What Trade Jobs Qualify For Canada’s Express Entry In 2025?

Skilled trade workers face unique challenges when considering immigration, often struggling with complex requirements or uncertainty about eligibility. The fear of navigating Canada’s Express Entry system or meeting specific trade qualifications can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing work and family responsibilities. Fortunately, Canada’s immigration pathways, like the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and targeted Express Entry draws, are designed to welcome skilled tradespeople with clear, achievable steps. This guide breaks down these options to help you confidently pursue permanent residency.

Understanding Canada’s Express Entry For Trade Workers

Canada values skilled trade workers for their expertise in fields like construction, mechanics, and culinary arts. The Express Entry system offers two main pathways for tradespeople: the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and category-based Express Entry draws. Both prioritize workers who meet specific job and experience requirements, ensuring Canada’s economy benefits from your skills.

What Is The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

The FSTP is tailored for tradespeople with experience in high-demand occupations. It’s part of the Express Entry system, which ranks candidates based on factors like work experience, education, and language skills.

Eligibility for FSTP

To qualify, you must meet these key requirements:

• Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work (or 3,120 hours) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years. The work must be paid (wages or commission) and align with specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups, such as:
  • Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)
  • Minor Group 6320
  • Unit Group 62200
• Job Duties: Your experience must match the lead statement and main duties listed in the NOC for your trade.
• Qualification: You need either a valid job offer for at least 1 year of full-time work in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province, territory, or federal authority.
• Language Skills: Meet minimum scores in approved English or French tests for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Proof of Funds: Show you have enough money to settle in Canada, unless you’re legally working in Canada with a valid job offer.
• Admissibility: Be admissible to Canada (no security, criminal, or medical issues).
• Location: Plan to live outside Quebec, as Quebec has its own immigration process.

Popular FSTP Trade Occupations

Canada prioritizes a wide range of trades. Some eligible occupations include:

• Construction Managers (NOC 70010)
• Carpenters (NOC 72310)
• Electricians (NOC 72200)
• Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Welders (NOC 72106)
• Cooks (NOC 63200)

Check the full list of 111 eligible trades to confirm your occupation qualifies.

What Are Targeted Express Entry Draws For Trades?

Targeted Express Entry draws focus on specific occupations to address Canada’s labor shortages. Introduced in 2023, these draws prioritize candidates with experience in 82 high-demand roles, including trade occupations like carpenters, plumbers, and welders.

Eligibility for Targeted Draws

To qualify for these draws, you must:

• Work Experience: Have at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) in one of the targeted trade occupations within the last 3 years.
• Express Entry Program: Be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Recent Draw History

Recent draws show Canada’s commitment to inviting trade workers:

• October 23, 2024: 1,800 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for trade occupations.
• July 4, 2024: 1,800 ITAs.
• December 19, 2023: 1,000 ITAs.
• August 3, 2023: 1,500 ITAs.

Targeted Trade Occupations

Some in-demand trades include:

• Residential and Commercial Installers (NOC 73200)
• Elevator Constructors and Mechanics (NOC 72406)
• Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics (NOC 72402)
• Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400)

Comparing FSTP And Targeted Draws

Both pathways lead to permanent residency, but they differ in focus:

• FSTP: Requires 2 years of experience and either a job offer or a certificate of qualification. It’s ideal for tradespeople with established skills in specific NOC groups.
• Targeted Draws: Needs only 6 months of experience in a broader range of occupations. It’s suited for those with recent, relevant work experience but less stringent qualification requirements.

Steps To Apply For Permanent Residency

• Check Eligibility: Confirm your trade is listed in the eligible NOC codes and you meet the experience and language requirements.
• Get a Certificate of Qualification (if needed): Contact the provincial or territorial authority for your trade to understand certification requirements. Some trades may require an employer to provide training.
• Take a Language Test: Complete an approved test like IELTS (English) or TEF (French).
• Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your details online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
• Improve Your CRS Score: The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores your profile based on age, education, work experience, and language skills. A job offer or certificate can boost your score.
• Receive an ITA: If ranked high enough, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.
• Submit Your Application: Provide all required documents within 60 days of receiving an ITA.

Tips For Success

• Work with an RCIC: A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant can guide you through the process and ensure your application is complete.
• Stay Updated on Draws: Targeted draws happen regularly, so monitor IRCC announcements.
• Prepare Documents Early: Gather proof of work experience, language test results, and funds to avoid delays.

Why Choose Canada?

Canada’s demand for skilled tradespeople is growing, with opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and more. By immigrating through Express Entry, you gain access to stable jobs, healthcare, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re a carpenter, electrician, or cook, your skills are valued, and these pathways make permanent residency achievable.

Ready to start? Check your eligibility and consider consulting a licensed RCIC expert to streamline your Canadian visa application.