Federal Skilled Trades Program

What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway for skilled tradespeople to become permanent residents of Canada. It’s part of the Express Entry system, designed to attract workers qualified in skilled trades such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. This program helps fill Canada’s labor market needs while offering skilled workers a chance to build a future in the country.

On This Page, You Will Find:

• Overview of the Federal Skilled Trades Program: Learn how the program helps skilled tradespeople become permanent residents in Canada.
• Eligibility Requirements: Detailed criteria for work experience, language proficiency, and certification.
• Skilled Trades Sectors: Key industries where skilled tradespeople are in demand.
• Application Process: Step-by-step guidance for applying through Express Entry.
• Common Questions Answered: Answers to FAQs about qualifications, job offers, and admissibility.

Key Eligibility Criteria

1. Skilled Work Experience

To qualify, you must meet the following work experience requirements:

• Relevant NOC Group: Your experience must fall under one of the following:
  • Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Groups 726 and 932)
  • Minor Group 6320
  • Unit Group 62200
• Duration: At least 2 years of full-time paid work (or 3,120 hours) in the last 5 years.
• Nature of Work: Demonstrate that you performed the duties listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your trade.

Tip: Ensure your work experience is in a country where you were qualified to practice your trade.

2. Language Proficiency

You must take an approved language test in English or French and achieve at least:

• Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening.
• CLB 4 for reading and writing.

3. Job Offer or Certification

To apply, you need:

• A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year, or
• A certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

4. Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself and your family, unless:

• You are already legally working in Canada, and
• You have a valid job offer.

Understanding Skilled Trades

Skilled trades involve hands-on, specialized work often requiring formal training or apprenticeships. Key sectors include:

• Construction
• Transportation
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Natural Resources and Agriculture

Note: Student work experience and volunteer roles do not count toward the work experience requirement.

Certification of Qualification

A certificate of qualification proves you are skilled and authorized to work in your trade in Canada. Here’s how to obtain one:

• Contact the provincial, territorial, or federal authority responsible for your trade.
• Undergo an assessment of your skills and experience.
• Pass a certification exam if required.

If your trade is federally regulated, consult the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for guidance.

Work Experience Guidelines

You can meet the 3,120-hour requirement through:

• Full-time Work: 30 hours per week for 24 months.
• Part-time Work: Combine multiple part-time jobs to accumulate the hours.

Important: Hours exceeding 30 per week do not count toward the total.

Admissibility to Canada

You must meet Canada’s admissibility requirements, which assess factors such as criminal history, medical conditions, and security risks.

Where Can You Live?

Applicants must plan to live outside Quebec. If you are nominated by a province under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must reside in that province.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Canada Through the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the program’s key requirements:

1. Work Experience:
   • At least 2 years of paid full-time work (or 3,120 hours) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
   • Work experience must align with one of the eligible National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
2. Language Proficiency:
   • Pass an approved English or French language test with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
3. Certification or Job Offer:
   • Obtain a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian province, territory, or federal authority, or secure a valid job offer for full-time work lasting at least one year.

Step 2: Get Your Trade Assessed

1. Certificate of Qualification:
   • Contact the regulatory body for your trade in the province or territory where you plan to work.
   • Submit your qualifications, training, and experience for assessment.
   • If eligible, write the certification exam to obtain your certificate of qualification.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following:

• Proof of work experience, such as employment letters, pay stubs, and tax records.
• Language test results.
• Certificate of qualification or job offer.
• Proof of funds to demonstrate financial ability to settle in Canada (if applicable).

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

1. Visit the Government of Canada Express Entry Portal.
2. Complete the online profile with details about your work experience, language test results, and other personal information.
3. Submit your profile to enter the Express Entry pool.

Tip: Your Express Entry score is based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Improve your CRS score by retaking language tests or gaining additional qualifications.

Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

1. Monitor the Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
2. If your CRS score meets the cut-off for a draw, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residency.

Step 6: Submit Your Permanent Residency Application

1. Accept the ITA and gather all required documents, including medical exams and police certificates.
2. Submit your application online within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
3. Pay the application fees, which include processing fees and the right of permanent residence fee.

Step 7: Complete Biometrics and Wait for Processing

1. Visit a visa application center to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
2. IRCC will process your application and keep you updated on its status.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Once approved, you will receive your COPR and instructions on how to finalize your move to Canada.

Step 9: Prepare for Your Move

1. Arrange your travel to Canada.
2. Prepare proof of funds, your COPR, and identification for entry at the Canadian border.
3. Complete your landing process with a border officer and receive your permanent resident status.

Step 10: Settle in Canada

1. Apply for essential services like a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and health insurance.
2. Find housing and register with local settlement agencies for support.
3. Begin your new job or continue the certification process if required.

FAQ: Federal Skilled Trades Program