Build your future in
skilled trades

Passage matches you with opportunities in skilled trades, and shows you what study opportunities can lead you there. Help shape the future of Canada's housing and infrastructure.

Explore programs
Skilled trades advantage

Become the driving force behind Canada’s thriving communities and essential infrastructure.

Government support

The Canadian government invests over $1 billion annually in programs supporting the skilled trades sector, ensuring a stable and robust environment for career growth in essential roles.*

High earning potential

In 2019, certified tradespeople in Canada earned a median income of C$60,450.**

Career prospects

By 2026, 1 in 6 job openings in Canada are projected to be in the skilled trades, and with 700,000 projected retirements by 2028, there’s unprecedented demand for new talent.***

The Passage way

Our goal is to provide you with financial support and a streamlined application process to help accelerate your arrival in Canada.

Discover opportunities

Passage helps you discover opportunities and understand the pathways that get you there.

1
2

Review funding options

Quickly check to see if and how you can get the financial support you need. Check eligibility↗  

Submit school application

Provide the necessary documents and information through our streamlined application process.

3
4

Complete your funding application

We only loan you the amount we feel you can pay back comfortably with your potential salary post graduation. Fill out your loan application and pay all necessary fees.

Apply for a visa

Assemble your documents and take the next step towards your dream by applying for a study permit.

5

Begin your new chapter

Kickstart your educational or professional journey and embrace the opportunities that await in Canada.

Estimate your earning potential

Active
Inactive
Get an estimate of your potential earnings in Canada based on your skills and where you’ll live.
Gross Annual Salary is derived from the median hourly wage as reported by Job Bank and calculated based on a 40-hour work week. This calculator is for informational purposes only and may not be relied upon.
The median salary for a skilled worker in Ontario is
C$
65,000

Hear directly from others

See what others in the skilled trades have to say about kickstarting a journey in Canada

We need to ensure students and jobseekers know about the rewarding life-long careers waiting for them in the skilled trades. There is as much merit in being an electrician or a carpenter as there is in being an architect or a lawyer.
Monte McNaughton
Former Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
@jec_cncready 3 Trades that make over $80k per year! #TradeJobs#SkilledTrades#CareerAdvice#80kPlus#InDemandJobs#bluecollarpride ♬ dance(256762) - TimTaj
A skilled trade was my ticket to success here in Canada, the country I immigrated to in 1954. In the years ahead, I believe that high-paying skilled trades jobs will open up the doors of opportunity, career satisfaction and wealth for many more Canadians.
Frank Stronach
Founder, Magna International

FAQs

Some of the most frequently-asked questions we get from other 
opportunity seekers

What is Passage?

Passage is a platform that matches international talents with Canada's workforce needs. Its mission is to provide access to life-changing educational and career opportunities. By offering financial solutions, Passage is able to best facilitate a newcomer’s transition to life in Canada. This transformative platform serves as a comprehensive tool and companion, providing guidance and resources for newcomers to begin their journey to a new life in Canada. Learn more here.

Why are your services only available in Canada?

Passage focuses on unlocking global opportunities. Since we are a startup and immigration & study abroad are so impactful to people's lives, we wanted to start in one country to ensure that we can offer an incredible experience before we expand.

Can I apply to more than one program at once through Passage?

Yes, you can apply to multiple programs through Passage. However, we encourage you to focus on selecting the right program that fits with your goals and gives you the highest potential for success. Keep in mind that students typically receive funding and can apply for a study permit for only one program. Also, each program application has its own application fees. Therefore, we recommend dedicating your efforts to thoroughly researching and choosing the most suitable program rather than applying to several.

What countries does Passage serve?

We're able to help students from most countries pursue vetted opportunities in Canada. Unfortunately, we cannot yet help students living in Europe, Belarus, Central African Republic, China, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Moldova, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Why are you only offering some programs?

Passage is committed to guiding international students towards successful pathways in Canada. We will only promote programs when we feel very confident they lead to relevant employment and meet our criteria of helping to solve labor shortages in Canada. We'll add more programs over time as we scale out our technology and processes.

How much does it cost to study in Canada?

We encourage you to do proper research to understand the costs of living in Canada. The following costs are estimates and can vary based on location and other factors.

For international undergraduates, the average annual tuition is C$36,100 (StatCan), while for graduate students, it is C$21,100 (StatCan). College tuition costs for international students typically range from C$17,000 - C$25,000 per year (StatCan). Newcomers are required to have C$20,635 for their first year of living expenses. Additional expenses include books, health insurance, and personal or travel costs.

Does Passage serve both onshore and offshore students?

Yes, Passage serves individuals both onshore (currently in Canada) and offshore (currently outside of Canada).

What is a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), and why is it important?

A Letter of Acceptance (LOA) is an official document issued by a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It confirms that a student has been accepted into a specific program of study at the institution and is required when applying for a Canadian study permit through IRCC.  The LOA typically includes important details such as the name of the institution, the program of study, the level of study, the duration or start and end dates of the program, and any conditions attached to your acceptance. You can learn more here.

How do I know if I’m eligible to study in Canada?

To be eligible to study in Canada, you must be accepted by a DLI, be able to pay for your tuition, living expenses and return transportation, have a clean criminal record, and be in good health. You can learn more by checking the relevant government of Canada's website.

What's the maximum amount of loan I can secure through Passage?

The amount of loan you're qualified for depends on your academic program, the funding amount you're able to contribute, as well as a variety of other factors. To find out how much exactly you can qualify for, check out our loan calculator here.

Can I apply for a loan before receiving my university acceptance?

You can start your loan application before you receive your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). That said, you will not be able to finish your loan application until you have received your LOA. You can check each program's requirements on app.passage.com.

What is the U15?

U15 is a collective of fifteen of Canada's most distinguished research universities. Renowned for their comprehensive approach to education, these institutions are leaders in innovation, scientific research, and higher learning. Membership in U15 signifies a university's commitment to excellence in research, education, and societal contribution. Learn more here.

What’s the total amount of loan I can secure?

The amount of loan you're qualified for depends on your academic program of choice, the funding amount you're able to contribute, as well as a variety of other factors. To find out if you are eligible and how much exactly you can qualify for, check out our loan calculator here.

Can you help me find a job?

Unfortunately not. Passage is currently focused on providing access to education opportunities for those who would otherwise not have the financial resources to attend. Our team is actively working on developing career pathways, so please stay tuned. You can follow our updates by signing up for the Passage newsletter.

What fees does Passage charge?

Passage charges you a school application fee on behalf of our partner schools. For fees associated with Passage loans, please check our loan calculator to understand the costs unique to your situation.

How can I trust Passage?

The team at Passage has extensive knowledge and have helped tens of thousands of international students come to Canada. Of course, trust needs to be earned, so we will earn that trust through our product, transparency and dedicated customer support. Additionally, we have partnerships with well-regarded schools, banks, and immigration firms across Canada.

Interested in learning more?

Have a look at these resources:Discover more about our work with immigrants in Canada in The Globe and Mail
Learn about our significant funding announcement at the Collision Conference

Do you have a question not covered here? Contact us at hi@passage.com

Get started on your
skilled trades
journey in Canada today

Apply now to embark on the journey of a lifetime and join the next generation of skilled tradespeople