Can a Plumber Apprentice from Japan Immigrate to Canada?

Q: Can a Plumber Apprentice from Japan immigrate to Canada?

Yes, Plumber Apprentices from Japan can immigrate to Canada. Japan citizens are eligible for International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday visas. Programs include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and employer-sponsored LMIA work permits. There are currently 17 active job openings.

Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for plumber apprentices from Japan looking to move to Canada.

Active Jobs

Employers

Moderate

Demand Level

Yes

IEC Eligible

Immigration Pathways for Japan Citizens

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Working Holiday / Young Professional

Citizens of Japan are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.

Express Entry

Permanent Residence

Citizens of Japan can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.

Employer-Sponsored LMIA

Temporary Work

A Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Japan through the LMIA process for a work permit.

Key Requirements

Work Experience

You need at least two years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled trade. A valid trade certification or qualification may also be required for the Federal Skilled Trades program.

Language Tests

You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.

Education & Trade Certification

You will need an ECA to verify your trade qualifications from Japan. You must also obtain a provincial Certificate of Qualification by passing the relevant trade examination.

Red Seal Certification

This trade is designated under the Red Seal Program. Obtaining a Red Seal endorsement allows you to work across all provinces/territories. You can challenge the Red Seal exam through a provincial apprenticeship authority.

Job Offer

While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 17 active plumber apprentice openings on Job Bank.

Proof of Funds

You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.

Family Size	Minimum Funds (CAD)
1 (Single)	$15,263
2 (Couple)	$19,001
3	$23,360
4	$28,362
5	$32,168
6	$36,280
7	$40,392
Each additional member	+$4,112

IEC Working Holiday (Japan)

Citizens of Japan aged 18-35 can apply for an International Experience Canada working holiday visa (up to 2 years). This lets you gain Canadian work experience, which counts toward Express Entry CRS points and CEC eligibility.