Canada Seeks Skilled Tradespeople from Nigeria to Address Labor Shortages.
In response to growing labor shortages in critical sectors, Canadian authorities have introduced a new avenue for skilled artisans, including plumbers, carpenters, and welders, to contribute to the country’s workforce.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently unveiled a streamlined immigration pathway designed specifically for skilled workers with expertise in carpentry, plumbing, and welding.
Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system has been tailored to offer an efficient and straightforward route for individuals possessing specialized skills in these pivotal fields.
By prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with experience in these trades, the country aims to address the rising demand for talent and fill essential positions that drive economic growth and progress.
Category-based selection rounds, focusing on skilled trades workers, will be a consistent feature throughout the year alongside general invitation rounds.
Further details on this approach are expected to be unveiled in the upcoming weeks, as announced by the IRCC.
Marc Miller, Minister of IRCC, emphasized the significance of addressing the shortage of skilled trades workers within the country. He highlighted that aiding the construction sector in recruiting and retaining the necessary workforce is crucial.
The category-based selection process acknowledges these skilled trades workers as indispensable contributors, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to welcoming such talents.
Earlier this year, Sean Fraser, the former Minister of IRCC, introduced changes to the Express Entry system by implementing category-based selection. This new approach is intended to facilitate the integration of skilled newcomers with work experience in priority occupations as permanent residents.
Canada’s Express Entry system functions as an online platform through which the Canadian government grants permanent residence to skilled workers. This system serves as the primary means for managing applications from skilled workers seeking Canadian immigration.
Various pathways exist for professionals and workers to qualify for a Canadian immigration permanent resident visa.
Legal experts at First Immigration Law Firm based in Canada suggest that the most notable option is through Express Entry. This pathway is catered to economic-class skilled workers and necessitates meeting the criteria of either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
With Canada’s aging population and declining birth rate impacting the labor force, the nation has intensified efforts to attract youthful and dynamic immigrants by offering immigration-friendly policies.
In line with this, the Canadian federal government unveiled an ambitious plan to welcome 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025, with nearly 1.5 million new immigrants projected over the next three years.
In 2022, Canada successfully admitted 437,120 Permanent Residents, signifying an almost eight percent increase from the previous year’s total. Notably, the number of Permanent Residents from Nigeria grew by 41.9 percent, reaching 22,130 in 2022 compared to 15,595 in the preceding year.