Immigrate to Canada as an Electrician

July 11, 2023

Sinethemba Phongolo

As Canada emerged from the global pandemic, it quickly sought to reestablish its strong economy through infrastructure investment. Electricians in Canada make up a very important part of the workforce responsible for building, extending and maintaining the nation's public and private infrastructure. Therefore, the renewed investment in Canada’s economy has increased opportunities and demand for certified electricians in Canada.

Many Canadian provinces need an electrician, especially the economically expanding mineral-rich provinces like the Northwest Territories or the Yukon territory. Should you wish to immigrate to canada as an electrician Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has compiled a list of information to help you become part of the growing trend of electrician Immigration Canada.

We will discuss the different Canada work permits, Canada Express Entry programs and Canada PNP immigration visa pathways that you can use to apply to immigrate to canada as an Electrician. Learn how to immigrate to Canada as an Electrician by applying for Canada’s accessible and simple-to-follow immigration visa pathways!

Can I Work in Canada as an Electrician?

If you are an electrician looking to work in Canada, you'll be pleased to know that there are several pathways available for you to immigrate and establish your career in the country. Canada has a high demand for skilled tradespeople, and electricians are no exception.

With its strong economy and welcoming immigration policies, Canada offers great opportunities for electricians to thrive and build a successful future. We will explore the best immigration visa pathways for electricians, the provinces with the highest demand for electricians, and answer some frequently asked questions.

The Best Canada Immigration Visa Pathways for Electricians

Canada has a variety of immigration visa pathways that eligible foreign electricians can use to move to Canada. They include:

Express Entry

Express Entry is a popular immigration program that allows skilled workers, including electricians, to apply for permanent residency in Canada. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the minimum requirements, which include having at least one year of work experience as an electrician, a valid job offer, and a certain proficiency in English or French.

You can create an online profile and enter the Express Entry pool if you meet these requirements. Candidates are then ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. You can evaluate your CRS score by using our online CRS calculator.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is specifically designed for skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, who wish to immigrate to Canada. To be eligible for the FSTP, you must have at least two years of full-time work experience as an electrician, meet the minimum language requirements, and have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. If you meet these criteria, you can submit an application for permanent residency under the FSTP.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is another immigration program that may be suitable for electricians who have already gained work experience in Canada.

To be eligible for the CEC, you must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada as an electrician, meet the language requirements, and plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

This program is ideal for electricians working in Canada on a temporary work permit and wishing to transition to permanent residency.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are immigration programs allowing Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals with the skills and experience needed in their specific region. Many provinces in Canada have PNPs that target skilled tradespeople, including electricians.

Each province has its eligibility requirements. Still, generally, you must have a valid job offer from an employer in that province, meet the minimum language requirements, and demonstrate your intention to settle in that specific province. The most suitable PNP immigration streams for Electricians include:

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream is designed for skilled tradespeople, including electricians, with experience in an eligible occupation in Ontario. To be eligible, you must have a valid Express Entry profile, meet the stream’s requirements, and receive a Notification of Interest from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

Learn more details about the Ontario Provincial Nominee Programs.

Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Stream

The Nova Scotia Skilled Worker Stream (NSSWS) is a popular option for electricians looking to immigrate to Canada. To be eligible, you must have:

A job offer from a Nova Scotia employer,
At least two years of work experience as an electrician, and
Met the language proficiency requirements.

Check the eligibility criteria for the NS Skilled Workers Stream from the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Programs.

New Brunswick Express Entry Stream

The New Brunswick Express Entry Stream (NB EES) allows the province to nominate skilled workers with a profile in the federal Express Entry system. Electricians with a valid profile may be invited to apply for a provincial nomination if they meet the specific requirements set by New Brunswick.

Find out more about the eligibility requirements for the New Brunswick Express Entry Stream from the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Programs.

Yukon Critical Impact Worker Category Stream

The Yukon Critical Impact Worker Category Stream (YCIWCS) is designed for individuals working in semi-skilled or unskilled occupations in the Yukon for at least six months. While this stream does not specifically target electricians, it can be a viable option for those already working in the electrical field in the Yukon.

Learn more about what is needed to apply for the Yukon Critical Impact Worker Category Stream from the list of Yukon Territory Provincial Nominee Programs.

Northwest Territories Skilled Workers Program

The Northwest Territories Skilled Workers Program (NWTSWP) is an immigration pathway specifically designed for skilled workers, including electricians, who want to work and live in the Northwest Territories. This program allows the territory to nominate individuals with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed in the local labor market.

The program offers a streamlined pathway for electricians who meet the requirements, making it an attractive option for those looking to immigrate to Canada. Learn more about what is needed to apply for the NWTSWP from the NWT Provincial Nominee Programs.

