Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in 2013 under the Express Entry system that offers immigration to Canada for skilled trades workers.
FSTP is specifically designed to attract skilled tradespersons from across the world to immigrate to Canada permanently and contribute to the country’s workforce.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Eligibility Criteria
Individuals having appropriate qualifications and skilled trade work experience are allowed to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident through this program. Check out the detailed information below:
Skilled Trade Work Experience
To be eligible for FSTP, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Minimum 2 years of work experience (full-time)
or
- Equivalent part-time skilled trade experience in last 5 years
- Skilled trade work experience under federal skilled trades program list occupations:
| Group | Occupation |
| Major Group 72 | technical trades and transportation officers and controllers (excluding Sub-Major Group 726) |
| Major Group 73 | general trades |
| Major Group 82 | supervisors 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 utilities operators and controllers |
| Major Group 93 | central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors (excluding Sub-Major Group 932) |
| Minor Group 6320 | cooks, butchers and bakers |
| Unit Group 62200 | chefs |
Language Proficiency
You need to meet language requirements (CLB 4- Reading & Writing; CLB 5- Speaking & Listening)under the Federal Skilled Trades Program in English or French based on these skills:
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
To demonstrate your language skills, you need to appear for an English language test through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), or Pearson Test of English Core (PTE Core) for English. Or the Test d’Evaluation de Francais (TEF) or Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF) for French (second official language of Canada).
The candidate is required to score above the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) points in order to be found eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades immigration program.
Note: Your score must be valid on the day you apply for PR to enter the details in Express Entry profile.
Employment Offer
To be eligible for FSTP, you must have:
- Valid full-time job offer for minimum 1 year or
- Qualification certification in skilled trade by Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
Qualification Certificate
Two ways to get qualification certificate;
- Ask any province or territory to assess you
- Ask any Canadian employer to give you training
Proof of Funds
To be eligible for FSTP, you must have:
- Sufficient funds to support your family in Canada
- Valid job offer from Canadian employer
- Legal permission to work in Canada
Below is the proof of funds you are required to show when immigrating through Federal Skilled Trades Program:
| No. of Family Members | Proof of Funds |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| If there are more than 7 people in the family, funds required for each additional members | $3,958 |
Education
Education is not a mandatory requirement but it adds to your advantage if:
- You attended school in Canada (secondary & post-secondary institution), or
- You have foreign education from reputed organization and ECA report
Admissibility
To be eligible for FSTP, you must be admissible to Canada.
Being inadmissible means you are not allowed to enter Canada, according to the Canadian immigration law. But in case of any valid reason, authorities might give you a temporary resident permit.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Draw 2024
Federal Skilled Trades Program’s latest draw was released on August 6, 2020 which had 250 invitations and 415 CRS score requirements. But the current draws are released on category basis and general basis.
Federal Skilled Trades Program CRS Score Calculator
Check out this Federal Skilled Trades Program points calculator.
| Factors | Points (with spouse or common-law partner) | Points (without spouse or common-law partner) |
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Education | 140 | 150 |
| Official Language Proficiency | 150 | 160 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 70 | 80 |
What is the Federal Skilled Trade program?
Federal Skilled Trade Program under Express Entry system allows skilled workers to become permanent residents in Canada, depending on their skilled trade qualification.
How to apply for a Skilled Trade Program in Canada?
To apply for a Skilled Trade Program in Canada, you must;
a. Gain valid Canadian job offer or certificate of qualification in skilled trade
b. Create Express Entry Profile
c. Check CRS Score
d. Wait for ITA
e. Fill PR Application
f. Get CoPR
What is the FST program in Canada?
FST program is specifically designed to attract skilled tradespersons from across the world to immigrate to Canada permanently.
What is the processing time of the Federal Skilled Trades Program in Canada?
Processing time of the Federal Skilled Trades Program depends on your particular application and biometric process.
Do you need proof of funds while immigrating to Canada through FSTP?
Immigrating to Canada through FSTP requires Proof of Funds. However, it does not apply if you have either,
- A valid job offer in Canada for at least 1 year, or
- A valid Canadian Work Permit to legally work in Canada
Do you need a Canadian job offer to apply for FSTP?
Yes, you need a valid Canadian job offer to apply for FSTP otherwise you will require a Qualification Certification in Skilled Trade from Canadian Authorities to apply for FSTP.
What is the application fee for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The application fee for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (with the right of permanent residence fee) is CAD 1,365.
Can I live anywhere in Canada if I qualify for PR through FSTP?
You can live anywhere in Canada if you get your PR from Express Entry. However, if you get your PR from Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) then you are allowed to live and work in that particular province.
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