Express Entry Draw #368: 1,250 Invitations for Trade Occupations
- September 18, 2025
IRCC held Express Entry Draw #368 on September 18, 2025. This draw targeted trade occupations and issued 1,250 invitations.
Results of Draw #368
- Total invitations: 1,250
- CRS cutoff score: 505
- Date and time: September 18, 2025, at 13:53:39 UTC
- Tie-breaking rule: November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC
Eligible Trade Occupations
This draw invited candidates from a wide range of skilled trades, including:
- Carpenters (72310)
- Plumbers (72300)
- Welders (72106)
- Electricians, except industrial and power system (72200)
- Industrial electricians (72201)
- Construction managers (70010)
- Home building and renovation managers (70011)
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
- Heating, refrigeration, and AC mechanics (72402)
- Construction millwrights and mechanics (72400)
- Gas fitters (72302)
- Bricklayers (72320)
- Cabinetmakers (72311)
- Machinists and tooling inspectors (72100)
- Sheet metal workers (72102)
- Roofers and shinglers (73110)
- Painters and decorators (73112)
- Concrete finishers (73100)
- Floor covering installers (73113)
- Water well drillers (72501)
- Cooks (63200)
- Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services (82021)
- Construction estimators (22303)
- Electrical mechanics (72422)
- Other related technical trades (72999)
Eligibility Checklist for a Trades Draw
To qualify for a trade-focused Express Entry draw, candidates must meet IRCC’s program rules.
- At least six months of continuous work experience in an eligible trade NOC within the past three years.
- Fulfillment of requirements for one of the main Express Entry programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- An active Express Entry profile in the pool at the time of the draw.
Candidates also need valid language test results, proof of funds if required, and proper licensing for regulated trades. Meeting these conditions ensures eligibility when IRCC targets trade occupations.
Connecting the Dots: The “Why” Behind the Draw
Trades are vital to Canada’s economy, and current trends highlight their importance.
The national housing strategy requires more residential construction workers to build homes across the country. Major infrastructure projects, from highways to clean energy plants, also depend on tradespeople.
At the same time, many skilled workers are nearing retirement. Canada faces an aging workforce, especially in construction and industrial trades. By inviting tradespeople through Express Entry, IRCC is addressing shortages now and preparing for the future.
Looking Back at the 2023 Trade Draw
The last trade occupations draw happened on October 23, 2024. That round issued 1,800 invitations with a cutoff of 433. Occupations included welders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, HVAC mechanics, and elevator constructors.
Trade draws have been rare since then. The long gap shows that IRCC does not run these rounds often, but they remain important for filling critical labour shortages.
What Applicants Should Do
- Keep Express Entry profiles accurate and updated.
- Maintain valid trade certifications and licenses.
- Stay ready for future trade draws, even if they are infrequent.
Have Questions About Express Entry?
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