Canada’s Express Entry system has evolved to better meet the country’s labour market needs. In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced category-based draws, also called occupation-specific draws, to ensure that in-demand skilled workers can be prioritized for permanent residence even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is below the usual general draw cut-offs.
In 2025, skilled trades remain a key focus of these targeted draws, with 25 trades occupations selected for streamlined immigration. These roles span construction, industrial maintenance, mechanical repair, and energy systems – all essential to supporting Canada’s housing, infrastructure, and economic development goals.
This article lists and explains each Express Entry-targeted trade occupation for 2025, including its National Occupation Classification (NOC) code, a brief job description, and estimated average salary.
On This Page You Will Find:
- A full list of Express Entry 2025 trades occupations
- NOC codes and job descriptions for each role
- Estimated average salaries in Canadian dollars
- Key insights on Express Entry trade priorities
- FAQs about Express Entry for trades workers
- Background on occupation-specific draws and how they work
What Are Occupation-Specific Express Entry Draws?
Canada’s category-based Express Entry draws were introduced to ensure the immigration system addresses critical labour shortages in priority sectors. These draws target candidates with work experience in specific occupations – regardless of whether their CRS score meets the usual cut-off.
Instead of ranking candidates purely by CRS, IRCC identifies a category (such as trades or healthcare), sets criteria based on NOC codes, and invites eligible candidates who meet the minimum threshold. This ensures that immigration is aligned with real labour market needs, including urgent shortages in housing, infrastructure, and skilled repair and maintenance services.
Trades occupations are a cornerstone of this strategy. Many of these jobs are physically demanding, essential to national development, and difficult to fill domestically due to an ageing workforce and declining apprenticeship enrolment. Immigration helps fill this gap.
Targeted Trades Occupations in Express Entry 2025
Below are the 25 skilled trades jobs targeted in 2025, with NOC codes, short descriptions, and estimated annual salaries:
1. Contractors and Supervisors, Oil and Gas Drilling and Services
NOC: 82021
Supervise oil and gas drilling crews and ensure safety and productivity.
Estimated Salary: $110,000
2. Floor Covering Installers
NOC: 73113
Install carpets, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring in buildings.
Estimated Salary: $56,000
3. Painters and Decorators (Except Interior Decorators)
NOC: 73112
Apply paint and coatings on interior and exterior surfaces.
Estimated Salary: $49,000
4. Roofers and Shinglers
NOC: 73110
Install and repair roofing systems, including asphalt shingles and waterproofing.
Estimated Salary: $55,000
5. Concrete Finishers
NOC: 73100
Pour, level, and finish concrete for sidewalks, floors, roads, and structures.
Estimated Salary: $56,000
6. Other Technical Trades and Related Occupations
NOC: 72999
Specialised trades like rig technicians, scuba divers, and explosive workers.
Estimated Salary: $60,000
7. Water Well Drillers
NOC: 72501
Operate drilling equipment to access groundwater for agricultural or residential use.
Estimated Salary: $63,000
8. Electrical Mechanics
NOC: 72422
Repair and rebuild electric motors, transformers, and other control equipment.
Estimated Salary: $67,000
9. Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics (HVAC)
NOC: 72402
Install and maintain climate control systems in homes and commercial buildings.
Estimated Salary: $69,000
10. Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
NOC: 72401
Maintain and repair large vehicles and machinery used in construction and farming.
Estimated Salary: $73,000
11. Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
NOC: 72400
Assemble and maintain industrial machinery in factories and plants.
Estimated Salary: $72,000
12. Bricklayers
NOC: 72320
Build and repair walls, foundations, chimneys, and other structures using brick and stone.
Estimated Salary: $60,000
13. Cabinetmakers
NOC: 72311
Construct custom furniture, cabinets, and fixtures using wood and related materials.
Estimated Salary: $54,000
14. Carpenters
NOC: 72310
Build, install, and repair wood and other material structures in buildings.
Estimated Salary: $58,000
15. Gas Fitters
NOC: 72302
Install and service gas lines, appliances, and heating systems.
Estimated Salary: $67,000
16. Plumbers
NOC: 72300
Assemble, repair, and maintain water and drainage systems.
Estimated Salary: $66,000
17. Industrial Electricians
NOC: 72201
Install and repair electrical equipment in industrial settings.
Estimated Salary: $78,000
18. Electricians (Except Industrial and Power System)
NOC: 72200
Work in residential, commercial, and institutional settings installing wiring and systems.
Estimated Salary: $70,000
19. Welders and Related Machine Operators
NOC: 72106
Join metal parts using various welding techniques and tools.
Estimated Salary: $65,000
20. Sheet Metal Workers
NOC: 72102
Create and install products made from thin metal sheets.
Estimated Salary: $62,000
21. Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors
NOC: 72100
Set up machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments.
Estimated Salary: $65,000
22. Home Building and Renovation Managers
NOC: 70011
Plan, organise, and supervise residential construction or remodelling projects.
Estimated Salary: $85,000
23. Construction Managers
NOC: 70010
Oversee major construction projects from start to finish.
Estimated Salary: $90,000
24. Cooks
NOC: 63200
Prepare meals in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and institutions.
Estimated Salary: $43,000
25. Construction Estimators
NOC: 22303
Estimate labour, material, and cost requirements for construction jobs.
Estimated Salary: $70,000
Key Trends and Insights
- Trades Remain a Pillar: Despite changes to the tech and transport categories, the trades remain well-represented and essential to Canada’s labour strategy.
- Construction Focus: Nearly half the targeted trades are in construction or building maintenance, signalling continued housing development and infrastructure expansion.
- Pathway for Mid-Skilled Workers: Many of these jobs don’t require a university degree but do require apprenticeship or trade certification – making Express Entry more accessible to skilled workers.
- National Red Seal Advantage: Trades certified under the Interprovincial Red Seal Program are especially valued and may receive priority processing or higher CRS scores.
FAQ: Express Entry for Skilled Trades
What is a category-based draw under Express Entry?
Category-based draws allow Canada to invite candidates with specific occupations regardless of their CRS score. Trades are one of the major targeted groups.
Do I need Canadian experience to qualify as a tradesperson?
No, Canadian work experience is not mandatory. However, it helps. You must have at least one year of foreign work experience in a qualifying NOC to apply.
Are trade jobs regulated in Canada?
Yes, many skilled trades are regulated provincially. You may need certification or to pass a trade exam. Red Seal trades are recognised nationally.
Can I apply without a job offer?
Yes, a job offer is not required but will give you additional CRS points and improve your chances in general or occupation-specific draws.
How do I improve my chances of receiving an ITA?
Improve your language test scores, get a Red Seal trade certification, obtain a provincial nomination, or secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
