Canada’s Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently has invited more candidates in the latest Express Entry draw of 2023, focused on category-based selection for trades occupations.

On August 3rd, IRCC extended invitations to 1,500 candidates in this unique draw, targeting individuals in trades like carpentry, plumbing, and welding.

Notably, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 388, marking the lowest CRS score in the last five years for an Express Entry draw.

Overview
IRCC held its first category based Express Entry draw on June 28, 2023, its second on July 5, 2023, its third on July 6, 2023, its fourth on July 7, 2023, its fifth on July 12, its sixth on August 2 and its seventh on August 3, 2023.

IRCC introduced these Express Entry. category-based draws to attract candidates who fall within six distinct categories for permanent residence.

Work experience in the following fields:

healthcare

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions

trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors

transport

agriculture and agri-food

or, strong French language proficiency.

For candidates to receive an invitation through a category-based draw, they must meet all requirements stipulated by IRCC for that particular draw. During these draws, IRCC will assess and rank candidates in the pool based on their alignment with category requirements. Subsequently, the top-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residence.