FWCanada Comments on Canada's New Federal Skilled Trades Program
Montreal, Quebec (PRWEB) August 31, 2013 -- This month, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) welcomed the first permanent residents under its Federal Skilled Trades Program(FSTP) opened for application since January this year. This program is designed to swiftly respond to labour shortages in parts of Canada that are undergoing drastic economic growth, and offers immigration to those who are trained and experienced in certain in-demand trades, informs FWCanada, a Montreal-based immigration law firm.
"Our government remains focused on job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity. The new Federal Skilled Trades Program enables us to attract and retain skilled workers[...]so we can address regional labour shortages and strengthen Canada' s economy," said Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
According to a press release by CIC, the FSTP has been created in response to requests for skilled workers from Canadian employers, mostly in the natural resources and construction sectors, to fill labour shortages. Skilled trades that the FSTP currently accepts are divided into four major groups and entail forty-three types of jobs in total.
"From an industry perspective, we are elated that the first ones of what we hope will be many new skilled trade professionals have been admitted to Canada[...]This new program responds directly to industry requests for a faster and more effective immigration program focused specifically on skilled professionals who are in short supply across Canada," said Michael Atkinson, President of the Canadian Construction Association.
To avoid backlog and ensure fast processing times, only 3,000 application spots are made available for the FSTP, and 100 spots for certain jobs this year, announced CIC. To be eligible for the program, applicants must demonstrate at least a basic level of language proficiency in either English or French on CIC-designated language tests, have two-year full-time work experience in a skilled trade in demand, and meet the employment requirement for a skilled trade outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Finally, the applicant must provide proof of a qualification certificate for a skill or an employment offer for at least one year of continuous full-time work in Canada.
"The Federal Skilled Trades Program is yet another tool in the Canadian employer's toolkit to find the workers they need to build Canada's future economy," said Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, and Multiculturalism. "This program, along with all other changes we are introducing, will help us move towards an immigration system that better supports Canada's economic growth and long-term prosperity."
Besides the FSTP, the Canadian immigration system offers two other programs specifically for skilled immigrants: the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Quebec Skilled Worker Program. Applicants who wish to reside in the province of Quebec are not eligible to apply for the FSTP, and must refer to the Quebec-selected skilled worker application.
About FWCanada:
FWCanada is a Canadian Immigration Law Firm which provides
expertise in immigration services such as Temporary Resident Permits, Criminal
Rehabilitation, Study Permits and Work Permits. Marisa Feil and her team ensure
that each case is closely evaluated to determine the most relevant program. For
more information, contact FWCanada at 1-855-316-3555.
Marisa Feil, FWCanada, http://www.canadianimmigration.net/, +1 (855) 316-3555, [email protected]
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