Express Entry candidates in skilled trades just saw a noticeably lower CRS cut-off — but this does not mean the process is easier. On April 2, 2026, IRCC held a category-based Express Entry draw for Trades Occupations (2026 – Version 3). A total of 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a CRS cut-off of 477 and a tie-breaking date of February 14, 2026. For context, a similar skilled trades draw on September 18, 2025 required 505 CRS points, so this is a meaningf

Express Entry Draw #406 invited just 356 candidates – and every single one had a provincial nomination. On March 30, 2026, IRCC held Express Entry Draw #406 targeting only candidates nominated by Canadian provinces. In this round, 356 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 802. That high cut-off reflects the extra 600 CRS points given to those with a valid provincial nomination, meaning their base s