First-ever Express Entry invitations for newcomers with experience in trades announced

MARC Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on Tuesday announced the first trades round for category-based selection will open this week. This focus on candidates with trades expertise—including carpentry, plumbing, and welding—will help Canada’s construction sector attract the skilled talent it needs across the country.

He said that category-based selection signals Canada’s commitment to attract top global talent and help meet the need for tradespeople to support the economy. These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, alongside general invitation rounds, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

On May 31, Sean Fraser, the then-Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, had announced changes to Express Entry through category-based selection. These changes help address labour shortages that support an identified economic goal by inviting candidates with specific work experience or French language ability to apply for permanent residence.

Miller said: “It’s absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs. This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada.”

 

Quick Facts:

Associated links:

· Canada launches new process to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents

· Express Entry – Category-based selection

· “What we heard” report

· Francophone Immigration Strategy