Canada continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the world’s most immigration-friendly nations. In its latest move, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a new round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) under the Express Entry system.
This draw, conducted on September 18, 2025, marks another major opportunity for skilled workers in trade occupations who dream of starting a new life in Canada.
If you’re a skilled tradesperson—from electricians and welders to mechanics, plumbers, or industrial butchers—this update is for you. Let’s break down what this draw means, who is eligible, and how you can prepare if Canada is on your radar.
Express Entry Latest Draw Results – September 18, 2025
In the most recent Express Entry draw (Round No. 368):
- Number of Invitations Issued: 1,250 ITAs
- Category: Trade Occupations program (Federal Skilled Trades Program)
- CRS Score of Lowest-Ranked Candidate: 505
- Date and Time of Draw: September 18, 2025
- Tie-Breaking Rule: November 5, 2024 at 22:36:09 UTC
This means that all candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 505 or higher who met the eligibility requirements for the Trade Occupations program received invitations.
Important to note: If more than one candidate had the same lowest CRS score, the tie-breaker was based on the date and time they submitted their Express Entry profiles.
Comparing With Previous Trade Occupations Draw
This is not the first time Canada has held a targeted draw for trade occupations. The last such draw took place on October 23, 2024, when IRCC issued 1,800 invitations to apply for PR under the same program.
While the September 2025 draw invited slightly fewer candidates (1,250 vs. 1,800), it highlights that Canada continues to recognize the importance of skilled tradespeople in building its economy and supporting infrastructure growth.
What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is one of the three main programs managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. It was specifically designed for skilled workers who are qualified in a trade and want to become permanent residents of Canada.
Unlike other immigration programs that focus heavily on higher education or managerial experience, the FSTP values hands-on trade experience—which is crucial in a country facing shortages of workers in key sectors like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Key Minimum Requirements for FSTP
To qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must:
- Work Experience
- Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
- Your work must meet the job requirements for that trade under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
- You need either:
- A valid job offer of full-time employment in Canada for at least 1 year, ORA certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- You need either:
- Language Skills
- You must meet the minimum language levels (English or French) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This ensures you can work safely and integrate into Canadian society.
- Proof of Settlement Funds
- You must show you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada, unless:
- You are already working legally in Canada, OR
- You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- You must show you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada, unless:
CRS Score Explained: Why 505 Matters
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is Canada’s points-based system used to assess and rank Express Entry candidates. Points are awarded based on factors like:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience (Canadian and foreign)
- Language proficiency (English/French)
- Job offers or provincial nominations
- Adaptability (spouse’s qualifications, previous Canadian study/work, etc.)
In the September 18, 2025 draw, the cut-off CRS score was 505. That means candidates below this score weren’t invited this round.
To put this into context:
- The cut-off for general draws often ranges higher (510–540).
- Targeted draws, like this one for trade occupations, sometimes dip lower, giving skilled workers with trade expertise a better chance compared to professionals in other categories.
Why Canada Needs Skilled Trades Workers
Skilled trades are the backbone of Canada’s economy. From building homes and maintaining infrastructure to supporting industries like oil, gas, mining, and food processing, tradespeople are in high demand across provinces.
Some key reasons behind this demand:
- Aging Workforce: Many Canadian tradespeople are nearing retirement age, creating gaps in the labor force.
- Housing Boom: With Canada’s ambitious housing targets, demand for construction workers, electricians, and plumbers is skyrocketing.
- Industrial Expansion: Manufacturing, mining, and energy sectors require welders, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators.
- Food Supply Chains: Butchers and industrial food processing workers are essential for Canada’s growing food export market.
By targeting trade occupations, IRCC ensures Canada can meet both its short-term labor shortages and long-term economic growth goals.
How to Apply Under the FSTP
If you’re considering applying, here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Check Your Eligibility
- Verify that your trade is listed under eligible NOC categories.
- Make sure you have the required work experience and, if needed, a certificate of qualification.
- Take a Language Test
- Approved tests include IELTS (English) or CELPIP (English), and TEF (French).
- Gather Your Documents
- Passport, educational credentials, proof of work experience, proof of funds, and language test results.
- If applying with a certificate of qualification, include official copies.
- Create an Express Entry Profile
- Submit your profile online through the IRCC portal.
- Once in the pool, you’ll receive a CRS score.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If your score is at or above the cut-off in a draw, you’ll receive an ITA.
- Submit Your PR Application
- After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with supporting documents.
- Medical Exam and Police Clearance
- Required for all applicants and family members.
- Decision and Confirmation of PR
- If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can prepare for your move.
Where Can FSTP Candidates Work in Canada?
Skilled trades workers are needed across all provinces and territories, but some regions have particularly high demand.
- Ontario: Construction, automotive manufacturing, food processing.
- Alberta: Oil, gas, and mining trades; heavy equipment operators.
- British Columbia: Housing construction, electricians, carpenters.
- Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Agriculture and food processing trades.
- Atlantic Canada: Shipbuilding, fisheries, and skilled construction workers.
Pro Tip: If you want a faster pathway, consider applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Many provinces nominate trade workers, which adds 600 CRS points—almost guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.
Why This Draw Matters for Foreign Workers
For thousands of skilled workers worldwide, the September 2025 draw represents:
- A New Chance at PR: With 1,250 invitations, many candidates can now begin the final steps toward Canadian permanent residence.
- Recognition of Skilled Trades: Canada continues to send a strong message that hands-on workers are as valuable as university-educated professionals.
- Encouragement for Future Applicants: Even if you didn’t make the cut this time, targeted draws for trade workers are expected to continue.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s Express Entry Draw No. 368 proves that skilled trade workers remain central to the country’s immigration priorities. With a CRS cut-off of 505 and 1,250 invitations issued, this is an exciting opportunity for electricians, welders, mechanics, butchers, and other tradespeople to secure permanent residence in Canada.
For anyone considering applying under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, now is the time to start preparing. Whether you’re based in India, the Middle East, Africa, or elsewhere, Canada’s message is clear: your skills are needed, and your future can be built here.
