Canada is reinforcing its commitment to addressing labour shortages in the skilled trades sector through its Express Entry program in 2025. According to Maple News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue with its targeted category-based draws, prioritizing 25 in-demand trades occupations critical to national infrastructure and economic growth.
First introduced in 2023, category-based draws allow IRCC to select applicants with specialized skills regardless of their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This policy change ensures that candidates in high-demand occupations—such as construction, industrial mechanics, HVAC, and electrical repair—are given greater opportunities for permanent residence, even if they do not meet the usual CRS score thresholds.
The 25 trades being targeted span a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, welding, electrical work, plumbing, heavy machinery maintenance, and construction management. Job roles include Industrial Electricians, Cooks, Carpenters, Roofer/Shinglers, and HVAC Mechanics, among others. Salaries for these professions range from approximately $43,000 to $110,000 CAD annually, reflecting both modest and highly technical roles within this category.
The enduring focus on trades highlights Canada’s broader strategy to support housing construction, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy transitions. Experts point to the need for skilled workers to replace an aging workforce and fill gaps left by declining enrolment in domestic apprenticeship programs. Immigration is vital in bridging that skills gap.
A notable advantage for applicants in these trades is the Red Seal endorsement. The Interprovincial Red Seal Program certifies tradespeople across Canada and is often viewed favourably in immigration applications, potentially leading to faster processing and higher CRS scores.
Applicants do not need Canadian work experience or a job offer to qualify under the trades category, but both can improve their application strength. Eligibility typically requires at least one year of relevant work experience in a qualifying NOC-code occupation.
This streamlined pathway also creates new opportunities for mid-skilled workers who may not hold university degrees but bring valuable hands-on expertise. Applicants who improve their language scores, obtain trade certifications, or secure provincial nominations will boost their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
With this 2025 blueprint, IRCC reinforces that skilled trades are not only essential to Canada’s economy, but also a high-priority immigration pathway for global talent seeking long-term settlement in the country.