Thousands of skilled trades professionals are being invited as Canada battles labour shortages and accelerates housing and infrastructure development.
Canada has opened fresh opportunities for skilled workers across the world, including Nigerians, as the country intensifies efforts to recruit qualified tradespeople to fill persistent labour shortages in the construction, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has continued to prioritize skilled trades under its Express Entry immigration system, making it easier for eligible foreign workers to secure permanent residence.
The initiative forms part of Canada’s 2026 immigration strategy aimed at strengthening the workforce, boosting economic growth and addressing a shortage of skilled labour needed to deliver ambitious housing and infrastructure projects.
Recent category-based Express Entry draws dedicated to skilled trades have seen thousands of candidates invited to apply for permanent residence, underscoring the country’s growing demand for experienced professionals.
Occupations in High Demand
Canada is currently seeking qualified workers in several skilled trades, including:
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Welders
- Bricklayers
- Roofers
- Painters and decorators
- Sheet metal workers
- Industrial mechanics
- Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians
- Refrigeration mechanics
- Machinists
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Construction supervisors
- Crane operators
- Concrete finishers
- Cabinetmakers
- Pipefitters
- Millwrights
- Other construction and industrial trades.
These occupations remain among Canada’s priority sectors because of growing demand driven by major infrastructure investments and housing development.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must generally satisfy the following requirements:
- At least one year of full-time skilled work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in an eligible occupation.
- Meet the required English and/or French language proficiency through approved language tests such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP or TEF Canada.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign educational qualifications where applicable.
- Create an Express Entry profile.
- Meet medical examination requirements.
- Pass criminal background and security checks.
- Demonstrate sufficient settlement funds where required.
Applicants are assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on age, education, language ability, work experience and other factors.
Is There an Age Limit?
Canada does not impose a strict maximum age for Express Entry applicants.
However, candidates between 20 and 29 years receive the highest CRS points for age. Applicants above 30 years can still qualify, particularly if they possess strong work experience, high language scores, educational qualifications or a valid Canadian job offer.
Salary Expectations
Qualified trades workers in Canada can earn competitive wages depending on the province, employer and years of experience.
Average annual earnings include:
- Carpenters: CAD 55,000–85,000
- Plumbers: CAD 60,000–95,000
- Electricians: CAD 65,000–100,000
- Welders: CAD 50,000–85,000
- HVAC technicians: CAD 60,000–95,000
- Industrial mechanics: CAD 65,000–100,000
Workers with Red Seal certification or extensive experience often earn even higher salaries.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Determine their eligibility under Express Entry or another immigration pathway.
- Take an approved language proficiency test.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment if required.
- Create an Express Entry profile.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Submit all supporting documents within the specified deadline after receiving an ITA.
- Complete medical examinations and police clearance requirements before a final decision is made.
Opportunities for Nigerians
Nigeria remains one of the major source countries for skilled immigrants to Canada. Qualified Nigerian trades professionals with recognised work experience, strong language proficiency and complete documentation have an opportunity to compete successfully under the Express Entry system.
Applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent agents and submit applications only through the official Canadian government immigration portal.
The Canadian government says prioritising skilled trades workers is critical to solving labour shortages, increasing housing supply and sustaining long-term economic growth. With continued category-based Express Entry draws, experienced carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders and other skilled workers have a valuable opportunity to secure permanent residence and build new careers in Canada.
Official Application Portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
Express Entry Portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
