| Occupation | 2021 NOC code |
| Bricklayers | 72320 |
| Cabinetmakers | 72311 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 |
| Construction estimators | 22303 |
| Construction managers | 70010 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 |
| Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | 82021 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 |
| Gas fitters | 72302 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
| Home building and renovation managers | 70011 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors | 72100 |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 |
Permanent Residence Through Express Entry
Trades workers with qualifying experience may access Express Entry programs. Category-based draws now prioritize specific occupations, including several construction trades. This targeted approach increases selection chances for workers meeting labor needs.
The majority of the applicants are assessed under either the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Alternatively, the Federal Skilled Trades Program can be used by others with either a certification or a valid job offer. All streams attach importance to recorded experience, training, and language proficiency.
For trade category selection, candidates need six months of continuous experience in one eligible occupation within three years. This requirement reflects recent, relevant work rather than long-term credentials alone. Settlement funds apply mainly to those without Canadian work history.
Provincial Programs Offer Focused Alternatives
Provincial Nominee Programs provide another entry point. Many provinces design streams specifically for construction and skilled trades. These programs respond directly to local shortages rather than national averages.
Alberta prioritizes construction roles through its Express Entry stream. Nova Scotia operates a Critical Construction Worker Pilot and plans an expression-of-interest system favoring key sectors. Similar initiatives exist across other regions.
PNPs often move faster for workers with job offers or regional ties. For tradespeople willing to settle outside major cities, these pathways offer practical stability.
A Narrow Window, Not A Closed Door
Canada’s immigration system has grown more selective, not irrelevant. Trades workers align closely with ongoing economic needs. That alignment keeps pathways open, though more targeted than before.
For those with practical skills and flexibility, Canada still offers viable options. The door has narrowed, yet it remains open to workers who fit what the country actively requires.
