Citizenship and Immigration Canada proposes changes to fast-track skilled tradespersons

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is planning on getting skilled tradespersons into Canada faster.

Jason Kenney, Minister of the CIC, announced on April 10 that the Ministry will be “transforming Canada’s immigration system into a fast and flexible system focused on jobs, growth and prosperity.”

The plans are an attempt to counter Canada’s escalating labour shortages in the fields of construction, natural resources and other related industries.

When the modernized Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is unveiled later this year, the CIC plans on making a separate, streamlined program for skilled tradespersons in construction, transportation, manufacturing and service industries.

The proposed FSWP Skilled Trades program would offer skilled tradespersons assessments with more weight being placed on categories such as practical training and work experience rather than formal education; however, they would still need to meet minimum language requirements.

Under the current system, FWS applicants require a passing mark of 67 on a 100-point grid. The grid takes into account the candidate’s official language ability, education, work experience, age, existing job offers in Canada (arranged employment), and their overall adaptability.

If the proposed changes are approved, the revised FSWP will be announced in later this year and will be published in the Canada Gazette.