Federal Skilled Trades Program
Understanding the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three key pathways for economic immigration under Canada’s Express Entry system. This program is designed for skilled tradespeople who have at least two years of work experience and a moderate level of proficiency in either English or French. Qualifying under FSTP enables applicants to apply for permanent residency (PR) and build their future in Canada.
Express Entry programs, including the FSTP, are known for their streamlined online application process and faster processing times compared to other Canadian immigration programs. While there are no specific intake targets exclusively for the FSTP, the overall targets for the three economic streams—FSTP, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)—are substantial, making these programs attractive to prospective immigrants.
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Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must meet the following requirements
Skilled Work Experience
- Applicants must have accumulated at least two years of full-time work experience (3,120 hours or more) within the last five years in an eligible skilled trade. Part-time work is also acceptable if it totals the required number of hours over the five-year period.
- The work experience must have been paid, whether through wages, salary, or commission. Unpaid work, such as volunteer activities or internships, does not meet this requirement.
- The work performed must align with the job requirements and duties listed in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) for that particular skilled trade, with the exception of any certificates of qualification that may be needed.
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Language Proficiency
- Language skills are a crucial part of the FSTP qualification process. Applicants must take an approved language test in English, French, or both, such as the IELTS or CELPIP for English, or the TEF and TCF Canada for French.
- Applicants need to achieve at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Language test results must be valid (taken within the last two years) when the PR application is submitted, and the scores must be entered into the applicant’s Express Entry profile.
Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
To apply under the FSTP, candidates must have one of the following:
- A full-time job offer from a Canadian employer that is valid for at least one year after the applicant gains PR status. Often, employers will need to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to confirm that no suitable candidate is available within Canada before offering the job to a foreign national.
- A certificate of qualification in their skilled trade from a recognized federal, provincial, or territorial authority in Canada. This typically involves passing a certification exam and meeting other specific criteria required by the regulatory authority.
Educational Requirements
While there are no mandatory educational qualifications for the FSTP, having educational credentials can enhance an applicant’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, potentially improving their rank within the Express Entry pool.
For those who completed their education outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) will be necessary to verify that their foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian credential.