Hoping someone out here can help give me some guidance!

We are moving to Canada in August this year, I have an IEC which I am fully aware does not extend to my partner (he is 38 and can not apply for an IEC) and our 3 year old daughter. The idea is to get Permanent residency however, this is proving difficult.

My Partner is a plumber in the UK - NVQ Level 3, with a successful business which he has had for the past 16 years in the plumbing and heating industry. When we got his qualifications assessed by ICAS they deemed them equivalent to a 'High school graduation' I am really struggling to get my head around that my partners qualifications amount to nothing in Canada? We was hoping to go through the express entry for skilled trades - but due to ICAS summary we do not have enough points?

I am now being advised to go in on my IEC and obtain a job (Absolutely fine) and then my partner can obtain an open work permit - This was fine until they changed the rules for this. I have to now find a job in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 role - I personally am a NVQ Level 3 Hairdresser but it would seem all the Jobs in TEER 0 and TEER 1 need university level degrees?

What I want to know is... Is it really the end of the road for my partners plumbing career and our hope of Express Entry?

We are moving to Ontario, NOTL - Would a Province nomination help? Is that a thing? I also keep seeing Red seal?

Any help would be so appreciated - Getting a little worried!

(Side note, on the travel visas are they only allowed in for 6 months once a year?)

Thank you

Was there ever an open work permit for partners with IEC? I don't think so. The visa was meant for young people to work, travel and explore not immigrate.

Either way I'd suggest you put this in the "Citizenship & Immigration" section: https://britishexpats.com/forum/immi...hip-canada-33/

Canada likely does need plumbers so perhaps there are some options.

Partners of IEC holders can get an open work permit just like any other work permit holder but as the OP pointed out the rules around eligible occupations changed.

There hasn't been an Express Entry draw for Trades since October of last year so they don't come around that much.

Red Seal is the provincial certification for a trade, if your husband passed Red Seal that would give him some points towards Express Entry as well.

It looks like Canada only treats NVQ level 3 as High School equivalent, would need to be NVQ level 4 to get any extra points I think.

A provincial nomination would definitely help but you would need to be living/working in Ontario to get that nomination https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios...-trades-stream

I am now being advised to go in on my IEC and obtain a job (Absolutely fine) and then my partner can obtain an open work permit - This was fine until they changed the rules for this. I have to now find a job in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 role - I personally am a NVQ Level 3 Hairdresser but it would seem all the Jobs in TEER 0 and TEER 1 need university level degrees?

Hairstylist comes under Teer 3.
The following website gives info as to those skilled jobs under Teer 3 for which Open Work permits for dependents are available.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...skilled-teer-3

You’ve been given really good advice, unfortunately your plan isn’t really going to work as you’re discovering. Does it have to be Ontario though? Would another province be an option?

Thank you for your response and apologies for the delay in mine. Things took a turn our end, we have left the UK and decided to travel around the world a little before coming to Canada to visit again.

In answer to your question, No it doesn't need to be Ontario, we loved Alberta - But we are open to provinces.

Thank you - I have now worked out if I had a 'Manager' position I can be moved into a higher TEER which would give me the option for my husband to apply for the open work permit.

Your husband would need Provincial Certification to work as a plumber. It may be possible for him to obtain a Certificate of Qualification (Ontario) using his experience. See:
https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/...cy-assessment/ (other Provinces may have a similar thing)

Alternatively he could take the exam for Red Seal, allowing him to work anywhere in Canada but it's not quick.
https://red-seal.ca/eng/trades/plumber.shtml