Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program tailored to foreign nationals with expertise in skilled trades. It is one of the three federal economic immigration programs under Canada’s Express Entry system. The FSTP is designed to address labor shortages in high-demand trades occupations across Canada.

What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The FSTP was launched in 2013 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It offers skilled trades workers a streamlined path to permanent residency. Candidates are selected based on their experience, certification, and language ability—not on formal education.

Through Express Entry, eligible FSTP applicants can obtain permanent residence within six months of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Canada’s immigration plan allocates thousands of spots annually to Express Entry candidates, including those applying through the FSTP.

Who Should Apply?

The FSTP is ideal for experienced tradespeople with the skills to work in Canada. Applicants must have work experience in an eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) group, meet language requirements, and either hold a job offer or a provincial certificate of qualification.

FSTP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet the following:

Work Experience

You must complete a minimum of 3,120 hours of skilled trade work within the past five years. This can include:

• Full-time: 30 hours per week for two years.
• Part-time: Accumulated equivalent hours across multiple roles.

Note: Work done as a student or volunteer does not count toward this requirement.

Skilled Trades in Canada

Skilled trades refer to specialized, hands-on occupations that often require apprenticeship or vocational training. Common sectors include:

• Construction (e.g., electricians, plumbers)
• Manufacturing (e.g., tool and die makers)
• Natural resources (e.g., welders, drillers)
• Culinary (e.g., chefs, bakers, butchers)

FSTP recognizes trades under specific NOC categories that cover key industrial and technical occupations.

Language Proficiency

• Meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening.
• Meet CLB 4 for reading and writing.

Job Offer or Certification

• Hold a valid job offer for full-time work for at least one year, or
• Possess a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.

What Is a Certificate of Qualification?

A certificate of qualification proves that a person is licensed or certified to practice a trade in Canada. It is issued by a provincial, territorial, or federal authority. To obtain one:

1. Contact the regulatory body for your trade.
2. Undergo a skills assessment.
3. Pass an exam, if required.

Proof of Funds

• Show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family unless already legally working in Canada.

Intention to Reside Outside Quebec

• Quebec runs its own immigration system. Applicants must plan to settle in other provinces or territories.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Determine Eligibility

Ensure you meet all minimum requirements for the FSTP, including trade experience, language, and certification or job offer.

Take a Language Test

Complete an IRCC-approved English or French test. Submit your results as part of your Express Entry profile.

Obtain a Certificate or Job Offer

Either secure a valid job offer in Canada or obtain a certificate of qualification from a recognized authority.

Create Your Express Entry Profile

Enter your personal information, work history, and language results into IRCC’s online system. You’ll receive a CRS score.

Improve Your CRS Score

Boost your score by gaining more work experience, improving language results, or pursuing a provincial nomination.

Wait for an Invitation to Apply

IRCC holds regular Express Entry draws. If your CRS score meets the cut-off, you may receive an ITA.

Submit Your Application

You have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence application, including all required documents and fees.

Biometrics and Processing

Provide biometrics and wait for IRCC to process your application. Processing time is typically six months or less.

Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Once approved, IRCC will issue your COPR and instructions to finalize your move to Canada.

Settle in Canada

Arrive in Canada with your documents and proof of funds. Apply for health insurance, a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and begin your new career.

Benefits of the FSTP

Fast Processing Times

Most FSTP applications are processed within six months, making it one of the fastest immigration options.

Lower CRS Scores Accepted

FSTP candidates are not required to prove formal education. This can result in lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. However, IRCC conducts program-specific Express Entry draws that may target FSTP applicants exclusively.

Increased Opportunities Through PNP

Candidates in the FSTP pool may receive provincial nominations. A nomination adds 600 CRS points and virtually guarantees an invitation to apply.

High Labor Market Integration

Tradespeople with Canadian work experience or training have higher employment success. Canadian experience is rewarded in the CRS scoring system.

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Are you looking to Immigrate to Canada?

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