Canada has made a strategic shift in its Express Entry immigration system for 2025, now placing a stronger focus on skilled trades to address critical labor shortages across the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced an expansion of the “Trades” category, adding 19 new occupations to meet rising demand in construction, housing, and infrastructure development. This brings the total number of eligible trades to 25.

Newly added occupations include:

• Bricklayers
• Cabinetmakers
• Concrete Finishers
• Construction Estimators
• Construction Managers
• Floor Covering Installers
• Painters and Decorators (except interior decorators)
• Roofers and Shinglers

To qualify under this targeted category, candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a single eligible occupation within the past three years. Apprenticeship experience is accepted, provided the job duties align with the official National Occupation Classification (NOC) description for that role.

This update is part of Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which prioritizes immigration pathways for key sectors like skilled trades, healthcare, and education. It’s designed to ensure Canada’s growing economy has access to the talent it needs—especially in areas experiencing significant worker shortages.

For trades professionals inside or outside of Canada, this is a major opportunity to qualify for permanent residence under Express Entry’s new streamlined and targeted approach.

If your experience matches any of the eligible roles, now is the time to explore your options and begin the application process.s 2025–2027 Immigration Plan, focusing on trades, healthcare, and education to support economic growth.