Canada Holds Its First Express Entry Draw Under the New Skilled Trades Category in April 2026
Source: CIC News · April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- A new dedicated Trades category under Express Entry held its first draw on April 1, 2026
- Eligible trades include electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and industrial mechanics
- Candidates qualify based on NOC TEER category 2 and 3 trades occupations, not just CRS score
- This is separate from the Federal Skilled Trades program and does not require a job offer to apply
- The new category is part of Canada's plan to address skilled trades shortages across all provinces
What This Means For You
If you work in skilled trades: This is the biggest immigration news of 2026 for tradespeople. You may now qualify for PR through Express Entry even if your CRS score is not high enough for the regular draws. Check if your NOC code falls under TEER 2 or 3 and update your profile immediately.
→ Find out if your trade qualifies. Book a free SettleFast trades immigration assessment →