In a recent announcement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Canada has unveiled a specialized immigration pathway designed to welcome skilled tradespeople, such as carpenters, plumbers, and welders, from various countries, including Nigeria. The initiative is part of Canada’s efforts to address the shortage of skilled workers in specific fields and to bolster its economy.
The streamlined immigration pathway is an enhancement to Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system, which now caters to skilled workers with expertise in critical trades. By prioritizing the invitation of skilled individuals with experience in carpentry, plumbing, and welding, Canada aims to meet the growing demand for talent and fill essential positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and development.
Marc Miller, the minister of IRCC, emphasized the significance of addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers in the country. He stated that the construction sector’s ability to find and retain the necessary workforce is a crucial part of the solution. Miller expressed enthusiasm about welcoming more skilled tradespeople to Canada through this new initiative.
The introduction of category-based selection rounds, which will be ongoing alongside general invitation rounds, is part of the strategy to attract and retain skilled workers in priority trades. The Canadian government plans to release further details about these selection rounds in the upcoming weeks.
Canada’s Express Entry system, an online platform, serves as the primary channel for granting permanent residence to skilled workers. It encompasses various programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class, allowing professionals and workers to qualify for a Canada immigration permanent resident visa.
The move to create a specialized immigration pathway comes in response to Canada’s demographic challenges, including an aging population and a declining birth rate. To counter these trends, Canada has pursued immigration-friendly policies to attract a vibrant and young workforce. The government’s ambitious plan to welcome 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025 aims to address labor force shortages and promote economic growth.
In 2022, Canada welcomed a total of 437,120 Permanent Residents, marking an almost eight percent increase from the previous year. Notably, Nigeria saw a significant rise of 41.9 percent in the number of Permanent Residents, growing from 15,595 in 2021 to 22,130 in the following year.
The introduction of the specialized immigration pathway for skilled tradespeople is a strategic step that underscores Canada’s commitment to addressing labor market demands and fostering economic prosperity while offering opportunities for individuals seeking to contribute their expertise to the nation’s growth.