Record Canadian immigration levels are increasing the demand for new housing and construction workers.
There are tens of thousands of Canadian job openings in the construction industry and with around 20% of construction workers forecast to retire this decade, the demand for skilled foreign construction workers in Canada is expected to soar even further.
This article will discuss how to move to Canada as a construction professional, where to find construction jobs in Canada, salaries for construction jobs in Canada for foreigners and related topics, so keep reading for the essential information!
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Qualifications and Requirements of Construction Workers
In general, construction jobs in Canada for foreigners usually require at least a high school diploma plus the post-secondary training needed for the particular skilled trade or occupation (for example, vocational school, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, etc.).
A specific amount of work experience in the skilled trade may also be required.
Some construction jobs in Canada are regulated, which means a foreign construction worker may need to receive a trade certification and/or professional license for their regulated occupation in the province or territory where they want to work in Canada.
Whether or not a skilled trade or construction job is regulated in Canada, skilled foreign workers will also need to satisfy the eligibility requirements for their occupation specified by the Canadian immigration program that they apply for (such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Provincial Nominee Program).
How to Move to Canada as a Construction Professional
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
- A minimum of 2 years of full-time paid work experience in the past 5 years in an eligible skilled trade is required.
- You must satisfy the Canadian job requirements for the eligible skilled trade in the 2021 version of the NOC.
- Your work experience must have included most main duties and all essential duties shown in the NOC (2021).
- You need passing scores from an approved language evaluation exam such as the IELTS for English or TEF for French.
- One of the following is also required:
- Certificate of Qualification for the skilled trade from the Canadian province or territory; OR
- Qualifying offer of full-time paid Canadian employment of at least one year in the skilled trade.
- You must provide proof of funds and meet the good character and good health criteria.
- Application for Canadian immigration through the FSTP is made through the Express Entry system:
- You must create an online Express Entry profile.
- Eligible applicants will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and be placed in the pool.
- An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is needed to leave the pool and apply for Canadian immigration.
- The Canadian immigration application and fees must be paid within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
- A decision is usually made within 6 months after filing a Canadian immigration application via Express Entry.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
- 11 out of 13 Canadian provinces and territories have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Each PNP has its own eligibility requirements and application process, based on local needs for foreign workers.
- PNP criteria generally include having a high-demand occupation and possessing good English or French language skills.
- The PNP generally has a two-step process:
- Apply to a particular Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- If you receive a provincial nomination, you can apply for Canadian immigration with the federal immigration agency.
- Applicants will need to satisfy the federal Canadian immigration criteria (e.g., good character, good health, etc.).
- If approved for Canadian immigration, you will live and work in Canada’s province/territory that nominated you for its PNP.
- Note: There is an option to apply for the PNP through the Express Entry system.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
- For certain construction jobs in Canada (such as architect or construction manager), the point-based FSWP may be the relevant Canadian immigration program to apply for.
- The FSWP requires a minimum of one year of full-time paid work experience during the past 10 years in an eligible occupation.
- At least 67 out of 100 points must be received for six selection factors:
- Age
- English and/or French language skills
- Education
- Work experience
- Qualifying Canadian job offer
- Adaptability
- A certain score must be achieved on an approved language evaluation test (such as the IELTS for English or TEF for French).
- A favorable Education Credential Assessment (ECA) must be received if education was obtained outside of Canada.
- You must provide proof of funds and meet the good character and good health criteria.
- Application for Canadian immigration through the FSWP is made through the Express Entry system:
- You must create an online Express Entry profile.
- Eligible applicants will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and be placed in the pool.
- An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is needed to leave the pool and apply for Canadian immigration.
- The Canadian immigration application and fees must be paid within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
- A decision is usually made within 6 months after filing a Canadian immigration application via Express Entry.
Provinces With The Highest Number of Construction Jobs
How to Find Construction Jobs in Canada?
There are several online Canadian job search platforms that simplify the process to find construction jobs in Canada.
A good place to start is the Government of Canada’s Job Bank where you can search for Canadian jobs in the construction industry by occupation and province, as well as read about trends, salaries, etc.
Creating a LinkedIn online profile could also help you to network to find construction jobs in Canada for foreigners.
You might also search online for the largest construction companies in the provinces or territories where you want to work in Canada, check if they have job openings posted that match your qualifications and apply online or send your CV/resume (whatever is indicated for the job).
How Much do Construction Jobs Pay in Canada?
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, these are some of the median wages (2023) for construction jobs in Canada:
- Brickmason = $36.07 CAD per hour
- Carpenter = $30.00 CAD per hour
- Concrete Finisher = $31.00 CAD per hour
- Construction Manager = $40.87 CAD per hour
- Crane Operator = $34.00 CAD per hour
- Drywall Installer/Plasterer = $30.50 CAD per hour
- Electrician = $30.10 CAD per hour
- Glazier = $28.33 CAD per hour
- Insulation Installer = $35.52 CAD per hour
- Ironworker = $39.26 CAD per hour
- Painter = $24.50 CAD per hour
- Pipefitter/Steamfitter = $40.46 CAD per hour
- Plumber = $31.00 CAD per hour
- Roofer = $28.00 CAD per hour
- Sheet Metal Worker = $32.00 CAD per hour
- Welder = $26.00 CAD per hour
Note: The median wage is half way (i.e., in the middle) between the highest wage and the lowest wage.
