Skilled Trades in Demand: Electricians, Plumbers, and Welders for Canada PR

Moving to Canada through an in-demand skilled trade is a great way to build a career and get permanent residency. In recent years, Canada has seen a growing need for skilled workers in trades like electricians, plumbers, and welders. These jobs are some of the most in-demand skilled trades in Canada right now.
If you have the skills and want to apply for Canadian permanent residency (PR), this guide will help you understand how to make your dream come true.

What are “In-Demand Skilled Trades” in Canada?

In-demand skilled trades in Canada are jobs that need trained and experienced workers, including electrical work, plumbing, welding, carpentry, and many more. These jobs require special training, certificates, and hands-on experience, as there aren’t enough local workers to fill these roles.

The government lists these occupations officially in the Federal Skilled Trades Program occupation list. This list helps immigrants know which trades are needed most for Canadian employers. If your trade is on the list, you have a better chance of getting PR.

Recognition & Pathways

Canada respects skilled trades workers and provides special immigration pathways for them. These include the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Express Entry for skilled trades. Many provinces also have their own immigration streams for these workers.

To qualify, you often need certification like the Red Seal or a provincial certificate that shows you can work to Canadian standards. Recognition means you get credit for your skills and work experience when applying for PR.

List of Most In-Demand Skilled Trades in Canada

The demand for skilled trades workers is increasing in Canada, whose contribution to the economy is important nowadays. Some of the best skilled trades in demand are enumerated below, together with a summary of their job, job prospects, and salary.

Electricians

There will always be a high demand for electricians because each building, home, and factory must have electricians installing and maintaining electrical systems. They also do the wiring and lights, and ensure that everything is safe and up to standard. The qualified electricians will have the opportunity to work throughout the country, but mostly in the large cities and in the developing regions.

• Job Prospects: The employment opportunities are high in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
• Average Salary:  Annual salary ranges between $55,000 and $95,000 depending on experience and geographical location.

Plumbers

Plumbers deal with the water systems within the buildings, repairing the pipes, backfitting fixtures, and servicing the heating systems. Canada requires trained plumbers to work both at home, in businesses, and in factories. In Canada, plumbers are usually included in the skilled trade jobs list, and there are numerous employment prospects in different provinces.

• Employment Prospects: The employment opportunities are excellent in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia provinces.
• Wage: The wage range is between 50,000 to 85,000/year.

Welders

Metal pieces are put together using heat, as done by welders. They contribute greatly to the construction of all types of cars, buildings, and pipelines. The demand for welders is extremely high, particularly in the provinces that have the highest resources, like Alberta and British Columbia.

• Employment Opportunities: The industries are primarily energy and manufacturing.
• Average Salary: $48,000 to $78,000 annually..

Other Top Skilled Trades

The other trades that are in demand in Canada, other than electricians, plumbers, and welders, are: 

• HVAC Technicians (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• Carpenters and Joiners
• Bricklayers
• Industrial Mechanics
• Technicians for Automotive Service 
• Construction Estimators

Most of such roles are on the Skilled Trades Canada list, and they have clear links to Canadian PR.

Learn more about: Canada Direct PR  from India

Canadian PR Pathways for Skilled Trades

When considering immigration options, understanding the key pathways to Canadian permanent residency for skilled trades workers is crucial for success.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is a popular path to PR for skilled trades workers. To apply, you need:

• At least two years of full-time work experience in your skilled trade
• A valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory
• Language test results in English or French meeting minimum requirements
• Proof you can work in the trade as listed on the Federal Skilled Trades Program occupation list

FSTP candidates enter the Express Entry pool and may get invitations to apply (ITA) during draws specifically focusing on skilled trades.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Canada’s provinces run PNPs to attract workers for regional labour shortages. Many provinces have streams dedicated to skilled trades in demand Canada-wide or locally. For example, Ontario and British Columbia have programs that fast-track electricians, plumbers, and welders. You might need a job offer from a local employer, but some programs do not require it.

Express Entry for Skilled Trades

Express Entry Canada is an immigration system that is used by the Canadian government to select immigrants from various regions of the globe and especially on a point system to select skilled immigrants. The Express Entry Canada system involves the processing of the applications of three economic immigration programs by the federal government, and thus simplifies the process of immigrants immigrating to Canada for skilled individuals.

Find out how long Canada Visitor Visa takes from India.