Canada opens doors for skilled trades through Express Entry
August 4, 2023 | By HPAC Magazine
The first phase of category-based selection within Canada's Express Entry immigration program places its focus on skilled trades.
On August 1 the federal government announced the first round of category-based selection within its Express Entry immigration program, with a focus on skilled trades including plumbers, HVAC mechanics and welders.
To be eligible, applicants must have accumulated, within the past three years, at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a single occupation within Canada or abroad
Eligible occupations include:
- Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Welders and related machine operators
- Elevator constructors and mechanics
- Machine fitters
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
Changes to the Express Entry program through category-based selection was first announced by the Minister of Immigration on May 31st.
The move to category-based selection was motivated by the need to attract global talent and help meet the need for tradespeople in construction.
“It’s 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,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “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.”
