Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system has undergone a significant update, with major changes made to the Trade Occupations category as of February 27, 2025. This expansion aims to better meet the country’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople and makes it easier for qualified applicants in the trades to gain permanent residency.
The updated Trade category now includes 25 eligible occupations, with 19 newly added roles and 4 removed from the list. Occupations such as Bricklayers, Electrical Mechanics, Construction Managers, Sheet Metal Workers, and Roofers and Shinglers are among the new additions. This makes it the most expanded Express Entry category this year.
Applicants working in these trades are now more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through category-based selection draws. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), priority is being given to foreign nationals who meet the needs of the Canadian labor market, particularly in sectors experiencing shortages.
To be eligible for the Trade category, candidates must first qualify for one of the core Express Entry programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. They also need to have a minimum of six months of continuous full-time work experience—or equivalent part-time experience—within the past three years in one of the eligible occupations.
It’s also important to note that experience as an apprentice may count, as apprentices often perform comparable duties to fully certified professionals in their field.
This update signals Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled tradespeople to sustain its infrastructure, housing, and energy sectors. The labor market data indicates robust demand for workers in construction, mechanical trades, and technical installation services—fields directly covered in this update.
Maple News encourages potential applicants to review the updated occupation list and ensure their job history aligns with the newly added roles. With targeted draws becoming more common, being in an eligible trade could substantially improve a candidate’s chances of receiving an ITA under Canada’s Express Entry system.