LMIA FinderCan a Skilled Trades Worker from South Africa Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for skilled trades workers from South Africa looking to move to Canada. NOC 4152 (TEER 4).
Processing Times from South Africa
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from South Africa. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Work Permits | 17 weeks |
| Study Permits | 18 weeks |
| Visitor Visa | 155 days |
| Super Visa | No processing time available |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | No processing time available |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for South Africa Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of South Africa 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 South Africa through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for South Africa Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a skilled trades worker or in a closely related role.
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 Assessment
You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization like WES, IQAS, or ICAS to verify that your diploma or degree from South Africa is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
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 103 active skilled trades worker 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 |
Recent Express Entry Draws
| 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 Skilled Trades Workers
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
Medium 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.
Skilled Trades Worker Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for skilled trades workers — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from South Africa. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $37.09/hr | $23.03 | $48.96 |
| British Columbia | $39.39/hr | $25.62 | $46.02 |
| Manitoba | $35.24/hr | $21.26 | $45.68 |
| New Brunswick | $34.73/hr | $22.58 | $40.98 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $38.76/hr | $28.47 | $47.52 |
| Northwest Territories | $36.02/hr | $12.50 | $53.55 |
| Nova Scotia | $35.08/hr | $22.86 | $46.33 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $36.10/hr | $24.22 | $48.70 |
| Prince Edward Island | $35.90/hr | $24.04 | $41.42 |
| Quebec | $35.10/hr | $24.52 | $45.14 |
| Saskatchewan | $36.07/hr | $27.47 | $42.80 |
| Yukon | $34.43/hr | $13.26 | $46.23 |
Top Provinces Hiring Skilled Trades Workers
Current Skilled Trades Worker Openings
Community and Social Services Worker
$27.50 hourlyStrive Living Society Powell River · Powell River, British Columbia
Social Worker
$31.03 to $54.98 hourly (to be negotiated)Ciusss De L'estrie-Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Sherbrooke · Granby, Quebec
Community and Social Services Worker
$26.46 to $27.19 hourly (to be negotiated)Building Bridges Community Support · Sooke, British Columbia
Community and Social Services Worker
$27.00 to $38.00 hourly (to be negotiated)Jnb Homecare Services Ltd. · Kelowna, British Columbia
Community and Social Services Worker
$27.00 to $38.80 hourly (to be negotiated)Jnb Homecare Services Ltd. · Vancouver, British Columbia
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