Canada held its initial Express Entry draw targeting Trade Occupations in 2024. In draw #300, invitations were extended to 1,800 candidates who met the category-based selection criteria for specific occupations, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 436.
Express Entry Draw 300
Date of Draw: July 4, 2024 at 13:30:48 UTC
Number of Invitations Issued: 1,800
Minimum CRS: 436
Program Specified: Trade occupations (version 1)
Tie-breaking rule: July 16, 2023 at 15:44:59 UTC
First Draw for Trade Workers in 2024
Canada held its third category-specific Express Entry draw for Trade Occupations, selecting candidates from specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes within the pool. In draw #300, 1,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 436.
This draw marks the second held this week, following the PNP-specific draw #299 on July 2nd. The CRS cut-off for the trades draw was notably lower than previous all-program draws and 117 points less than the prior PNP draw, with 300 fewer ITAs issued. This trend aligns with the general observation that category-based draws have lower CRS requirements compared to broader all-program draws.
What are the Eligible Trade Occupations For This Draw?
To qualify for the Express Entry trade occupation category, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Have accumulated a minimum of 6 months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience within the past 3 years.
- This work experience must be in a single occupation listed in the designated table for the specific draw.
- The work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.
- Meet all other eligibility requirements outlined in the instructions for the particular draw.
| Occupations | 2021 NOC Code | 2021 TEER Category |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenters | 72310 | 2 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 | 2 |
| Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers | 72014 | 2 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 | 2 |
| Elevator constructors and mechanics | 72406 | 2 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 | 2 |
| Machine fitters | 72405 | 2 |
| Plumbers | 72300 | 2 |
| Residential and commercial installers and servicers | 73200 | 3 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 | 2 |
What Will Future Express Entry Draws Look Like?
Express Entry utilizes various draw types throughout the year to invite skilled workers to apply for Canadian permanent residency. These draws fall into three distinct categories:
General Rounds of Invitations: In these draws, the highest-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool, regardless of their specific program eligibility, receive invitations. To be considered, candidates must qualify under one of the three main Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Program-Specific Rounds of Invitations: These draws target candidates eligible for a particular Express Entry program. For instance, the IRCC may conduct draws exclusively for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, focusing on those with provincial nominations.
Category-Based Rounds of Invitations: These unique draws align with specific economic objectives set by the Minister of Immigration. Categories are established to address particular labor market needs, and top-ranking candidates who meet the criteria of a given category are invited to apply.
This multi-faceted approach allows Canada to effectively manage its immigration system and select skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s diverse economic landscape.
How Can I Apply for Express Entry?
Express Entry is the Canadian government’s system for managing applications for permanent residency. It employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a points-based assessment, to evaluate and rank candidate profiles.
The Express Entry application process involves two key stages:
Profile Submission: Candidates initiate the process by submitting a detailed profile, including essential documents like language test results, educational credentials, and passport or travel documents. This profile is then assessed using the CRS.
Complete Application: Upon receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency, candidates proceed to the second stage. This involves submitting a comprehensive application package, supplemented by supporting documents such as reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and medical examination results. This complete application undergoes a thorough review by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Previous Express Entry Draws
Check here the full list of the Express entry draws that were held this year:
| Draw | Date | Category | Number of ITAs | CRS Cut Off | Tie-Breaking Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | July 4, 2024 | Trade occupations (Version 1) | 1,800 | 436 | July 16, 2023 at 15:44:59 UTC |
| 299 | July 2, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 | February 02, 2024 at 11:38:43 UTC |
| 298 | June 19, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 | January 19, 2024 at 10:10:40 UTC |
| 297 | May 31, 2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 | March 19, 2024 at 18:58:58 UTC |
| 296 | May 30, 2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 | January 19, 2024 at 18:32:21 UTC |
| 295 | April 24, 2024 | French language proficiency | 1,400 | 410 | April 07, 2024 at 02:06:46 UTC |
| 294 | April 23, 2024 | General | 2,095 | 529 | November 08, 2023 at 17:50:29 UTC |
| 293 | April 11, 2024 | STEM occupations (2024-1) | 4,500 | 491 | February 25, 2024 at 11:55:12 UTC |
| 292 | April 10, 2024 | General | 1,280 | 549 | March 21, 2024 at 03:37:24 UTC |
| 291 | March 26, 2024 | French language proficiency | 1,500 | 388 | March 10, 2024 at 20:06:26 UTC |
| 290 | March 25, 2024 | General | 1,980 | 524 | February 25, 2024 at 14:42:38 UTC |
| 289 | March 13, 2024 | Transport occupations | 975 | 430 | July 31, 2023 at 13:27:26 UTC |
| 288 | March 12, 2024 | General | 2,850 | 525 | March 12, 2024 at 15:56:42 UTC |
| 287 | February 29, 2024 | French language proficiency | 2,500 | 336 | January 18, 2024 at 09:15:46 UTC |
| 286 | February 28, 2024 | General | 1,470 | 534 | January 16, 2024 at 03:51:05 UTC |
| 285 | February 16, 2024 | Agriculture and agri-food occupations | 150 | 437 | January 29, 2024 at 03:32:58 UTC |
| 284 | February 14, 2024 | Healthcare occupations | 3,500 | 422 | January 30, 2024 at 02:39:54 UTC |
| 283 | February 13, 2024 | General | 1,490 | 535 | February 11, 2024 at 15:26:56 UTC |
| 282 | February 1, 2024 | French language proficiency | 7,000 | 365 | September 08, 2023 at 09:47:27 UTC |
| 281 | January 31, 2024 | General | 730 | 541 | July 15, 2023 at 10:52:08 UTC |
| 280 | January 23, 2024 | General | 1,040 | 543 | January 21, 2024 at 07:43:47 UTC |
| 279 | January 10, 2024 | General | 1,510 | 546 | December 31, 2023 at 18:23:22 UTC |
Interested in learning more about your options to enter the Express Entry pool? Complete our free online assessment form today!
