Canada is actively addressing critical labor shortages by inviting skilled trades workers from around the world to become permanent residents through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). With a high demand for tradespeople in construction, manufacturing, and other essential sectors, this pathway offers a direct route to building a life in Canada for those with the right skills .
The article below outlines how the PNP works for skilled trades, which occupations are in demand, and the steps you can take to apply.
🇨🇦 Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to select immigration candidates who meet their specific economic and labor market needs . If you are a skilled worker with experience in a trade that a province needs, being nominated by that province can be your most direct path to Canadian permanent residence.
Key Points of the PNP:
- Province-Specific: Each province (except Quebec and Nunavut) has its own “streams”—immigration programs targeting specific groups like students, business people, skilled workers, and semi-skilled workers .
- Two Main Application Tracks: How you apply depends on the specific stream, but there are two general processes:
- Express Entry Process: This is often faster. You create an Express Entry profile, and if a province selects you, you get 600 additional points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence .
- Non-Express Entry Process: You apply directly to a province’s program. If nominated, you can then apply for permanent residence .
🔨 In-Demand Skilled Trades in Canada for 2025
Canada’s Express Entry system now holds category-based draws specifically for skilled trades occupations . This means candidates with experience in these fields are prioritized, even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is below the usual cut-off.
The following table lists some of the skilled trades occupations targeted in 2025, along with their estimated average salaries, which are well above the $38,000 per year mentioned in your title .
| Trade Occupation | NOC Code | Estimated Average Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 70010 | $90,000 |
| Industrial Electrician | 72201 | $78,000 |
| Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic | 72401 | $73,000 |
| Construction Millwright & Industrial Mechanic | 72400 | $72,000 |
| Plumber | 72300 | $66,000 |
| Welder | 72106 | $65,000 |
| Carpenter | 72310 | $58,000 |
| Roofer | 73110 | $55,000 |
Important Note on Salaries: The figures above are national estimates from an immigration website . Actual wages can vary based on experience, specific employer, and the province or city where you work. The official government lists from and are the most reliable sources for eligibility requirements.
🗺️ Your Pathway to Canada: How to Apply
Navigating the immigration process can seem complex, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. Here is a general guide to getting started.
Step 1: Identify Your Eligibility
- Check Your NOC: Find your occupation’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code to ensure it’s eligible for a skilled trades or skilled worker program .
- Assess Your Experience: For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you typically need at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in the last 5 years . The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires at least 1 year of continuous experience .
- Language Testing: You must take an approved language test (English or French) and meet the minimum score .
Step 2: Explore Provincial Streams
Research the PNP streams for the province where you want to live. For example, in recent months, provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick have held frequent draws, inviting thousands of skilled workers and Express Entry candidates . Look for streams that specifically target your trade.
Step 3: Get Nominated
- You can contact the province directly and apply for a nomination under a non-Express Entry stream .
- Alternatively, create an Express Entry profile. Provinces regularly scan the Express Entry pool and may send a “notification of interest” to candidates they want, which you can then use to apply for their nomination .
Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residence
Once you receive a provincial nomination (which gives you 600 points in Express Entry) or if you are invited to apply directly through a category-based draw, you can submit your formal application for Canadian permanent residence .
✨ Conclusion
Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program offers a robust and direct pathway for skilled trades workers to achieve permanent residency. With dozens of in-demand occupations and provinces actively seeking talent, there has never been a better time to turn your skills into a future in Canada.
To begin your journey, the best first step is to visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to understand the full requirements and then research the specific PNP streams of the province you are interested in.
If you have a specific trade or province in mind, I may be able to provide more targeted information.