OTTAWA, Canada — Canada, looking to bolster its skilled workforce, has introduced a new immigration pathway targeting carpenters, plumbers, and welders from various countries, including Nigeria.
The initiative builds upon Canada’s primary system for skilled immigration, the Express Entry, EE, system.
In an announcement from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC, on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Canada laid out plans to prioritize these trades in the country’s immigration process.
By focusing on these specific skill sets, Canada aims to address the significant demand in its labor market, ensuring sustainable economic growth.
“With a tailored Express Entry system, we are offering a streamlined route for experts in critical trades,” the statement read. “We intend to usher in talent directly feeding into Canada’s economic advancement.”
The IRCC plans to roll out category-specific selection rounds with general invitation rounds throughout the year. More in-depth details about the process will be disclosed in the forthcoming weeks.
Marc Miller, the Minister of IRCC, emphasized the necessity of this new direction. “Addressing the skilled trades shortage is paramount,” he asserted. “Supporting the construction sector by ensuring they have access to essential workers is just one piece of the puzzle.”
Highlighting the recognition of the indispensable role of skilled trades, Miller added, “I’m keenly anticipating the influx of these skilled individuals, who will now see Canada as an even more attractive destination.”
For those looking to migrate to Canada, there are several avenues available.
Lawyers from the First Immigration Law Firm, based in Canada, note that while numerous options exist, the Express Entry remains the principal method for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency.
Meeting the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class criteria is advisable to enhance one’s chances.
Borderless Travel: Canada Grants Visa-Free Entry to 13 Additional Countries, Including 2 in Africa
The Canadian government has expanded its visa-free travel policy to include thirteen additional countries across Asia, Africa, Central and South America, notably excluding Nigeria.
The Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, disclosed the new visa-free travel policy on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, which includes Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts-Nevis, Panama, Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Morocco, Seychelles, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The African nations of Morocco and Seychelles have been included in the expanded list. However, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was not added.
The new policy is expanding the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) programme, making it easier for “known travellers” from the named countries to visit Canada for tourism or business.
Fraser noted that the expansion enhances convenience for travellers and is expected to increase travel, tourism, and economic benefits. It will also strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries.
“Known travellers from these countries can save a lot of money as a result of the visa exemptions,” he said.
A visitor visa costs $100 per person and $500 for a family of five or more.
However, an eTA only costs seven dollars per person and is valid for five years.
The Canadian government hopes that introducing visa-free air travel will make it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travellers to visit Canada for up to six months, either for business or leisure purposes.