Should You Move to Canada as a Construction Worker?
There are tens of thousands of construction jobs in Canada for foreigners and the high demand is expected to last throughout this decade.
Skilled foreign workers are needed to fill thousands of new construction jobs in Canada as well as to replace thousands of Canadian construction workers who are retiring.
In other words, this is one of the best times to move to Canada as a construction worker!
Furthermore, as a Canadian permanent resident, you can enjoy many benefits such as:
- Live and work in Canada for an unlimited time period
- Gain access to Canadian education programs
- Receive free or subsidized public healthcare in Canada
- Travel to and from Canada
- Sponsor family members for Canadian immigration
- Get the opportunity to buy a home in Canada
- Have the option to start a business in Canada
- Enjoy a high quality of life in an immigrant-friendly country
- Become a Canadian citizen after living in Canada for 3 out of 5 years and meeting other criteria
Conclusion
Construction jobs in Canada for foreigners are plentiful, but you have to satisfy the eligibility requirements for the relevant Canadian immigration program and also meet the criteria to work in Canada in the occupation.
The Canadian immigration process may seem a bit complicated, but don’t worry!
Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility for immigration to Canada and guide you through each step of the application procedure if you qualify.
Canada is welcoming record numbers of new immigrants, and we would like you and your family to be among them.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
Can I work in construction in Canada?
This is a good time to move to Canada as a construction worker. There are tens of thousands of construction jobs in Canada for foreigners, but you have to be approved for Canadian immigration in order to legally live and work in Canada as a permanent resident. Furthermore, if you have a regulated occupation, you will need to satisfy the requirements of the province or territory where you want to work in Canada in order to become certified and/or licensed. Most construction jobs in Canada are not regulated, but some are, such as electricians and plumbers.
Is it easy to get a construction job in Canada?
Construction jobs in Canada for foreigners are plentiful, but you need to satisfy the requirements to legally work in Canada. Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec are among the top provinces with the most construction jobs in Canada, but the demand for construction workers is also strong in other provinces, such as Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It is important to find out if your occupation is regulated in the province or territory where you want to work in Canada and to learn what foreign construction workers need to do to work in your occupation there.
Are construction workers in demand in Canada?
Yes! There is a building boom across Canada and construction workers are in high demand to fill thousands of new jobs openings and also to replace thousands of Canadian construction workers who are retiring. The demand for construction workers is especially high in Ontario and British Columbia, but it is widespread throughout Canada.
How do I become a construction worker in Canada?
In order to become a construction worker in Canada, a person usually needs at least a high school diploma plus the relevant post-secondary education, such as a vocational school certificate, community college diploma, on-the-job training, apprenticeship, etc. Relevant work experience is often required as well. In some Canadian provinces or territories, certain construction jobs are regulated and require certification and/or a license before the worker can start employment.
How much does it cost to live in Canada?
The cost of living in Canada depends on where you reside. According to the Numbeo.com website, the cost of living in Canada (excluding housing) for a single person is around $1,356 CAD per month and for a family of four it is about $4,845 CAD per month. Numbeo.com also reports that a one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally costs approximately $1,714 CAD per month, while outside the city center it would cost around $1,477 CAD per month. It also shows the monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment generally costs about $2,770 CAD in the city center and $2,396 CAD outside of the city center. The cost of living in Canada’s largest cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, will tend to be higher than in smaller cities and towns. For example, a recent report found that Regina in Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live in Canada with the cost of living and housing available for only about $2,000 per month.
How much money do construction workers make in Toronto?
How much money construction workers make in Toronto depends on their specific occupation, skill level, years of experience, etc. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly wages (2023) for certain construction jobs in Toronto are as follows: Brickmason ($41.51 CAD); Carpenter ($28.67 CAD); Concrete Finisher ($38.65 CAD); Construction Manager ($42.07 CAD); Crane Operator ($32.50 CAD); Drywall Installer/Plasterer ($36.30 CAD); Electrician ($32.54 CAD); Glazier ($27.00 CAD); Ironworker ($39.91 CAD); Pipefitter/Steamfitter ($38.78 CAD); Plumber ($30.00 CAD); Roofer ($32.00 CAD); and Welder ($24.00 CAD).
How much does a construction worker earn per hour in Canada?
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the median hourly wages for certain construction jobs in Canada are as follows: Brickmason ($36.07 CAD); Carpenter ($30.00 CAD); Concrete Finisher ($31.00 CAD); Construction Manager ($40.87 CAD); Crane Operator ($34.00 CAD); Drywall Installer/Plasterer ($30.50 CAD); Electrician ($30.10 CAD); Glazier ($28.33 CAD); Ironworker ($39.26 CAD); Painter ($24.50 CAD); Pipefitter/Steamfitter ($40.46 CAD); Plumber ($31.00 CAD); Roofer ($28.00 CAD); Sheet Metal Worker ($32.00 CAD); and Welder ($26.00 CAD).
Which province in Canada is best for construction?
Ontario may be the best province for construction jobs in Canada, since it has the most job openings and the number is expected to soar even further in the coming years. The wages paid for construction workers in Ontario are also generally among the highest in Canada.
Which provinces and cities in Canada are best for construction?
The provinces in Canada that are best for construction include Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The cities in Canada that are the best for construction include Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
