Maple News reports that IRCC issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a dedicated Express Entry Trades Occupations draw—the first Trades-category selection of 2026 and the twentieth Express Entry draw of the year. Eligible profiles had to be created by 8:53 p.m. UTC on February 14, 2026.
The minimum CRS score for eligibility was 477, and profiles had to be created before the February 14 deadline.
IRCC has designated Trades occupations as a priority category in 2025 and 2026, underscoring demand for skilled trades in Canada’s labour market. This draw marks the first selection under the updated Trades category following February changes to work-experience requirements.
So far in 2026, Express Entry draws have emphasized provincial nominations and Canadian work experience. A snapshot shows Provincial Nominee Program draws (7), Canadian Experience Class draws (6), French-language proficiency draws (3), and single draws for physicians with Canadian work experience, healthcare and social services, senior managers with Canadian work experience, and trades.
Today’s draw brings the total number of 2026 Express Entry events to 20.
Looking ahead, applicants in the Express Entry pool should monitor CRS trends and category rules as IRCC continues to calibrate thresholds to align with labour-market needs.