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The Express Entry immigration system in Canada is making it easier for skilled workers to move to the country. Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to individuals working in the trades. This draw took place in September 2025, and the lowest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 505.

This draw presents an excellent opportunity for trade professionals looking to relocate to Canada, but it also indicates that the competition is intensifying.


What is Express Entry and How Does It Work?

Express Entry is Canada's main program for skilled immigrants. It handles applications for:

    •  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

   •  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

   •  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CRS score, which takes into account things like age, education, work experience, language skills, and flexibility, is used to rank candidates. If you have a better CRS score, you are more likely to get an ITA. 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Canada PNP Express Entry Skilled Immigration enables Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers for immigration. PNP helps meet regional labor market demands by selecting individuals from the Express Entry pool. Provinces and territories encourage talented workers to immigrate based on their skills and potential contributions to the local economy.

Each province and territory in Canada has its own criteria, so requirements vary accordingly.


Key Highlights of the September 2025 Trade Occupations Draw

   •  Number of ITAs issued: 1,250

   •  CRS score requirement: 505

   •  Profile submission deadline: Before November 5, 2025, at 10:36 p.m. UTC

This draw was especially notable because it was the first trade-focused selection of 2025, and the CRS cut-off was higher than usual.


What is the Trade Occupations Category?

There is a growing need in Canada for skilled trade workers. This includes jobs like:

   •  People who work in healthcare

   •  Teachers

   •  Caretakers

These jobs are very important to Canada's economy, and since many Canadians are retiring, the government is happy to have people from other countries come in to fill the gaps.


CRS Cut-Off Score - Why It Was High This Time

In the past, CRS cut-offs for trade occupations were much lower. For example, the October 2024 trade draw had a cut-off of just 433. The September 2025 cut-off jumped to 505.

Why so high?

   •  A long gap since the last trade draw increased the pool of candidates.

   •  Stronger profiles with higher scores entered the system.

   •  IRCC is being more selective to meet specific labor market goals.


Complete Summary of 2025 Express Entry Draws

Here’s a quick look at major Express Entry draws from January to September 2025:

Date Draw Type ITAs Issued CRS Cut-off
Sept 17 Education 2,500 462
Sept 15 PNP 228 746
Sept 4 French language 4,500 446
Sept 3 CEC 1,000 534
Sept 2 PNP 249 772
Aug 19 Healthcare 2,500 470
Aug 8 French language 2,500 481
July 22 Healthcare 4,000 475
July 8 CEC 3,000 518
June 26 CEC 3,000 521
March 21 French language 7,500 379
Feb 19 French language 6,500 428
Jan 23 CEC 4,000 527

So far, IRCC has issued 61,047 ITAs in 2025.


Categories of Express Entry Draws in 2025

   •  Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 17 draws

   •  Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 9 draws

   •  French-language proficiency: 5 draws

   •  Healthcare and social services: 4 draws

   •  Education stream: 2 draws

   •  Trade jobs: 1 draw

This illustrates that Canada is making its immigration pathways more varied to fit the needs of its job market.


IRCC’s Plan for 2025

Based on the evidence, Canada is obviously putting first:

   •  Healthcare staff are in low supply after the pandemic.

   •  French speakers to help with bilingualism

   •  Skilled tradesmen to help with housing and infrastructure projects

IRCC ensures that the immigration system is fair by focusing on distinct streams.


Why Skilled Workers Should Pay Attention

If you are a skilled worker who wants to move to Canada, now is the time to do something. The draws show that Canada values trade skills as much as college degrees. If you fit the right profile, you can get permanent residency faster than you think.


Predictions for the Rest of 2025

ATIP says that the IRCC wants to give out 3,300 ITAs in the business category in the second half of 2025. There may be 2,050 more ITAs sent out before the end of the year, since 1,250 have already been sent out.

This indicates that there will be more chances, but the CRS requirements can still be high.


How to Boost Your Express Entry Profile

Want to increase your CRS score? Here are some proven ways:

   •  Get better scores on your language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French)

   •  Get work or study experience in Canada

   •  Get a nomination from the province (adds 600 CRS points right away)

   •  Get a degree from a higher education institution

   •  Get a real job offer from a Canadian company


French Language Advantage

With Express Entry, knowing French is becoming more and more important. Sometimes, candidates with lower CRS scores get ITAs if they can show that they are good at French. This is because there are separate drawings for French speakers.


Provincial Nominee Program Edge

The PNP is another great chance. Because provinces quickly take care of their labor needs, a PNP nomination almost always leads to an ITA because of the big CRS jump.


Why Canada Still Needs Trade Workers

There aren't enough people with the right skills looking for work in Canada right now. Trade workers are the most important part of the economy because they do everything from building things to providing energy. This is why Canada keeps inviting people from other countries to work in this field, even though the CRS requirements are high.


Final Thoughts on the September 2025 Trade Draw

The most recent draw shows that Canada still values skilled workers, especially those who work in trade. The CRS cut-off was higher than usual, but you might have more chances in future draws. If you're working on your Express Entry profile, now is the time to get your score up and get ready.


Conclusion

The immigration system in Canada is always changing to meet the needs of the job market. The Express Entry trade draw in September 2025 was a reminder that there is a lot of competition, but there are also a lot of chances for people who plan ahead. Canada needs your skills, whether you're a teacher, caretaker, or healthcare worker.


FAQs

1. What is the CRS score cut-off for the latest trade draw?
The cut-off was 505 points.

2. How many ITAs has IRCC issued in 2025 so far?
There have been 61,047 ITAs given out.

3. What are the top categories for Express Entry in 2025?
PNP, CEC, French language, healthcare, education, and jobs in trade.

4. Why is the CRS cut-off getting higher?
IRCC is becoming more picky because stronger profiles are coming into the system.

5. How can I improve my chances of receiving an ITA?
By getting better language scores, getting nominations from the province, getting work or study experience in Canada, or getting a real job offer.

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