The Federal Skilled Trades program is one of three federal immigration pathways managed by the Express Entry system. As with all other Express Entry programs, FST uses a comprehensive ranking system in order to rank interested applicants against one another, thus inviting the most competitive applicants to apply for Canadian PR. 

Every year, over half of all newcomers/ immigrants to Canada are skilled workers welcomed via economic programs. Moreover, for qualified tradespeople, the FST can be a fast alternative for obtaining Canadian PR. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements 

In order to qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades program, an applicant must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade. Moreover, this experience should have been obtained after an applicant has been granted the certification to practice the trade in their country of residence. 

Canada’s NOC code defines skilled trades as following occupation groups: 

Major Group 72	Industrial, construction, & electrical trades
Major Group 73	Maintenance & equipment operation trades
Major Group 82	Supervisors & technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, & associated production
Major Group 92	Processing, manufacturing, & utilities supervisors
Minor Group 632	Chefs & cooks
Minor Group 633	Butchers & bakers

If an applicant possesses the necessary work experience, they must also meet other eligibility criteria:

Canada Employment Connection

Have a valid full-time job offer for the position lasting at least 12 months or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by Canadian provincial/ territorial authority. 

Language

Reach a minimum of CLB, i.e., Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 on an approved English/ French test. 

Residence In Canada 

Must intend to reside outside Quebec. 

If an applicant meets this requirement, they will be qualified/ eligible to submit an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program. However, the applicants should note that they must meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements. Specific criminal offenses & medical conditions might make a person inadmissible to Canada. 

Federal Skilled Trades Program Application Procedure 

If an individual meets these requirements, they can submit an Express Entry profile to IRCC. However, submitting an Express Entry profile doesn’t guarantee that an applicant will obtain Canadian PR. Upon submitting an Express Entry profile, the applicant will obtain a CRS score & be considered in future Express Entry draws for ITAs for PRs. 

When submitting the profile, an FST applicant will have to provide information from several documents: 

Language Proficiency Test Results 

All applicants under the Express Entry programs should provide results from an approved language exam/ test taken within the last two years. 

Identification Documents 

Applicants need to provide data from identification documents. Ideally, an applicant & accompanying family members must possess passports valid for travel.

Though educational documents are not required for the Federal Skilled Trades program, a candidate should have specific documentation to claim points for education. 

Educational Credentials Assessment   

To claim points for education, an FST applicant should provide a valid ECA report. The report should be attested to the value of international education by Canadian standards. There are over five organizations in Canada authorized to issue ECA reports. This isn’t needed for educational credentials obtained from a Canadian educational institution.  

Conclusion 

FSTP applicants must plan to reside outside Quebec as this province selects its own skilled workers through a unique immigration system. 

Moreover, if you are eligible for the FST program, you might also be eligible for category-based Express Entry draws. Thus, don’t forget to meet the requirements & eligibility criteria of the program for effortless immigration.  

FAQs

What is a certificate of qualification for FSTP? 

A certificate of qualification demonstrates that an individual is eligible to practice skilled trades in Canada. Moreover, they have passed a certified exam & meet all the requirements in order to practice the trade in a specific province/ territory.

The certificate an individual obtains will be issued by the body that manages trades in the specific province/ territory or by the federal government authority. 

Do you require a job offer under the FSTP? 

No. An employment offer is needed if you don’t have a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade that has been issued by the province/ territory in Canada. 

Do I need to show proof of funds if I obtain an invitation for PR under the program? 

Yes, you need to show IRCC that you have sufficient funds to support yourself & your family upon completing your permanent residence. However, this requirement is waived in case you are legally able to work in Canada & have an eligible employment offer.