LMIA FinderCan Plumbers from Japan Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for plumbers from Japan looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Japan
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Japan. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Study Permits | 3 weeks |
| Work Permits | 4 weeks |
| Visitor Visa | 54 days |
| Super Visa | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Japan Citizens
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday / Young ProfessionalCitizens of Japan are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Japan can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Japan through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Japan Citizens
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 232 active plumbers 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.
Recent Express Entry Draws
Plumbers may qualify for Trades category-based Express Entry draws with lower CRS cutoffs.
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Plumbers
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
High MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Plumbers Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for plumbers — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Japan. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $34.00/hr | $21.00 | $46.00 |
| Alberta | $31.29/hr | $20.77 | $44.90 |
| British Columbia | $32.29/hr | $23.39 | $45.19 |
| Manitoba | $32.68/hr | $22.02 | $43.95 |
| New Brunswick | $26.86/hr | $19.60 | $35.06 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $28.62/hr | $20.44 | $37.29 |
| Northwest Territories | $39.42/hr | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $31.29/hr | $19.86 | $37.73 |
| Nunavut | $44.82/hr | $25.28 | $53.12 |
| Ontario | $33.34/hr | $22.18 | $46.68 |
| Prince Edward Island | $25.00/hr | $18.00 | $35.00 |
| Quebec | $40.71/hr | $26.18 | $46.19 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.89/hr | $21.98 | $41.58 |
| Yukon | $25.50/hr | $20.37 | $36.80 |
Top Provinces Hiring Plumbers
Current Plumbers Openings
Plumber Helper
$20.00 to $21.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Nushuk Plumbing & Heating Limited · Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
Plumber
$38.50 hourlyGrohe Mechanical Ltd. · Surrey, British Columbia
Plumber
$36.60 hourlyDhesi Plumbing & Heating · Surrey, British Columbia
Plumber Apprentice
$20.00 to $30.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Fireguard · Halifax, Nova Scotia
Plumber
$35.00 to $40.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Fireguard · Halifax, Nova Scotia
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