Pilot Programs

In addition to the main immigration programs, pilot programs target specific regions or industries. These programs often provide more flexible requirements and faster processing times. Two pilot programs that may be of interest to electricians are the:

Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP)
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

Atlantic Immigration Pilot

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) program is designed to attract skilled workers to the Atlantic provinces of Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program

The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program (AISP) is part of the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), a new Canadian immigration venture since 2017 and beyond. Through this program, eligible foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in Atlantic Canada can apply for Canadian permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process 80 percent of applications within six months.

Learn more about the eligibility criteria for applying for the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program aims to attract skilled workers to smaller communities in Canada. The program is currently available in several participating communities across the country.

Each community has its eligibility requirements. Still, generally, you will need a valid job offer from an employer in one of these communities and meet the program's other criteria. The RNIP provides a unique opportunity for electricians to settle in smaller, more rural areas of Canada.

Find out more about the list of eligible communities for RNIP.

Work Permits

Aside from the various immigration programs, electricians can also consider applying for a work permit to gain temporary employment in Canada, especially if they were unsuccessful in their permanent residency applications.

Different types of work permits are cater to different needs, the length of time you will spend working in Canada, and where in Canada you will work.

The primary types of Canadian work permits include:

Open work permit
- Enables the prospective immigrant worker to work for any employer of their choice in Canada for a specific period.
Employer-specific work permit
- Allows the holder to work for one Canadian employer at a specific location and time.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers temporarily when they cannot find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the positions.

Electricians with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can apply for a work permit under the TFWP. The duration of the work permit will depend on the type of work permit issued (open or employer-specific), the job offer and the employer's needs.

Learn more about how to apply for a Canadian work permit in 2023.

Which Provinces Are Electricians in Canada Most in Demand?

Electricians are in high demand across Canada, but some provinces have a particularly strong need for skilled tradespeople. If you are an electrician looking to immigrate to Canada, you may want to consider the following provinces:

Alberta

Alberta is known for its thriving oil and gas industry, which requires the expertise of electricians. The province offers excellent job opportunities and competitive salaries for electricians.

The annual average salary for a Canadian electrician in Alberta is CAD 58,695, according to Canada’s Job Bank.

Manitoba

Manitoba is another province with a high demand for skilled tradespeople, including electricians. The province's strong economy and growing construction industry make it an attractive destination for electricians looking to work in Canada, according to Canada’s Job Bank.

The annual average salary for a Canadian electrician in Manitoba is 68,250 CAD, according to Canada's Job Bank.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a growing demand for electricians, particularly in the construction and renewable energy sectors. The province offers a high quality of life and a range of job opportunities for skilled tradespeople.

According to Canada's Job Bank, the annual average salary for a Canadian electrician in Nova Scotia is 48,750 CAD.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is a small province with a strong need for electricians. The province's construction industry is booming, creating numerous job opportunities for skilled tradespeople.

According to Canada's Job Bank, the annual average salary for a Canadian electrician in Prince Edward Island is 44,850 CAD.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has a diverse economy and a strong demand for electricians in various industries, including mining, construction, and manufacturing. The province offers competitive salaries and a high standard of living.

According to Canada's Job Bank, the annual average salary for a Canadian electrician in Saskatchewan is 62,400 CAD.

Yukon Territory

The Yukon Territory is experiencing significant growth in its construction industry, creating a demand for electricians. The territory offers unique opportunities for electricians who are looking for a more remote and adventurous lifestyle.

The annual average salary for a Canadian electrician in Yukon Territory is 58,558.5 CAD according to Canada's Job Bank.

Immigrating to Canada as an electrician offers a world of opportunities. With various immigration programs, work permits, and provinces in high demand for skilled tradespeople, electricians can find a pathway that suits their needs and aspirations.

Whether you go through the Express Entry system, apply under a specific immigration program, or opt for a temporary work permit, Canada welcomes electricians with open arms. So, if you are an electrician dreaming of a new life in Canada, start exploring your options and take the first step toward making your dream a reality.

FAQs

What is the Annual Average Base Salary for Electricians in Canada?

The annual average base salary for electricians in Canada varies depending on the province and level of experience. On average, electricians in Canada can expect to earn between 42,900 CAD and 70,200 CAD per year, according to Canada's Job Bank. However, salaries can be higher in certain provinces or for electricians with specialized skills or extensive experience.

Can you Immigrate as an Electrician to Canada Without a Work Permit?

No, you cannot immigrate to Canada as an electrician without a work permit. A work permit is a legal requirement for foreign workers who wish to work in Canada. However, the immigration pathways mentioned earlier, such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, can lead to permanent residency, allowing electricians to work in Canada without needing a work permit.

What Are The Best Trade Schools for Electricians in Canada?

Canada is home to several renowned trade schools that offer comprehensive electrician training programs. Some of the best trade schools for electricians in Canada include the:

These institutions provide hands-on training, theoretical knowledge, and industry connections that can greatly enhance an electrician's career prospects in Canada.