McLennan Ross first reported last April on Citizenship and Immigration Canada's ("CIC") plans for a new Skilled Trades Immigration Stream. As per CIC's subsequent news release on December 10th, the program began accepting applications yesterday, January 2nd, 2013. A further news release was made on December 27th highlighting the widespread praise the new program has been receiving. Historically it has been very difficult for skilled tradespersons to immigrate to Canada, and this program should facilitate them being able to do so, thereby alleviating the skills shortage prevalent in a variety of trades.
Applicants will have to meet four specific requirements to qualify for the program as follows:
- have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory;
- meet a basic language requirement (less than that for other federal skilled workers such as professionals and managers);
- have a minimum of two years of recent and relevant work experience as a skilled tradesperson; and
- have the skills and experience that match those set out in Service Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) B category, showing that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.
McLennan Ross advises and assists their valued corporate clients on various immigration, visa and border issues and challenges.
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