New Changes in Express Entry Trades Category is Making it Easier to Receive PR Invitation
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Canada's Express Entry trade category expanded in 2025 adding 9 new occupations. Learn which jobs are now eligible and how it affects your Canada PR chances.
If your occupation falls under Express Entry’s revamp trade category, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency has significantly improved.
On February 27, 2025 Canada introduced a major update to its Express Entry system, particularly affecting the category based draws.
As part of this update the Trade Occupations category underwent the most significant transformation, with 9 new occupations added and 4 removed, bringing the total number of eligible trades to 25.
Read Next: Changes in Canada Express Entry Draw Categories: 2025 Updates
Updated List of Occupations Under Trade Category 2025
The updated list of occupations under the trade category, along with their NOC codes include:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Bricklayers | 72320 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 |
| Construction managers | 70010 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 |
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 |
Explore What is Canada Category-Based Selection & How Does it Work?
How To Qualify For Trade Category Under Express Entry?
To identify if your occupation is eligible for the trade category under Express Entry applicant along with qualifying the general eligibility criteria for Express Entry system, must also have at least six months of full time, continuous work experience in a single eligible occupation within the past 3 years.
Steps to Check Eligibility for Trade Category Under Express Entry
Step 1: Search for Your NOC Code
Step 2: Verify your core duties using the ESDC website
Step 3: Confirm NOC code inclusion in the Trade category
*You cannot combine experience from multiple occupations to meet the 6 month requirement.
Alternate Job Title for Newly Added Trades Occupations
The summary of alternate or example job titles under the newly added job roles in the Trade category include:
| NOC Occupation | Example Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Bricklayers | Apprentice bricklayer, Brickmason, Refractory bricklayer, Stonecutter, Stonemason |
| Cabinetmakers | Cabinetmaker apprentice, Custom wood furniture maker, Furniture cabinetmaker |
| Concrete finishers | Cement finisher apprentice, Concrete mason, Precast concrete finisher |
| Construction estimators | Chief estimator - construction, Quantity surveyor |
| Construction managers | Construction superintendent, General contractor, Pipeline construction manager |
| Oil & gas contractors/supervisors | Fracturing supervisor, Rig manager |
| Cooks | Line cook, Dietary cook, Short order cook, Hospital cook |
| Electrical mechanics | Electric motor systems technician, Transformer repairer |
| Floor covering installers | Carpet layer, Vinyl floor installer |
| Gas fitters | Gas technician, Industrial gas fitter |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | Diesel mechanic, Tractor mechanic |
| Home building/renovation managers | Home renovator, Residential homes contractor |
| Industrial electricians | Marine electrician, Plant maintenance electrician |
| Machinists/tooling inspectors | Aviation machinist, Tooling inspector |
| Other technical trades | Blacksmith, Gunsmith, Locksmith, Commercial diver |
| Painters and decorators | Construction painter, Paperhanger |
| Roofers and shinglers | Flat roofer, Asphalt roofer |
| Sheet metal workers | Tinsmith, Sheet metal fabricator |
| Water well drillers | Water well driller apprentice, Churn drill operator |
Explore Federal Skilled Trades Program
How Category Based Draws Increase Your Chances of Canada PR?
Category based draws are designed to target candidates with specific in demand skills like trades In 2024 the contrast in CRS cut offs noted was substantial. Where general draws witnessed a minimum CRS score requirement of 524 - 549 points, the trade category draws only needed about 433 - 436 points.
This means you could receive an ITA even with a lower CRS score, if your occupation falls under an eligible category like Trades
Explore Your Canada PR Options WIth GetGIS Assistance
Considering the complexities of category based express entry draws and evolving eligibility requirements, seeking expert guidance can make a real difference. GetGIS offers personalised support to help you accurately assess your eligibility, optimise your CRS score and navigate the application process with confidence
