What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada is a specific immigration pathway aimed at skilled tradespersons who possess experience in certain trades and wish to become permanent residents. It's one of the federal economic immigration programs under the Express Entry system. The FSTP targets individuals with expertise in skilled trades that are in demand in Canada's labor market.

To qualify for the FSTP, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount in part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last five years. These trades are typically classified under skill level B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system and include occupations such as electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and more.

In addition to work experience, candidates must meet language proficiency requirements in either English or French. They also need to secure an offer of full-time employment in Canada for a period of at least one year or possess a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

The FSTP operates within the Express Entry system. Candidates create an Express Entry profile, and those meeting the eligibility criteria, including the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required, are entered into regular draws. Higher-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The program aims to address labor shortages in specific skilled trade occupations by attracting and retaining individuals with the necessary expertise to contribute to Canada's economy. It provides a pathway for skilled tradespeople to become permanent residents and contribute their skills to industries where there is a demand for their expertise.

How do I get into the FSTP?

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada, individuals must meet specific criteria:

  1. Work Experience: Applicants must have at least two years (or an equal amount in part-time) of full-time work experience within the last five years in a skilled trade. The work experience must be in an occupation categorized under skill level B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
  2. Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French. This typically involves taking an approved language test (such as IELTS for English or TEF for French) and achieving minimum scores in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  3. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Applicants must either have a valid job offer for full-time employment in Canada for at least one year OR possess a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority confirming their proficiency in the skilled trade.
  4. Adherence to Work Permit Conditions: Candidates must have worked in Canada with proper authorization, meaning they held valid work permits or were authorized to work without a permit (like those with implied status, Post-Graduation Work Permit holders, or work permit exemptions).
  5. Express Entry Profile: Candidates must create an Express Entry profile and meet the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required in regular draws to be invited to apply for permanent residency under the FSTP category.

Meeting these criteria allows individuals to enter the Express Entry pool under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) category. Candidates with higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are more likely to receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during regular draws. The FSTP aims to attract skilled tradespeople who can contribute their expertise to specific trade occupations in demand across Canada.

Information on other Programs related to the CEC

  • Express Entry System

    The Express Entry System is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency for skilled workers.

    More Info 

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program

    The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a key pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.

    More Info 

  • Permanent Residence

    Permanent Resident (PR) status in Canada grants individuals the right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada for an indefinite period. It's a legal status given to immigrants who have been approved to live in Canada permanently but are not Canadian citizens.

    More Info 

FAQ

Q: Can I apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) if I don't have a job offer from a Canadian employer?

A: Yes, a job offer is not mandatory for eligibility under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, having a valid job offer for full-time employment in Canada for at least one year in a skilled trade can significantly increase the candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system, enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during regular draws. Candidates without a job offer can still qualify by meeting other eligibility criteria, such as possessing a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

Q: Can my work experience outside Canada in a skilled trade be considered for the FSTP?

A: No, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) specifically requires work experience gained within Canada in a skilled trade within the last five years preceding the application. The program emphasizes work experience within Canada to address labor market needs and ensure that candidates have adapted to Canadian workplace standards and practices. Experience gained outside Canada may not be considered for eligibility under the FSTP.

Q: Is there an age limit to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

A: There is no specific age limit for applicants applying under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada. Unlike certain other immigration programs, the FSTP does not have an age cap. Candidates are assessed based on factors such as work experience, language proficiency, education, and other criteria under the Express Entry system. Points are awarded for various factors, and younger candidates may receive additional points for age as per the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), but there is no maximum age limit for eligibility under the FSTP.