In the past few years, immigrants have been moving to Canada at an increasing rate. Canada is one of the countries with the highest immigration rate per population globally, boasting 300,000 immigrants each year. It has earned a reputation for having the best healthcare systems globally, stellar air and water quality, low crime rate, and robust education standards. Growing job opportunities, high quality of life, and a strengthening economy prompted the creation of the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program.
There is a distinct shortage of people skilled in trades such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, and service industries. With a growing economy, Canada is looking for qualified immigrants and skilled workers to become permanent residents quickly. The Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program addresses skilled trades shortage by attracting and keeping skilled labor in Canada.
Immigrants that go through the Canadian Express Entry immigration selection system and are qualified in skilled trade will be eligible to participate in the program. The Canadian government and Immigration Department established the Federal Skilled Trades Program in 2013 to address the growing labor shortage due to the expanding economy. Several Canadian businesses and employers struggle to hire adequate skilled workers to staff and complete work on time. If you are looking to relocate, Canada is a great country to settle.
Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program Eligibility
Several factors determine your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. First, you will be assessed on your ability to establish yourself in Canada: have at least 24 months of full-time experience (30+ hours per week or 3,120+ hours over a two years period) in particular trade in the past five years before the application.
Secondly, you must demonstrate an intermediate grasp of either English or French. You can do it by taking a test through the International English Language Testing System or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, or Test d’Evaluation de Francais for French.
If you are found qualified for the program, you will get either a permanent job offer or skilled trade qualification in the following eligible occupation categories:
- Industrial
- Electrical and Construction
- Maintenance and Equipment operations
- Agriculture and Production
- Processing
- Transport
- Manufacturing
- Cooks and Chefs
- Bakers and Butchers
Permanent Job Offer
Suppose you get a permanent job offer through the Canada Federal Skilled Trades program. Then, you will have to supply proof of being offered a full-time job that adds up to 30 hours a week or more. You also can hold two part-time jobs as long as they cover 30 hours a week.
Skilled Trade Qualification
Alternatively, if the applicant is qualified and holds a certification in a particular skilled trade, they do not need a job offer. Instead, the application will have to reach out to an organization in the province they intend to work. Through this method, the organization gets the applicant’s skilled trade qualifications certified.
Working Outside Quebec
If you plan to work and settle in Quebec, you will have to go through their skilled immigration program called the Quebec Skilled Trades Program. That means you will not be able to participate in the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program and must apply to the relevant authorities in Quebec. The Federal Skilled Trades Program is only applicable to the following Canadian territories:
- British Columbia (BC)
- Alberta (AB)
- Saskatchewan (SK)
- Manitoba (MB)
- Ontario (ON)
- New Brunswick (NB)
- Nova Scotia (NS)
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Newfoundland (NL)
- Any Canadian Territories except Quebec
How Does Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program Help?
Several industries in Canada, such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing, are having difficulty finding enough skilled workers in trades like building, welding, crane operations, and plumbing. The program provides support to the growing economy by offering chances for immigrants certified in specific trades to settle and become permanent residents of Canada. All while making significant contributions to the country as the program grows a new skilled workforce.
Conclusion
If you are skilled labor looking to start your life anew in a different country, that will provide the support that you need. It would be best to consider applying for the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program to assess your qualification and get you on track to become a permanent resident of the country. With a robust healthcare system, excellent education standards, and a growing economy with plenty of skilled labor opportunities, it is easy to see why Canada is the perfect country to settle.
