Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration pathway under Canada's Express Entry system, created to help skilled tradespeople achieve permanent residency. Introduced in 2013 by the Government of Canada and the immigration department, the Federal Skilled Trades Program  was designed to address the growing shortage of skilled trade workers in response to the demands of a rapidly expanding economy. This program was established to support Canadian businesses and employers facing challenges in finding enough skilled tradespeople to complete projects on schedule. It offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with expertise in specific trades to build a future in Canada.

Key Eligibility Requirements for FSTP :

1. Skilled Work Experience:

   • Must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.

   • Work experience must be in a skilled trade under NOC TEER 2 or 3, such as:

-Industrial, electrical, and construction trades.

-Maintenance and equipment operation trades.

-Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, or related production.

-Processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors or central control operators.

    Experience must align with the main duties and job requirements listed for your occupation in the NOC.

2. Valid Job Offer or Certification:

   • A valid full-time job offer (for at least 1 year) from a Canadian employer OR a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

3. Language Proficiency:

   • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB):

                     - CLB 5 for speaking and listening.

- CLB 4 for reading and writing.

       Language tests include IELTS, CELPIP (English) or TEF, TCF (French).

4. Work Authorization:

   • Work experience must have been obtained while legally authorized to work in the country where it occurred.

5. Education (not mandatory but beneficial):

   • No education requirement for FSTP eligibility.

   • However, submitting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials can increase your CRS score under Express Entry.

6. Intention to Reside Outside Quebec:

   • Must plan to live outside Quebec (Quebec has its own skilled trades program).

7. Admissibility:

   • Applicants must meet Canada's medical and security admissibility criteria.

Application Process:

1. Create an Express Entry Profile:

   • Indicate your interest in the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

   • Enter your work experience, job offer/certificate of qualification, language test results, etc.

2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score:

   • FSTP candidates usually have lower CRS score requirements compared to other programs (e.g., CEC or FSWP).

   • Additional points for a valid job offer or provincial nomination.

3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

   • If your CRS score meets the cutoff in a draw, you will receive an ITA.

4. Submit PR Application:

   • Provide supporting documents, such as:

-Language test results.

-Job offer or certificate of qualification.

-Proof of work experience (e.g., employer reference letters, pay stubs).

-Police clearance and medical examination results.

5. Processing:

   • Applications are typically processed in 6 months or less after submission.

Important Points 

• Attaining a minimum of 67 points based on the immigration selection factors set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is not mandatory for the applicant.

• There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. However, applicant will be awarded points in their Express Entry pool if they have earned a Canadian educational or have Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for a foreign education.

•  The applicants must plan to reside outside the province of Quebec. The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers through a unique immigration system.

Advantages of FSTP :

• Focused on skilled tradespeople, a category with high demand in Canada.

• Lower CRS scores compared to other programs.

• No requirement for post-secondary education.