Key Takeaways
- Starting 2025, 19 new Skilled Trade occupations will be eligible for Express Entry, raising the total to 43 occupations.
- Eligibility requires 2 years of recent relevant work experience, language proficiency, and fulfilling specific NOC criteria or certifications.
- Express Entry draws may prioritize trade-specific jobs, potentially lowering CRS scores for candidates in these newly added occupations.
On February 27, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant update to the Express Entry program. This change involves the inclusion of 19 new Skilled Trade occupations to the Express Entry draws, starting in 2025. This update expands the opportunities available for qualified tradespeople seeking permanent residency in Canada 🇨🇦 while reflecting the country’s evolving economic and labor demands.
What’s New in Skilled Trade Occupations?
As of 2025, a total of 19 new Skilled Trade occupations are being integrated into the Express Entry draws. These professions come from varied industries such as construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair. The purpose behind this change is to directly address existing shortages in Canada’s labor market while also ensuring economic growth and stability.
The newly added Skilled Trade occupations include the following:
- Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106)
- Carpenters (NOC 72310)
- Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72202)
- Plumbers (NOC 72300)
- Sheet metal workers (NOC 72105)
- Ironworkers (NOC 72104)
- Boilermakers (NOC 72100)
- Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers, and lathers (NOC 72320)
- Roofers and shinglers (NOC 72310)
- Glaziers (NOC 72330)
- Insulators (NOC 72321)
- Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (NOC 72420)
- Floor covering installers (NOC 72340)
- Tile setters (NOC 72340)
- Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
- Concrete finishers (NOC 72310)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401)
- Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72400)
- Industrial electricians (NOC 72200)
These additions bring the total number of eligible Skilled Trade occupations under the Express Entry system to 43. This widened category provides workers in these professions a clearer pathway to permanent residency and, consequently, the opportunity to contribute to Canada’s long-term economic goals.
Impacts and Benefits for Skilled Workers
The inclusion of these new occupations translates to a more inclusive and balanced immigration system. Here’s how this update affects various groups:
- More Pathways to Permanent Residency:
Skilled tradespeople now have additional opportunities to apply for permanent residency as more professions fall under the Express Entry system. -
Addressing Labor Shortages:
The expansion is aimed at meeting the urgent demand for trades workers, particularly in sectors like construction and maintenance. For applicants, this represents a higher chance of matching their professional skills with available jobs in Canada. -
Potentially Lower CRS Scores:
Since certain draws within the Express Entry system may now prioritize trade-specific occupations, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores needed to qualify might decrease for candidates in these jobs. This could allow a larger pool of eligible workers to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs). -
Fairer Representation of Skilled Trades:
Historically, professionals in skilled trades often found it harder to qualify for permanent residency compared to other categories. These updates rebalance the system, making it fairer for trades workers to achieve their residency goals.
Federal Skilled Trades Program: Eligibility Requirements
For workers in these newly added Skilled Trade occupations, eligibility criteria under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) remain unchanged. To apply under this program, individuals must meet the following conditions:
- Language Skills:
Prove proficiency in either English or French by meeting the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB level 4 for reading and writing. -
Work Experience:
Accumulate at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in their skilled trade within the past five years. -
Job Offer or Certification:
Applicants must either have a valid job offer for full-time employment lasting at least one year or secure a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade from a recognized Canadian authority. -
Meet NOC Criteria:
Candidates must fulfill the job requirements outlined in their respective trade’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) profile, except for certification prerequisites. -
Admissibility:
Meet Canada’s general admissibility standards related to medical and security checks.
How the Express Entry Process Works
Tradespeople applying under these new Skilled Trade occupations will follow the standard Express Entry process. Below is an outline of the steps:
- Eligibility Check:
Applicants must first confirm that they meet all requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program. -
Create a Profile:
Eligible applicants may create an Express Entry profile online, where they input personal details like work experience, education, language proficiency scores, and occupation. -
Enter the Pool:
Once the profile is submitted, candidates enter a pool where they are ranked against others using the CRS. Points depend on factors like age, language ability, job experience, and job offers. -
Invitation to Apply (ITA):
High-ranking candidates are offered ITAs through regular Express Entry draws. Each draw may focus on different categories of applicants, such as trades-specific draws. -
Permanent Residency (PR) Application:
After receiving an ITA, applicants must submit a formal PR application within 60 days. All required supporting documents must be included. -
Processing Timeline:
IRCC processes most complete PR applications within six months, ensuring a reasonably streamlined pathway for successful candidates.
Policy Goals and Labor Market Context
Minister Marc Miller emphasized key priorities for 2025’s immigration outlook during the February announcement. Among these priorities are health and social services, French-speaking immigrants, education-related professions, and trades-specific initiatives.
The Skilled Trade occupations expansion supports these goals by resolving persistent labor shortages in critical sectors. For example, Canada continues to face challenges in its construction industry due to aging workers and increased housing demand. Welcoming fresh talent in welding, plumbing, bricklaying, and related trades directly combats these shortages while contributing to infrastructure projects.
At the same time, the program’s broader focus signals a shift toward acknowledging skilled trades as vital to the economy. Expanding programs like Express Entry ensures trades workers gain proper recognition alongside applicants from traditional professions.
Preparing for Change
Given these opportunities, prospective immigrants should start preparing early. Steps include ensuring certifications are up to date and meeting language and work experience requirements. Moreover, trades workers should familiarize themselves with Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) to better understand the qualifications expected for their specific occupation.
Interested applicants can look to IRCC’s official page for more specific details about Express Entry requirements: IRCC Express Entry.
VisaVerge.com’s detailed investigation underlines the crucial role of such policy updates in bridging Canada’s labor shortages while simultaneously welcoming skilled tradespeople. By facilitating a clear pathway, the government aims for long-term economic benefits, ensuring sustainable growth.
Conclusion
With 19 new Skilled Trade occupations now eligible under the Express Entry system, Canada opens its doors wider for trades workers in 2025. These changes mark a significant step forward in addressing labor shortages and fostering economic vitality. For skilled workers, it’s an opportunity to build a secure future while contributing to a growing economy.
As immigration policies evolve, applicants should stay alert for updates and ensure that they meet the required qualifications. Consulting IRCC resources or speaking with an immigration professional is always advisable for personalized guidance. By staying informed and ready, trades workers can take full advantage of these new opportunities for permanent residency and forge a brighter future in Canada.
Learn Today
Express Entry → An online immigration system used to manage applications for permanent residency in Canada based on specific eligibility criteria.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) → A points-based method used to rank immigration candidates in the Express Entry pool based on various factors like age and skills.
National Occupational Classification (NOC) → Canada’s official system categorizing and describing occupations to determine their eligibility for immigration programs.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) → An immigration program for skilled trades workers, offering pathways to permanent residency in Canada.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) → A formal invitation issued to eligible Express Entry candidates to submit a complete application for permanent residency.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada’s Express Entry system in 2025 adds 19 new Skilled Trade occupations, expanding opportunities for tradespeople. From welders to electricians, this update addresses labor shortages in key sectors like construction and manufacturing. Skilled workers gain a clearer residency pathway, aligning immigration with economic needs. Prepare now to seize this transformative opportunity!
— By VisaVerge.com
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