In a significant development within Canada’s Express Entry system, the much-awaited Draw 261 has just concluded. This draw, held on August 3, 2023, had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388 and the issuance of a noteworthy 1,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for candidates across all programs.
First Trades Category Specific Draw
Express Entry Draw 261 issued invitations to 1,500 candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 388. This draw was the first time a specific category for trade occupations was created, and all the candidates selected were from specific job codes related to trades.
This draw took place on the third day of August, following a draw for all types of candidates on August 1st, and a draw for Francophone candidates the day before. In contrast to the French-speaking candidates’ draw, this selection round demanded a lower CRS score by 47 points and saw an increase of 700 invitations issued.
Usually, draws that focus on specific categories like this one have a lower CRS score needed than draws that include all types of candidates. The previous draw that included everyone required a CRS score of 517, which is 129 points higher than the CRS score needed for this draw.
It’s absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs. This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada.
-The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Which Trades Occupation Are Eligible for This Draw?
| Occupation | NOC Code |
| Contractors and Supervisors, other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Services | 72014 |
| Welders and Related Machine Operators | 72106 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power systems) | 72200 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers | 73200 |
| Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades, Installers, Repairers, and Services | 72400 |
| Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | 72402 |
| Machine Fitters | 72405 |
| Elevator Constructors and Mechanics | 72406 |
Previously Held Category Based Draws
- Healthcare
On June 28, IRCC extended invitations to 500 healthcare professionals through the latest Express Entry category-based selection draws. These professionals were required to have a minimum comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score of 476 to be eligible for the invitation. On July 6, IRCC further invited 1500 healthcare professionals with a minimum comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score of 463. - STEM
IRCC in its second round of express entry invited candidates eligible for category-based selection in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations. A total of 500 individuals received invitations, meeting the eligibility criteria with a minimum CRS score of 486. - French Language Proficiency
On July 7th, Canada extended invitations to 2,300 Express Entry candidates known for their strong French-speaking skills, setting a minimum score requirement of 439 on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
On July 12, IRCC further invited 3800 candidates in a French language category-based draw with a minimum CSR score of 375, this being the lowest score for express entry drawn this year. Again on August 2nd 800 invitations were issued for this category with a minimum score of 435.
