Skip to main content

e-4506 (Citizenship and immigration)

E-petition
Initiated by Scott Crichton from Sherwood Park, Alberta

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled

Whereas:
  • Thousands of Ukrainians have chosen to make Canada their new home to escape the war in Ukraine;
  • Canada will need thousands of qualified people to fill vacant positions in the skilled trades; and
  • Ukrainians in Canada under the CUAET Visa working through an apprenticeship program cannot apply for permanent residency.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to change the government policy on permanent residency to allow Ukrainians working in an apprenticeship program to qualify for permanent residency.

Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.

Ukrainian nationals who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently may be eligible to apply for permanent residence through various immigration programs and streams, including economic pathways and through family sponsorship. 

Economic pathways require the applicant to have qualifying work experience, education and demonstrate proficiency in one of the official languages of Canada (English or French). Possessing these human capital attributes helps candidates succeed in the labour market and remain adaptable to changing labour market conditions.

Although the Federal Skilled Trades Program requires an individual to be qualified to work in that trade – meaning that work experience acquired during an apprenticeship is not eligible under the program,  paid work experience gained while in a formal apprenticeship is generally eligible as qualifying work experience in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC). The apprenticeship work experience would need to meet all other requirements for work, including being in an eligible skilled occupation (TEER 3 or higher). Both CEC and FSWC are managed through Express Entry, where invitations to apply are issued based on principles of universality and objectivity.  

In addition to the programs managed by Express Entry, there are other programs which may provide a pathway to permanent residence to candidates with Canadian work experience in the skilled trades including Provincial/Territorial Nominee Programs. The 'Come to Canada' tool can assist in identifying possible pathways and what is required to be eligible.

Open for signature
July 18, 2023, at 9:55 a.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
September 16, 2023, at 9:55 a.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona)
June 14, 2024 (Petition No. 441-02575)
Government response tabled
August 21, 2024
Photo - Heather McPherson
Edmonton Strathcona
New Democratic Party Caucus
Alberta