The landscape of Canadian immigration is changing. It’s no longer just about having the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. It’s about having the right skills at the right time. The latest Express Entry Draw #368 is a perfect example of this new reality, sending a powerful signal to skilled tradespeople around the globe.

On September 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a category-based draw focused on a specific occupation category: trades. This targeted approach is a major part of Canada’s strategy to address critical labor shortages. If you’re a skilled trades professional, this is fantastic news. It means your specific expertise is now in high demand, and there’s a clear path for you to make Canada your new home. Let’s break down the details of this historic draw and what it tells us about future opportunities.

The Express Entry Draw #368 in Detail

This draw was all about focus. Instead of inviting a broad range of candidates, IRCC zeroed in on the trades. Here’s what happened on September 18:

• Invitation Round: #368
• Draw Date: September 18, 2025
• Draw Type: Category-based draw: Trade
• CRS Score Cut-Off: 505
• Invitations Issued: 1,250
• Tie-Breaking Rule: November 05, 2024 at 22:36:09 UTC

This was the first trade-focused draw of 2025, and the CRS score of 505 is a crucial number. It shows that even with a high overall CRS score, having an in-demand skill set can give you a significant advantage. It’s a clear sign that IRCC is moving towards a more strategic approach to immigration, aligning new permanent residents with the country’s economic needs.

For those of you curious about the broader picture, you can find a comprehensive Express Entry draw history on our website. It’s an invaluable tool for tracking trends and seeing how these specific draws fit into the big picture.

What You Need to Know About the Trade Draw Express Entry Requirements

So, what exactly does it take to get an invitation in a trade draw express entry requirements? It all starts with your Express Entry profile. While you must meet the criteria for at least one of the three main programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades), there are additional requirements for category-based draws.

To be eligible for a trade category draw, you need to have a minimum of six months of continuous, full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) within the past three years. This experience must be in a single eligible trade occupation, regardless of whether you gained it in Canada or abroad.

The eligible occupations for this category are specified by IRCC and typically include:

• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Welders
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Industrial mechanics
• And many more!

It’s vital to check if your specific trade is on the list. A small mistake in your application can cause major delays, so it’s always smart to double-check every detail.

Navigating Category-Based Express Entry Draws and the Future

The introduction and increasing frequency of Category-based Express Entry draws in 2025 have changed the game. It shows a move away from the general, all-program draws that were once common. The data for the first three quarters of the year proves this. Compared to previous years, there have been fewer large, broad draws and a greater number of smaller, more targeted ones.

Here’s a Look at the Trends so Far in 2025:

PNP Draws: These have been very frequent, often with high CRS scores, but a provincial nomination adds 600 points, making it a powerful pathway.

CEC Draws: These have also been a consistent feature, often inviting candidates with Canadian work experience.

French-Language Draws: These have seen a large number of invitations issued with some of the lowest CRS scores of the year, a reflection of Canada’s focus on Francophone immigration.

Other Categories: Draws for healthcare and education have also occurred, with more expected throughout the year.

The message is clear: Canada is looking for specific skills. If you’re a skilled professional, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of the latest news and understand which category you fit into.

The overall trend for 2025 points to a system that is more responsive to the Canadian labor market. The high CRS scores in general draws are a challenge, but the category-based draws offer a promising alternative for many.

The latest Express Entry Draw #368 is a clear signal that Canada’s immigration system is becoming more specialized. It proves that having an in-demand trade skill is a major asset, opening a potential pathway to permanent residence even if your CRS score isn’t at the very top. By staying informed about the different draw types and making sure your profile highlights your valuable skills, you can significantly improve your chances.

The best strategy is to be proactive. If you have a skilled trade, make sure your Express Entry profile is detailed and accurate. Look for opportunities to improve your language skills or secure a provincial nomination. The path to Canada is clearer than ever for skilled tradespeople, and the time to act is now. Stay tuned with ImmigCanada for all the personal support and expert guidance. Contact our RCIC today!