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Federal Skilled Trades Program
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About FSTP
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three main streams of the Express Entry system in Canada. It is for skilled tradespeople with practical work experience in a qualified trade occupation who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
The program assists in meeting the needs of the job market for skilled tradespeople in the construction, manufacturing, maintenance, transportation and industrial operations sectors in Canada.
The FSTP provides a pathway for eligible trade workers to apply for Canadian permanent residency based on their trade experience, language proficiency, qualifications and contribution to the Canadian labor market.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the FSTP program, candidates need to satisfy the following criteria:
1. Skilled Trades Work Experience
At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent part-time work experience) in a skilled trade during the last 5 years before submitting the application. This work experience must be in one of the eligible skilled trades occupations designated by IRCC.
Applicants need to prove that they performed duties specified in the NOC for their particular trade.
2. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
Applicants will be required to hold one of the following:
- Either a valid full-time job offer for a period of at least 1 year from up to 2 Canadian employers
or
- A certificate of qualification for a skilled trade issued by a province/territory or Canada itself.
3. Language Skills
Achieve the required language skills:
- Speaking & Listening: CLB 5
- Reading & Writing: CLB 4
Results of the language test must be from a designated testing organization, such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or TEF Canada.
4. Meet Trade Requirements
Meet the employment requirements of your skilled trade occupation as per the NOC, except when certification requirements are different.
5. Proof of Settlement Funds
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members after arriving in Canada.
This requirement may be waived if the applicant is legally working in Canada and has a valid job offer.
6. Admissibility Requirements
The applicant must:
- Pass an Immigration Medical Examination (IME);
- Pass criminal and security background checks;
- Provide truthful and accurate information in their application.
7. Express Entry Profile
Eligible candidates must create an Express Entry profile. The applicants get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score after they are submitted into the pool, which is determined by their age, education, language skills, work experience, and other qualifications.
If candidates’ CRS scores are competitive, they will be sent an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residence.
Eligible Skilled Trades
The Federal Skilled Trades Program generally covers skilled trades within the following categories:
Major Group 72
Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades
Major Group 73
Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
Major Group 82
Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production
Major Group 83
Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production
Major Group 92
Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
Major Group 93
Central Control and Process Operators and Aircraft Assembly Assemblers and Inspectors
Minor Group 6320
Cooks, Butchers and Bakers
Unit Group 62200
Chefs
Examples of eligible occupations include:
- Electricians
- Welders
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics
- Industrial Electricians
- Construction Millwrights
- HVAC Technicians
- Cooks
- Chefs
- Aircraft Mechanics
Application process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the minimum requirements for skilled trade experience, language proficiency, admissibility, and job offer or certification requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare documents such as:
- Language test results
- Passport and identity documents
- Proof of skilled trade work experience
- Job offer letter or Certificate of Qualification
- Educational documents (if applicable)
Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile through Canada’s Express Entry system and provide details regarding your work experience, language scores, education, and qualifications.
Step 4: Receive a CRS Score
Your profile will be ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is above the minimum score for the Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA.
Step 6: Submit Your PR Application
Submit your PR application with all required documents and the government processing fees.
Step 7: Complete Medical and Security Checks
You will then need to complete your immigration medical exam and security and criminality checks.
Step 8: Receive a Decision
If your application is approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can begin planning your move to Canada.
Why Choose Neximm Immigration
- Licensed Professionals
Our licensed immigration professionals provide accurate guidance and stay updated with Canadian regulations to support your journey.
- High Success Rate
We have successfully assisted numerous clients in achieving their Canadian immigration goals through strategic planning.
- Personalized Strategy
We create customized immigration solutions based on your profile, aspirations, and eligibility to maximize success.
- Transparent Process
We maintain complete transparency by providing clear communication, honest assessments, and realistic expectations throughout.
- End-to-End Support
We support you at every stage, from consultation and application preparation to settlement guidance in Canada.
FAQs
1. How long does FSTP application take?
IRCC aims to process most FSTP applications within six months.
2. What documents are required for FSTP?
Essential requirements include a valid passport, approved language test results (IELTS or CELPIP), proof of skilled trade work experience, a valid Canadian job offer or a provincial/territorial Certificate of Qualification, and other supporting documents
3. Can I get PR in 6 months in Canada?
Yes, it is possible to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) in as little as six months.
However, this timeline applies only after you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit a complete application.
The time required to qualify for a program and receive an ITA can vary from a few months to several years, depending on your profile and eligibility.