Ottawa, ON — Immigrants with a background in skilled trades will be prioritized in the first round of Canada’s Express Entry invitations.
The Express Entry system provides a pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields. On May 31, changes were made to the program to allow category-based selection, with the skilled trades being the first category prioritized.
“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. 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,” said Marc Miller, minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship.
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 systems), and contractors and supervisors are considered eligible skilled trades occupations.
To be eligible for an Express Entry invitation, individuals 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.