Canada has been experiencing a decline in its labor force due to aging populations and reduced birth rates.
As a result, the government has had to step up efforts to attract large numbers of youthful and energetic immigrants by implementing immigration-friendly laws.
Therefore, Canada has extended an invitation to foreign carpenters, plumbers, and welders to apply for Canadian visas under a new Express Entry immigration route.
This choice helps Canada address a persistent labor shortage in a number of industries. In this article, we’ll discuss in detail the process of immigrating to Canada as carpenters, plumbers, and welders under this new pathway.
What is Express Entry?
The Canadian government uses the online Express Entry system to arrange and handle applications from skilled workers seeking to become permanent residents of Canada.
Immigration applications are effectively managed using the Express Entry system for several programs. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must first submit an Express Entry profile to the candidate pool.
Next, all profiles are compared and evaluated by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which gives each candidate a CRS score out of 1200 points. The system manages three main federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For experienced professionals across the world, immigration to Canada offers a plethora of options.
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program is a popular entry point for individuals looking to contribute their knowledge and establish a future in Canada.
It permits applicants to seek permanent status even if they have no ties to Canada and have worked abroad.
Federal Skilled Workers are exempt from the Canadian work experience requirement while applying to the Express Entry pool, in contrast to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Rather, applicants need to score a certain number of points based on things like education, language proficiency, and work experience. Upon entering the pool, the candidates with the highest CRS scores will be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Skilled workers are accepted into Canada through economic initiatives such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), accounting for over half of all immigrants arriving there each year.
The FST program offers eligible artisans a quick route to permanent residence in Canada, as well as the ability to live and work there.
To be eligible for FST, a candidate must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled profession (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience).
Only work experience completed within the last five years after a person has been certified to perform their trade in their home nation is taken into account.
Eligibility Criteria for New Visa Routes for Carpenters, Plumbers, and Welders
First, you must confirm that you fulfill the requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, or the FSTP qualifying criteria.
If you are eligible, you can upload an Express Entry profile to the IRCC website. From there, you can get an estimate of your CRS score based on various factors, including your age, education, language proficiency, employment history, and previous work and study experience in Canada.
The IRCC conducts Express Entry lotteries every two weeks, asking the applicants with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residency.
IRCC will give you a deadline to submit your application for permanent residence. IRCC will process your application in a maximum of six months.
The minimum requirements are:
- Possess a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial organization OR legitimate job offers of continuous, paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year.
- Provide documentation from an approved language testing agency attesting to the applicant’s basic language competency, proving that they meet the IRCC’s minimal requirements of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
- Have completed two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time employment) in a skilled profession within the five years before applying
- In addition, they must be able to provide proof of their experience, abilities, and ability to carry out the necessary tasks of the position.
Once you are eligible, you can enter the Express Entry pool. Candidate profiles in the Express Entry pool, which also includes Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class candidates, are ranked based on the CRS.
Benefits of Immigrating to Canada as a Carpenter, Plumber, and Welder
Not only are carpenters, plumbers, and welders in demand in at least four of Canada’s 11 provinces and territories, but they are also a lucrative trade.
They can earn anywhere from $42,000 to an average of $68,152 per year; however, experienced ones can earn up to $105,500 per year. And the best part?
Interestingly, the provinces that need carpenters, plumbers, and welders the most offer the highest salaries in the country. The top provinces where these skilled labor are in demand include British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Manitoba.
What is the Duration of the Application?
On August 1, the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, said the first trade round for category-based selection will be opened this August.
Throughout the year, the category-based selection rounds will continue alongside the general invitation rounds, with further details to be disclosed in the following weeks.
More Information About The New Pathway
“Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields,” IRCC reported.
It said by prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with experience in the trades; the country aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
“These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, alongside general invitation rounds, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks,” it added.
According to Marc Miller, minister of IRCC, it is absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs.
“This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades’ workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada,” he said.
What are the different ways to qualify for a Canada immigration permanent resident visa?
Express Entry System
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For people with special abilities, professional experience, or connections to a certain Canadian province.
Work Permits: For People who have secured a legitimate work offer from Canada. Two programs provide work permits in Canada:
-
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TWFP) and
- International Mobility Program (IMP).
Study in Canada
The most popular route is via Express Entry, Canada’s primary gateway for skilled workers from the economic class.
Your best chance to be accepted under the entry is to fulfill the standards of the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker Program,” they stated.
The Canadian government uses an online program called “Canada Express Entry” to provide skilled workers with permanent residency.
It is the primary system for handling applications for Canadian immigration from skilled workers.
How To Apply?
One of the best places to start when looking for a job in Canada is your location. Do some research about life in your province or territory of choice and its affordability based on your salary expectations.
Detailed Guide on How to Pursue Immigration to Canada Through the FSTP
If you meet the eligibility criteria of the FSTP or another Express Entry program, you will need to complete an English and French language test officially recognized by IRCC.
However, if you have studied abroad in an eligible program, you may also want to claim the additional CRS points you qualify for by obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment.
Submit your Express Entry profile on IRCC’s website for free. Ensure you follow IRCC’s Express Entry draws to see if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Draws tend to take place every two weeks.
If you receive an ITA, submit your completed permanent residence application to IRCC within the specified deadline. IRCC’s processing standard for permanent residence applications is six months or less for most applicants.
Final Thought
Immigrating to Canada as carpenters, plumbers, and welders through the newly announced immigration route is the best option, and now is the best time to start your journey into a great future!