Great news for skilled workers! On September 18, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first trades draw in almost a year. This draw invited 1,250 candidates from the Express Entry’s trade category to apply for permanent residence (PR). If you’re in a skilled trade, this could be your chance!

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 505, slightly higher than usual, but it’s expected that more draws will happen before the end of the year. So, if you have a trade skill, keep your fingers crossed!

Want to know how competitive your Express Entry profile is? It’s crucial to improve your CRS score if you aim to get an invitation to apply (ITA). For example, let’s look at some fictional candidates:

• Kavitha Mustafa: A 25-year-old cook from India with a CRS score of 510.
• Mohamed Saddiq: A 31-year-old carpenter from Bangladesh with a CRS score of 521.
• Jonathan Nwogu: A 32-year-old electrical mechanic from Nigeria with a CRS score of 506.

To qualify for these category-based selections, you must have eligible work experience—either inside or outside of Canada—within the last three years. If you think you may qualify, don’t hesitate to check your profile!

Stay tuned for more updates and information on how to enhance your chances in Canada’s immigration system.