CEM REPORT, MIGRATION | Nigerian Engineers can now gain work permits as the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has expanded the list of eligible occupations in the Global Talent Stream (GTS).
The body expanded the previous 12 eligible occupations positions to 17 with the addition of five engineering roles.
The added roles include;
Civil Engineers (NOC code 21300);
Electrical and electronics engineer (NOC code 21310);
Mining engineers (NOC code 21330);
Aerospace engineers (NOC code 21390); and
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers, NOC code 21311).
The body explained that while the GTS changes according to Canada’s labour market needs, the recent addition of five positions is to address the country’s labour shortages.
Employers who want to hire a foreign skilled worker for one of 17 in-demand professions can apply for and receive a work permit under the GTS.
ESDC is a government department that works to support Canada’s labour force and has oversight over many immigration matters, including the issuance of Labour Market Internal Assessments (LMIAs) and the GTS.
GTS is a work permit program with expedited processing designed to assist Canadian employers in hiring foreign skilled workers in the technology sector.
Canada has continued to expand its labour force through various means. Recently the country relaxed barriers to permanent residence for physicians applying through Express Entry (due to historic shortages of healthcare workers).
This is as it also launched the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP), which collaborates with six employers to directly address the province’s labour needs.
As the government of Canada is utilising immigration to meet its in-demand labour needs to boost its economy post-covid, especially with the growing number of retirees.
