In a significant move to address the shortage of skilled trades workers, Canada has introduced a brand new immigration pathway designed for carpenters, plumbers, and welders from countries worldwide, including Nigeria.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a statement on Tuesday, unveiling this streamlined immigration pathway specifically catering to skilled individuals with expertise in carpentry, plumbing, and welding.
Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system has been restructured to offer an efficient and direct route for those with critical skills, aiming to fulfill the increasing demand for talent and to fill essential positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and progress.
Minister Marc Miller of IRCC emphasized the importance of this category-based selection, recognizing skilled trades workers as essential contributors to the country’s development, and warmly welcoming more talented individuals to Canada.
This new process is designed to welcome skilled newcomers with work experience in priority jobs as permanent residents, supporting Canada’s goal to attract large, young, and vibrant immigrants amid an aging population and declining birth rate.
In 2022, Canada welcomed 437,120 Permanent Residents, showing an almost eight percent increase from the previous year. For Nigeria, the numbers grew by an impressive 41.9 percent, with 22,130 individuals making Canada their new home last year compared to 15,595 in the previous year.
The Canadian government’s aggressive plan to take in 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025, with a total of nearly 1.5 million new immigrants over the next three years, reflects its commitment to building a diverse and skilled labor force through immigration-friendly policies.
Stay tuned for more details on these category-based selection rounds, which will continue throughout the year, along with general invitation rounds, as the nation continues to attract talented professionals from around the world to contribute to its thriving economy and society.
