April 3, 2026
Canada has taken another significant step in its immigration strategy by conducting its first Express Entry draw under the newly updated Trades category in 2026.
The draw, held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates working in trade occupations highlighting the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in the Canadian labour market.
To qualify, candidates needed:
| Date | Draw Type | Minimum CRS | Number of ITAs |
| April 2 | Trades | 477 | 3,000 |
| March 31 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 2,250 |
| March 30 | Provincial Nominee Program | 802 | 356 |
| March 18 | French Language Proficiency | 393 | 4,000 |
| March 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 507 | 4,000 |
| March 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 742 | 362 |
| March 5 | Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 429 | 250 |
| March 4 | French Language Proficiency | 397 | 5,500 |
| March 3 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 4,000 |
| March 2 | Provincial Nominee Program | 710 | 264 |
| February 20 | Healthcare and social services | 467 | 4,000 |
| February 19 | Physicians with Canadian work experience | 169 | 391 |
| February 17 | Canadian Experience Class | 508 | 6,000 |
| February 16 | Provincial Nominee Program | 789 | 279 |
| February 6 | French Language Proficiency | 400 | 8,500 |
| February 3 | Provincial Nominee Program | 749 | 423 |
| January 21 | Canadian Experience Class | 509 | 6,000 |
| January 20 | Provincial Nominee Program | 746 | 681 |
| January 7 | Canadian Experience Class | 511 | 8,000 |
| January 5 | Provincial Nominee Program | 711 | 574 |
This marks the 20th Express Entry draw of 2026 and the first-ever selection under the revised Trades category, following updates to work experience requirements introduced earlier this year.
Trades occupations have been identified as a priority category by IRCC for both 2025 and 2026. This reflects Canada’s urgent need for skilled workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
The latest update to eligibility criteria has further streamlined the pathway for qualified trades professionals, making it easier for them to secure permanent residence.
So far in 2026, IRCC has focused heavily on candidates already in Canada, especially those with:
Here’s how draws have been distributed this year:
| Draw Type | Number of Draws |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 7 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 6 |
| French-Language Proficiency | 3 |
| Physicians with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
| Trades | 1 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 1 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience | 1 |
Canada has issued a total of 58,830 ITAs so far this year, including:
| Draw Type | Total Number of Invitations |
| Canadian Experience Class | 30,250 |
| French-language proficiency | 18,000 |
| Healthcare & social services | 4,000 |
| Trades | 3,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 2,939 |
| Physicians with Canadian experience | 391 |
| Senior Managers with Canadian experience | 250 |
If you’re a skilled trades professional aiming to move to Canada, this is a major opportunity. With targeted draws now in place, candidates in high-demand occupations have a better chance of receiving an invitation.
Want to check your eligibility or improve your CRS score? Connect with Oasis Visas today and take the first step toward your Canadian dream.
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