Federal Skilled Trades Program
Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of Canada’s immigration pathways under the Express Entry system. It is designed for foreign nationals with experience in skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, chefs, and welders. FSTP helps address Canada’s labour shortages in critical sectors by offering a route to permanent residency.
FSTP Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must:
- Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (within the last 5 years)
Hold a valid job offer in Canada (or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province/territory)
Meet required language proficiency (CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing)
Plan to live outside Quebec (Quebec selects its own skilled workers)
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Requirements
List of Eligible Skilled Trades
Eligible trades fall under these National Occupation Classification (NOC) categories:
Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades
Major Group 73: General trades (e.g., welders, mechanics)
Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources
Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors
Minor Group 6320: Chefs and cooks
Minor Group 6330: Butchers and bakers
Visit the official NOC website or consult with a certified immigration consultant for the full list.
.
HOW TO APPLY
How to Apply for the FSTP Through Express Entry
The FSTP uses the Express Entry system. Follow these steps:
Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website
Provide details on your trade experience, language test scores, and job offer or certification
Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during Express Entry draws
Submit your PR application within 60 days of receiving an ITA
Job Offers and Provincial Certifications
You can qualify for FSTP with either:
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer (full-time, at least 1 year)
A certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial authority
Certificates prove your skills meet Canadian standards. Each province has its own rules for certification. You may need to pass an exam or demonstrate your experience.
Benefits of choosing the FSTP
The FSTP is ideal for skilled workers in trades because:
Lower language score requirements than other programs
No need for a formal education (though it’s beneficial for CRS points)
High demand for tradespeople across Canada
Pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship
Get Professional Help With Your FSTP Application
How We Can Help
Navigating the Express Entry system can be complex. At [Your Firm Name], we provide:
Eligibility assessment
Guidance on trade certification and job offers
Express Entry profile creation
Complete PR application support
Start your journey to Canada today with expert support.