Dear Mr Brown,

I would like to know if there is any possibility of me being able to migrate to Canada as an electrical engineer. Obtaining a job in Canada seems to be very difficult, so I would like to know if there is still a chance for me.

— JD

Dear JD:

In response to your question, I will state that opportunities exist for you, based on your occupation.

Under the Federal Express Entry system, which was implemented in January 2015, applicants are required to complete a profile that is then added to a pool of candidates. Each applicant is ranked against the others using a point scoring system when applying for permanent residence. Points are awarded for personal attributes such as age, education, language skills, and work experience.

The province of Ontario has recently announced a new stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Programme (OINP) known as the Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream. Under the stream, successful applicants will be awarded an additional 600 points and an Invitation to Apply under the Express Entry programme.

Eligibility

Candidates must possess the following eligibility requirements for the new stream:

1. Eligibility under the Canadian Experience Class;

2. An indication of a desire to reside in Ontario or “all provinces and territories” in their Express Entry profile;

3. A Notification of Interest (NOI) from Ontario through the IRCC Express Entry online account before submitting an application;

4. Current residence in Ontario on a valid work permit;

5. A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB 5 in English or in French based on a standardised language test;

6. A minimum level of settlement funds;

7. A minimum of 12 months of full-time work experience in Ontario within two years from the date of issuance of the NOI from Ontario, including a trade licence or certification from the Ontario College of Trades, if the candidate is working, or has worked in an occupation in Ontario that requires a licence or certification.

Work experience

Work experience must be in a skilled trade occupation listed in the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) System:

• xempmargin;Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers;

• xempmargin;Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades;

• xempmargin;Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades; and

• xempmargin;Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian Permanent Residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work programme, Visitor’s visas or Appeals, etc.

Antonn Brown, BA, (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel and an accredited Canadian education agent of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM — a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com