Canada has introduced a novel immigration pathway to welcome skilled trades workers, such as carpenters, plumbers, and welders, from around the world, including Nigeria.
In an announcement made by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Tuesday, the country revealed a specially tailored immigration route targeting individuals with specific expertise in critical trades.
Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system has been revamped to provide an efficient and streamlined pathway for individuals with proficiency in carpentry, plumbing, and welding.
The initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers and fill vital positions contributing to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.
According to the IRCC, this approach prioritizes the invitation of skilled newcomers who possess experience in trades, ensuring that the construction sector and other industries have access to the workforce they require.
The IRCC also disclosed that these category-based selection rounds would be held throughout the year, in addition to general invitation rounds. Further details are anticipated to be released in the upcoming weeks.
Marc Miller, the Minister of IRCC, emphasized the importance of addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers in the country. He stated that recognizing these skilled trades workers as essential and prioritizing their immigration will contribute to fulfilling the needs of the construction sector and other related industries. Miller expressed anticipation for the influx of talented individuals in these fields to Canada.
Canada’s Express Entry system serves as an online platform for granting permanent residence to skilled workers. It is the primary mechanism for managing skilled worker applications for Canadian immigration.
Legal experts from First Immigration Law Firm in Canada suggest that one of the primary avenues for professionals and workers to obtain a Canadian immigration permanent resident visa is through Express Entry. Eligibility requirements can be met through either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
In response to Canada’s aging population and declining birth rate, the country has taken measures to attract a vibrant influx of immigrants by adopting immigration-friendly policies. Last year, the Canadian federal government unveiled an ambitious plan to admit 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025, with a total of 1.5 million new immigrants anticipated over the next three years.
In 2022, Canada welcomed 437,120 Permanent Residents, marking an approximate 8% increase from the previous year. Nigeria’s contribution to this total saw significant growth, increasing by 41.9% from 15,595 in the previous year to 22,130 in 2022.
Canada’s initiative to introduce a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled trades workers signifies its commitment to addressing labor shortages, stimulating economic growth, and embracing a diverse range of skilled professionals from around the world, including Nigeria.
