(FSTP) Federal Skilled Trades Program

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FSTP


The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of Canada's three economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. It is specifically designed for individuals with specialized skills in a variety of trade occupations. Whether you're an electrician, welder, plumber, carpenter, or any other skilled trade professional, FSTP could be the ideal route for you to make Canada your new home.


Benefits of FSTP

Permanent Residency: Successful applicants and their families gain the opportunity to become permanent residents of Canada, enjoying the benefits of living in a country renowned for its quality of life, healthcare, and education system.

In-Demand Occupations: Canada values the contributions of skilled tradespeople and has a high demand for their expertise in industries critical to the nation's growth and development.

No Education Credential Assessment (ECA) Required: Unlike other Express Entry programs, FSTP applicants do not need to go through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA), making the application process smoother for qualified tradespersons.

Pathway to Citizenship: After fulfilling the residency requirements, FSTP permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship, granting them the privilege of holding a Canadian passport and all associated rights.


Eligiblity Criteria
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Skilled Trade Occupation: Possess at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years, as per the requirements of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Applicants need either a valid job offers of at least one year from a Canadian employer or a Certificate of Qualification issued by a Canadian province or territory.

Language Proficiency: Demonstrate adequate language proficiency in English or French by providing language test results from an approved agency.

Sufficient Funds: Have enough funds to support themselves and their family members during the initial settlement period in Canada.



Skilled trades for the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized under these groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

  • Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
  • Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
  • Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
  • Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
  • Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
  • Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers

The major NOC groups are subdivided into different occupations, and they are all skill type B.
Candidate must demonstrate that he/she performed the duties set out in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC. This includes all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed.

There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. But, if Candidate want to improve their rank in the Express Entry pool, there are 2 ways to di it:

  • If Candidate studied at a school in Canada, Candidate can get points for a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian:
  • Secondary institution (high school) or
  • Post-secondary institution or
  • If Candidate holds a foreign education, Candidate can get points for a completed educational credential,
    • If Candidate has an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes from a designated organization showing that Candidates education is equal to a completed certificate,
    • Diploma or degree from a Canadian:
    • Secondary institution (high school) or
    • Post-secondary institution

Obtain a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all 4 abilities
Language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. They must be valid on the day Candidate apply for permanent residence.

The Candidate must meet required language levels for each language ability

  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Listening
  • Speaking

@have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before Candidate applies
@meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification
@have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year or certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.

Proof of funds

Candidate must show that he/she hold sufficient funds for themselves and their family to settle in Canada, unless Candidate :

  • Is currently able to legally work in Canada
  • Have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada

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