Great North Immigration

Canada is preparing to make the most significant structural changes to its Express Entry system since the program launched in 2015 and if permanent residence is part of your plan, this development deserves your full attention.

The proposed overhaul touches category-based selection, eligibility criteria, and how draws are structured. Details are still being finalized, but immigration lawyers and consultants across Canada are already reviewing the proposed changes and their implications for candidates currently in the pool.

What this means for you in practical terms: the profile that positions you well under today's rules may need to be adjusted under the new framework. Candidates who understand the changes early and adapt their strategy accordingly will have a meaningful advantage over those who wait.

This is exactly the kind of situation where working with a licensed consultant who is actively monitoring the system makes a real difference to your outcome.

Comment OVERHAUL below and we will explain how the proposed changes could affect your specific Express Entry profile.

Canada's first Express Entry trades draw of 2026 just happened and if you work in a skilled trade, this is the update you have been waiting for.

On April 2, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued 3,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence specifically targeting candidates in trades occupations. The CRS cutoff came in at 477, a number that puts permanent residence within reach for a significant number of qualified tradespeople.

This is the first trades draw since September 2025. The category has been expanded and modified for 2026, with some occupations added and others removed. The eligible trades now cover a specific list of 25 occupations and knowing whether your NOC code qualifies is the first step.

If you are a carpenter, plumber, electrician, welder, or work in another skilled trade and have been considering Canadian permanent residence, this draw is a clear signal that the system is actively looking for people like you.

Comment TRADES below and we will tell you whether your occupation qualifies and what your next step should be.