Express Entry Draw #368: 1250 Invitations Issued

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the latest Express Entry Canada Draw #368 on September 18, 2025, issuing 1,250 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates with experience in trade occupations Canada listed under Trade Occupations (Version 2). The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off for this Canadian immigration 2025 draw was 505.

Key Details of Express Entry Draw #368

• Draw Number: 368
• Category: Trade Occupations (Version 2)
• Date and Time: September 18, 2025 at 15:36:53 UTC
• CRS Score Cut-Off: 505
• Invitations Issued: 1,250
• Tie-Breaking Rule: November 05, 2024 at 22:36:09 UTC

List of Trade Occupations Invited

• Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
• Floor covering installers
• Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
• Roofers and shinglers
• Concrete finishers
• Other technical trades and related occupations
• Water well drillers
• Electrical mechanics
• Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
• Bricklayers
• Cabinetmakers
• Carpenters
• Gas fitters
• Plumbers
• Industrial electricians
• Electricians (except industrial and power system)
• Welders and related machine operators
• Sheet metal workers
• Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
• Home building and renovation managers
• Construction managers
• Cooks
• Construction estimators

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Express Entry Canada

Why did IRCC target trade occupations in Draw #368?

IRCC targeted trade occupations Canada (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, welders, and construction managers) to address labor shortages in Canada’s construction and technical trades sectors. Category-based Express Entry Canada draws prioritize candidates whose skills align with Canada’s economic and labor market needs, supporting Canadian immigration 2025 goals.

What is the significance of the CRS cut-off score of 505?

The CRS score of 505 means only candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 505 or higher who had experience in the specified trade occupations Canada were invited to apply for permanent residence Canada. This score is higher than some previous category-based draws, reflecting the competitive nature of trade occupation candidates in the Express Entry Canada pool.

How does the tie-breaking rule of November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC work?

The tie-breaking rule prioritizes candidates with the same CRS score (e.g., 505) based on when they submitted their Express Entry Canada profile. Profiles submitted before November 5, 2024, at 22:36:09 UTC were given priority over later submissions, ensuring fairness in the Canadian immigration 2025 process when multiple candidates have identical scores.

Can I still be invited if my occupation is in trades but my CRS score is below 505?

No, you would not have been invited in Draw #368 if your CRS score was below 505, even if you have experience in a targeted trade occupation Canada. To improve your chances for future Express Entry Canada draws, consider increasing your CRS score through higher language test results, additional work experience, or a provincial nomination (which can add 600 points) to enhance your eligibility for permanent residence Canada.

How long does it take to process a permanent residence application after receiving an ITA?

IRCC typically aims to process complete Express Entry Canada permanent residence Canada applications within 6 months, provided all required documents (e.g., language tests, educational credentials, proof of funds) are submitted correctly. Delays may occur if additional information or verification is needed for your ITA Canada application.

What qualifies as work experience in the targeted trade occupations?

To qualify for trade occupations Canada, you must have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in one of the listed trade occupations (e.g., carpenter, plumber, welder) within the last 10 years. The experience must align with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes for these roles, as defined by IRCC for Express Entry Canada.

Can I include my spouse or dependents in my application after receiving an ITA?

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your permanent residence Canada application after receiving an ITA Canada. Their inclusion may affect your CRS score (e.g., their language skills or education could add points) and the amount of settlement funds required for Canadian immigration 2025.

What are the next steps after checking my Express Entry profile and finding an ITA?

If you find an ITA Canada in your IRCC account:

• Accept the invitation within 60 days.
• Gather required documents, including language test results, Educational Credential Assessments (ECA), proof of work experience, medical exams, and police certificates.
• Submit your complete permanent residence Canada application through the IRCC online portal.
• Pay the application fees for your Express Entry Canada application.

Is Draw #368 specific to one of the Express Entry programs?

No, Draw #368 is a category-based draw targeting trade occupations Canada and is open to candidates from any of the three Express Entry Canada programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), provided they meet the occupation and CRS score requirements for Canadian immigration 2025.