Canada issued 3,500 invitations to apply for permanent residence in Express Entry draw #447 on October 1, 2026. The draw targeted the trades occupations category, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 476. For candidates at exactly 476, the tie-breaking date was May 28, 2026, at 16:55:23 UTC.
If you work in a trade, this result is a reason to look carefully at your immigration options. Your occupation and work history may help you qualify for a targeted draw, alongside your Express Entry score.
What the October 1 draw means for trades workers
Category-based selection allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite candidates who meet a specific economic priority. Candidates must still qualify for one of the immigration programs managed through Express Entry.
This draw's cutoff was lower than the September 29 Canadian Experience Class cutoff of 518. That comparison shows why the type of draw matters. It does not mean trades cutoffs will always be lower, or that 476 will be enough next time.
Who can qualify for the trades category
Under IRCC's current category rules, you need at least 12 months of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time experience, within the past three years in a single eligible occupation. The experience can be in Canada or abroad and does not need to be continuous. You must also meet the requirements for the particular invitation round.
Having the job title is not enough. During that experience, you must have performed the duties in the NOC lead statement for your occupation and a substantial number of its main duties, including all of the essential ones. Work done in Canada without authorization does not count toward the 12 months.
Examples on the eligible list include electricians (NOC 72200) and industrial electricians (72201), plumbers, carpenters and welders. Power system electricians (72202) are not on the list, so check your exact National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. The trades category and the Federal Skilled Trades Program are different parts of the system; qualifying for the category still requires eligibility for an Express Entry program.
What to do if you received an invitation
An invitation is an opportunity to apply, rather than an approval of permanent residence. IRCC gives invited candidates 60 days to submit their application. Check the deadline in your account and use your personalized document checklist.
Start by reviewing whether your employment evidence supports the experience you claimed. A clear record of your duties, dates and hours can help you identify gaps before you submit.
How Turas Immigration can help you prepare
Begin with the free Express Entry CRS calculator. It gives you an estimate to bring into a more detailed discussion about your options.
If you are unsure whether your work qualifies, book an Extended Consultation with Vanessa Constantino de Almeida, RCIC. I can review your occupation with you, compare available pathways and help you understand your next steps. If you already have an invitation and prepared your application, my Application Package Review offers a separate review before submission.
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