Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #408 on April 2, 2026, issuing 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Trade Occupations category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 477.
This was a category-based draw targeting skilled trade occupations such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other in-demand trades across Canada.
Draw at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Draw Number | #408 |
| Draw Date | April 2, 2026 |
| Draw Category | Trade Occupations |
| CRS Cut-off Score | 477 |
| Invitations Issued (ITAs) | 3,000 |
| Tie-breaking Rule | January 19, 2026 at 09:11:03 UTC |
What Happens If You Received an ITA
Candidates who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in draw #408 have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. All required documents — language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and medical exams — must be included before the deadline. Missing the deadline will cause the ITA to expire.
What Happens If You Were Not Invited
If you were not invited, your profile remains active in the Express Entry pool and you will be considered in future rounds. To improve your chances, consider retaking your language test, gaining additional Canadian work experience, or pursuing a provincial nomination which adds 600 CRS points to your score.
About Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). In 2026, IRCC has significantly expanded category-based draws to target specific labour market needs including healthcare, French-language proficiency, trades, and more.