2025 trade occupations on 18th September, marking a notable move under Canada’s disciplined immigration plan. The draw was issued during the week and allotted 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to skilled trades occupations.
That is also remarkable for two reasons: it is the first trade-based draw of the year and, at the same time, the sixth September Express Entry draw of the month, giving us an early glimpse into Canada’s ambitious attempt to reach its annual immigration goals.
Also Read Canada Holds First Trade Occupations Express Entry Draw of 2025
Details of the September Trade Draw
The draw was for those candidates whose areas of experience lay in trade, such as construction and industrial services, which are of great significance to the developing Canadian economy. Eligibility criteria for candidates included:
- Draw Date: September 18th, 2025
- Category: Trade Occupations
- Number of ITAs Issued: 1,250
- Minimum CRS Cut-Off: 505 points
- Profile Submission Deadline: Before November 5, 2025, at 10:36 p.m.
This CRS requirement is much higher than the previous trade occupations draws in October 2024, wherein only 433 was the cut-off. The surge is an indication of intensified competition from the larger space between draws and more applicants qualifying for eligibility.
A Record-Breaking Month of Express Entry Draws
September has been among the busiest months of late in the Express Entry space, with a mixed list of targeted categories. The draws to date are:
- September 19 (Latest): Trade Occupations – 1,250 ITAs, CRS cut-off 505
- September 17: Education category – 2,500 ITAs, CRS cut-off 462
- September 15: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – 228 ITAs, CRS cut-off 746
- September 4: French-language proficiency – 4,500 ITAs, CRS cut-off 446
- September 3: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – 1,000 ITAs, CRS cut-off 534
- September 2: PNP – 249 ITAs, CRS cut-off 772
All these draws reflect IRCC’s approach to balance category-based draws to accommodate various sections of the labor market as well as to meet long-run demographic requirements.
Express Entry Invitations Issued So Far
As part of the latest round, IRCC has thus far issued 65,547 ITAs under Express Entry for the year 2025. The figure accounts for continued advancement toward annual Canadian targets that are based on economic immigration and workforce sustainability.
Prospects of Trade Applicants
Trade occupations are of continued interest to the Canadian job market, particularly with sectors like construction, energy, and skilled manufacturing experiencing workforce deficits. Announced under internal planning documents, media outlets report that 3,300 total ITAs are to be issued for trade hopefuls during the second half of 2025. Having already issued 1,250, over 2,000 more invitations may yet be issued for year’s end.
Breakdown of Types of Express Entry Draws in 2025
Thus far for the year, Express Entry invitations were issued under the following streams:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws in 2025 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 17 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 9 |
| French-language proficiency | 5 |
| Healthcare and social services | 4 |
| Education | 2 |
| Trade Occupations | 1 |
Summary of Express Entry Draws in 2025
| Date | Draw Type | Number of ITAs | Cut-off CRS score |
| September 18 | Trades Occupations | 1,250 | 505 |
| September 17 | Education | 2,500 | 462 |
| September 15 | Provincial Nominee Program | 228 | 746 |
| September 4 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 446 |
| September 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| September 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 249 | 772 |
| August 19 | Healthcare and social services | 2,500 | 470 |
| August 18 | Provincial Nominee Program | 192 | 800 |
| August 8 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 481 |
| August 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,000 | 534 |
| August 6 | Provincial Nominee Program | 225 | 739 |
| July 22 | Healthcare and social services | 4,000 | 475 |
| July 21 | Provincial Nominee Program | 202 | 788 |
| July 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 518 |
| July 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 356 | 750 |
| June 26 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 521 |
| June 23 | Provincial Nominee Program | 503 | 742 |
| June 12 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 529 |
| June 10 | Provincial Nominee Program | 125 | 784 |
| June 4 | Healthcare and social services | 500 | 504 |
| June 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 |
| April 28 | Provincial Nominee Program | 421 | 727 |
| April 14 | Provincial Nominee Program | 825 | 764 |
| March 21 | French language proficiency | 7,500 | 379 |
| March 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 536 | 736 |
| March 6 | French language proficiency | 4,500 | 410 |
| March 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 725 | 667 |
| February 19 | French language proficiency | 6,500 | 428 |
| February 17 | Provincial Nominee Program | 646 | 750 |
| February 5 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 521 |
| February 4 | Provincial Nominee Program | 455 | 802 |
| January 23 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 527 |
| January 8 | Canadian Experience Class | 1,350 | 542 |
| January 7 | Provincial Nominee Program | 471 | 793 |
What Candidates Should Know
For trade stream hopefuls, the recent draw emphasizes standing out with a CRS score. Future trade draws are in the picture, but the higher cut-off shows that winners will need favorable profiles, either complemented by language proficiency, Canadian work experience, or through provincial nomination.
Closing Note
The first 2025 trade occupations Express Entry draw highlights Canada’s renewed focus on skilled trades while reinforcing its broader immigration goals. Coming as the sixth draw in September, it illustrates IRCC’s proactive stance in ensuring immigration continues to support the nation’s economic growth. With additional rounds expected in the coming months, trade professionals have promising opportunities ahead to secure Canadian permanent residency.
