Skilled Trade Jobs with Work Visa Support

 Skilled trade jobs are critical to many economies, offering hands-on roles that require specialized training and expertise. For individuals seeking opportunities abroad, many countries provide work visa programs to attract skilled tradespeople to fill labor shortages.

Skilled Trade Jobs with Work Visa Support

Skilled trade jobs encompass roles requiring specialized training, often through apprenticeships or technical education, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders. Many countries face shortages in these fields, leading to visa programs designed to attract international talent. Below, I detail opportunities in the UK, Canada, and Australia, focusing on visa eligibility, job roles, and application processes.

United Kingdom: Skilled Worker Visa

The UK’s Skilled Worker Visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa, allows skilled tradespeople to work in eligible roles. As of July 2025, reforms have tightened eligibility, but many trade jobs remain accessible.

Eligible Skilled Trade Jobs

• Construction and Building Trades: Bricklayers, roofers, carpenters (SOC codes 5315, 5313, 5319).

• Engineering Trades: Welders, machinists, electrical fitters (SOC codes 5223, 5235).

• Other Trades: Vehicle technicians, metalworking production fitters (SOC codes 5223, 5231).

Check the UK government’s eligible occupations list for specific SOC codes. Note that around 180 occupations, particularly those below RQF Level 6 (bachelor’s degree equivalent), were removed in July 2025, though transitional arrangements allow existing visa holders to continue in these roles.

Eligibility Requirements

• Job Offer: A confirmed offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor license.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): An electronic record with a reference number issued by the employer.

• Skill Level: Jobs must be at RQF Level 3 or above (raised to RQF Level 6 for new applicants from July 2025, except for roles on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List).

• Salary Threshold: Minimum £41,700 annually (or £33,400 for jobs on the Immigration Salary List or for new entrants). Health and care roles may have lower thresholds (£25,000 for national pay scale roles).

• English Proficiency: Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English (usually proven via an approved test).

• Other: A criminal record certificate may be required for roles involving vulnerable people.

Application Process

1. Secure a Job Offer: Find a role with an approved UK sponsor. Employers must apply for a CoS (£525 for defined CoS).

2. Apply Online: Submit the visa application within three months of receiving the CoS, up to three months before the job start date. Provide identity documents, proof of English proficiency, and other supporting documents.

3. Pay Fees: Application fees range from £769 to £1,751, depending on visa length and application location. The Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 for adults) may apply, except for Health and Care Worker visa holders.

4. Biometric Appointment: Provide fingerprints and a photo at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) center.

5. Await Decision: Decisions typically take three weeks (faster with priority services for an additional fee).

The visa lasts up to five years, extendable if eligibility is maintained. After five years, applicants may apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Canada: Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)

Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), part of the Express Entry system, targets skilled tradespeople to fill labor shortages.

Eligible Skilled Trade Jobs

• Major NOC Groups: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades (NOC 72, excluding 726), maintenance and equipment operation trades (NOC 73), supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources (NOC 82), and processing/manufacturing occupations (NOC 92, 93, excluding 932).

• Examples: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, heavy equipment mechanics.

Eligibility Requirements

• Work Experience: At least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time, 3,120 hours) paid work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.

• Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer (full-time for at least one year) or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.

• Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for speaking and listening, level 4 for reading and writing.

• Settlement Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to settle in Canada (unless currently working in Canada on a valid permit).

• Admissibility: No criminal or medical inadmissibility.

• Location: Must plan to live outside Quebec, which has its own immigration system.

Application Process

1. Check NOC Code: Confirm your trade’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code meets FSTP requirements.

2. Create Express Entry Profile: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with education, work experience, and language test results.

3. Improve CRS Score: Enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score via additional work experience, language tests, or education.

4. Receive ITA: If ranked high enough, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

5. Submit Application: Provide all required documents within 60 days. Decisions typically take six months.

No education requirement exists, but additional points can be earned for Canadian or foreign credentials.

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FAQs

What skilled trade jobs are most in demand for visa sponsorship?

In the UK, construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters) and engineering roles (welders) are in demand. In Canada, electricians, plumbers, and welders are prioritized. In Australia, trades on the CSOL, like electricians, are sought after.

Can I bring my family on these visas?

Yes, all three programs allow dependants (partner and children) to join, subject to additional fees and eligibility checks.