Canada Expands Express Entry: New Trade Category Opens Doors for Skilled Workers
Canada has significantly expanded its Express Entry programme, introducing a revamped Trade category on February 27, 2025. This move aims to attract more skilled workers, with the Trade category seeing the most occupations added.
The new Trade category requires at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years. This experience must be gained in a single occupation, not a mix of different ones.
Applicants can check their eligibility by finding the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for their work experience and verifying it on the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) website. If their occupation appears in the eligible Trade occupations list, they may qualify.
Notably, truck driving, classified under NOC code 73300, is now considered skilled work eligible for points and immigration under the Express Entry programme. This occupation is among the 25 approved for the Trade category.
The expansion of the Trade category has increased the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry. Applicants with work experience in the approved occupations may now have a better chance of securing a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The programme's changes reflect Canada's ongoing efforts to attract and retain skilled workers.
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