Canada Announces New Visa for Carpenters, Plumbers, Welders From Nigeria, other Countries

Canada has announced a new Visa for Carpenters, Plumbers, and Welders from Nigeria, and other countries.

CityNews Nigeria reports that Canada has invited carpenters, plumbers, and welders from certain countries, including Nigeria to apply for Canadian visa through a new immigration path in Express Entry.

In a statement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Tuesday, the country announced a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers with specific expertise in carpentry, plumbing and welding.

About the New Pathway

The category selection is the third in the new Express Entry process announced in May, which allows Canada to fill specific labour needs, an issue that has been ongoing in many sectors.

Canada’s aging population and lower birth rate has been shrinking its labour force, forcing the country to intensify its efforts to attract large, young and vibrant immigrants by offering immigration-friendly policies.

Last year, the Canadian federal government announced an aggressive plan to take in 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025, with almost 1.5 million new immigrants coming to the country over the next three years.

The country landed 437,120 Permanent Residents in 2022, a nearly eight percent increase from the total number of PRs in 2021, according to IRCC.

For Nigeria, it grew from 15,595 in 2021 to 22,130 in 2022, a 41.9 percent increase.

Benefits of Application:

Not only are plumbers in demand in at least 4 of Canada’s 11 provinces and territories but it is also a trade that pays pretty well. Plumbers can earn anywhere from $39,000 to an average of $65,072 per year, however, experienced plumbers can earn up to $97,500 per year. And the best part? The provinces that need plumbers the most offer the highest salaries in the country.

The top provinces where plumbers are in-demand include British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Manitoba.

Duration of Application:

The new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, on August 1, said the first trade round for category-based selection will be opened this August.

Throughout the year, the category-based selection rounds will carry on alongside the general invitation rounds, with further details set 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 prioritising 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.

Canada’s Express Entry

There are many different ways for professionals and workers to qualify for a Canada immigration permanent resident visa, according to lawyers at First Immigration Law Firm based in Canada.

“The most prominent option is through Express Entry, which is Canada’s main pathway for economic class skilled workers. Your best bet to be eligible under the entry is to meet the requirements of either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class,” they said.

Canada’s express entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to provide permanent residence to skilled workers. It’s the country’s main system for managing skilled worker applications for Canadian immigration.

How to Apply?

One of the best places to start when looking for a job in Canada is to start with your location. Do some research about life in your province or territory of choice as well as affordability based on your salary expectation.