Are you a construction worker who has always wanted to immigrate to Canada as a construction worker? If so, then dream no more because construction workers are very high in demand across Canada.
Speaking with Global News’ Anne Gaviola in a year-end interview, Minister of Housing Ahmed Hussen provided yet another reason why IRCC decided to boost its immigration targets earlier in 2022:
“In addition to that, the irony is we actually need more people, skilled immigrants, to also help us in the building trades and the construction sector of our economy. We need those workers to actually come in and help us build the housing that Canadians need.”
In its 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC has set the target for 2023 at 465,000 new permanent residents, 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and another 500,000 in 2025.
That’s a total of 1.45 million immigrants to Canada over the coming three years.
Those newcomers to Canada could make a big dent in the country’s acute labour shortage, including in the number of jobs in the building trades that are vacant.
In its latest quarterly report, Statistics Canada noted 959,600 job vacancies in the third quarter of 2022, 8.3 per cent higher than in the third quarter of 2021 and 72.7 per cent higher than in the first quarter of 2020.
Among those job vacancies are 38,905 construction jobs advertised on the Indeed job-hunting website in late December. The Jobbank government-run job-hunting website rates the employment prospects for construction workers as good in most Canadian provinces for the next few years.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Construction Worker?
While there is a demand for construction workers throughout Canada, different some provinces and territories have more demand for construction workers than others.
Because construction worker is specialized in skilled work, the most efficient pathway for immigration is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The top provinces with the highest number of construction jobs (thus requiring a larger number of construction workers) are:
- Quebec
- Ontario
- British Columbia
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
- Nova Scotia
If you decide on a specific province, apply through that province’s PNP. Most PNPs have a skilled worker stream and draws are held at regular intervals.
Another great option is the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). If you’re a skilled worker who meets all the eligibility criteria, you can apply under this program.
The following are the bare minimums:
- a minimum of two years of professional experience
- can speak either french or english
- a legitimate work offer,
- or a qualification certificate from a provincial, territory, or federal organization that meets the NOC (National Occupation Code) employment standards for your specific trade
The Express Entry system includes three government initiatives aimed at making immigration easier for immigrants. A six-month visa processing time is possible through this pathway.
Unlike many countries where construction workers don’t make a lot of money, construction workers in Canada make a very good living and it’s viewed as a very respectable career with room to move up and develop.
Depending on your field of expertise, construction workers can make anywhere from $35,000 to $90,000. Construction is so in demand, there is always the potential to earn a lot more than this.
The basic requirement to be a construction worker in Canada is a high school diploma. Most construction workers gain experience through an apprenticeship and learn on the job. Construction workers move up by being good at what they do and developing their craft.
Following are just a few of the benefits of immigrating to Canada as a construction worker:
- A shortage of construction workers and engineers
- Increased activity in infrastructure and industrial projects
- Opportunities in Vancouver, Toronto and other locations across Canada
- Speedy immigration process, valuing your experience and language skills
- The opportunity to obtain permanent status in Canada, even citizenship
- Your family can join you, and won’t need to fork out for expensive private school for your kids
How to Find a construction Job in Canada
One of the best things you can do when applying for Canadian immigration as a construction laborer is to have a job lined up in the country before you land.
Not only will it help fast-track your application process but it will also provide you with some financial stability as you build a new life in Canada.
The best way to find construction jobs in Canada is through the Canadian government job board.
Some other great sites to check out include:
