The anticipation surrounding Canada’s first Trade Draw of 2025 on September 18 quickly turned to disappointment for many skilled trades candidates. The draw issued 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 505, a significant increase from previous draws. This higher threshold has raised concerns among trades professionals about the increasing competitiveness of the Express Entry pool.
Adding to the complexity, the 2025 Express Entry category-based selection introduced a notable change: the inclusion of Cooks (NOC 63200) in the trade occupations category. This expansion has led to a broader pool of candidates, further intensifying competition for ITAs. For many, this means that even with strong profiles, the chances of receiving an ITA have become more challenging.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the details of the Trade Draw 2025.
Key Results of the Trade Draw 2025
- Draw Date: September 18, 2025
- Category: Trade Occupations only
- Number of ITAs Issued: 1,250
- Minimum CRS Score: 505
- Tie-Breaking Rule: Profiles submitted before November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC were prioritized in case of CRS ties
This first trade draw of 2025 sets the tone for the year, signalling strong demand for skilled trades professionals in Canada.
What is the Trade Category in Express Entry?
The Trade Category under Express Entry is designed specifically for candidates with work experience in certain trade occupations. The goal is to streamline immigration for workers in areas where Canada faces labour shortages.
Common eligible NOC codes include:
- Carpenters and cabinetmakers
- Welders and related machine operators
- Plumbers
- Industrial electricians
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Other skilled trades in construction, manufacturing, and industrial maintenance
Candidates in these occupations may benefit from the Trade Draw 2025 even if their CRS scores are lower than typical general draws.
Historic CRS Trends for Trade Draws
Canada’s Trade Draws have shown interesting trends over the past two years. Today’s Trade Draw 2025 with a CRS cut-off of 505 reflects the highest threshold to date, highlighting increased competition among trade candidates.
| Date | Round Type | Invitations Issued | CRS Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 18, 2025 | Trade occupations (Version 2) | 1,250 | 505 |
| October 23, 2024 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,800 | 433 |
| July 4, 2024 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,800 | 436 |
| December 19, 2023 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,000 | 425 |
| August 3, 2023 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,500 | 388 |
Key Observations:
- CRS scores have gradually increased, with the first Trade Draw of 2025 reaching 505, the highest yet.
- Earlier draws had lower CRS cut-offs (388–436), indicating today’s draw is more competitive.
- The number of ITAs issued varies based on Canada’s labour market priorities — e.g., October 2024 issued 1,800 ITAs, while December 2023 issued only 1,000.
- Candidates should focus on maximizing their CRS scores to increase chances in upcoming draws.
What This Trade Draw 2025 Means for Candidates?
If your CRS score is 505 or higher and your occupation is eligible, you may have received an ITA in this first Trade Draw of 2025.
For those below the cut-off:
- Future trade draws may have slightly lower cut-offs, but competition is rising.
- Increase CRS scores by improving language test results, gaining additional work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.
- Explore other Express Entry categories or provincial streams that suit your profile.
Need Help With Your PR Application?
Liz Mathew, RCIC, can help you check eligibility, review your documents, and ensure your application meets all the IRCC requirements — so you can confidently take the next step towards your PR through the trades category in 2025.
🌐 Visit our website: https://yokeimm.com/contact-us/
📞 Call us now: +1 (905) 904-3224
