Any jobs for me? - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Wednesday | May 7, 2014

www.deidrepowell.com

Any jobs for me? - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Wednesday | May 7, 2014

Dear Ms Powell,

I read, in your article last week, that Canada is looking for professionals. What about a hardworking tradesman? I'm healthy and law-abiding and just want an opportunity.

- MB

Dear MB,

I have received several emails since last week's article from skilled trade persons like you, and I'm pleased to advise that that Canada does have an opportunity for tradesmen to come to Canada. Federal Skilled Trade (FST) program is for applicants with experience in a skilled trade. The most popular of these are chefs, butchers, carpenters, welders, aircraft mechanics, crane operators, electrical and construction. I have the complete list of the 90 new trades that are eligible to apply posted on my website at www.deidrepowell.com.

Requirements

In order to be eligible under the FST programme, individuals must prove that they have the following:

1. A valid job offer from at least one Canadian employer.

2. Formal training in at least one of the NOC trades listed, from a college, hold a diploma, certificate or proof of apprenticeship training.

3. Passed the language test to prove that you have proficiency in English or French.

4. You must have at least 24 months work experience in the particular trade, within the last five years, and this must be after you have received qualification/trade certification.

OR

Simply, if you have received training and formal certification in your particular trade from a Canadian regulatory body, then you do not need to have a job offer in order to apply.

The good news is that CIC will be accepting a maximum of 5,000 applications for review this year. That is an increase of 2000 more than last year. There is however a cap of 100 under any single application. So, for example, only 100 applications will be accepted from chefs worldwide. The applications will be processed on a "first come, first serve" basis. So if you qualify, don't hesitate to submit your application. The key is to submit all the relevant, completed forms and all the supporting documents. This takes time to be completed properly and you should take special care in preparing your document as your application could be returned to you unprocessed and you lose your opportunity to qualify.

You did not state specifically what kind of tradesman you are, however, chefs and cooks are back on the list.

The eligible occupations fall into the following general categories:

1. Industrial, electrical and construction trades;

2. Maintenance and equipment operation trades;

3. Supervisors and technical occupations in national resources, agriculture and related production;

4. Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators;

5. chefs and cooks;

6. butchers and bakers

Like any other immigration category, you will also need to pass the medical and security tests. If you believe that you may be deemed inadmissible, then all is not lost, as you may be able to overcome this hurdle through an application for pardon and there are other remedies available. For more information on how to deal with issues of inadmissibility, contact an immigration lawyer to discuss the details of your case.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, real estate, personal injury, commercial, family, and administration of estates. Submit your questions and comments to: Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration. Tel: 613-695-8777. Twitter: deidrespowell. Facebook: jamaicanlawyer.