The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), part of Canada’s Express Entry system, is one of three federal economic programs. Express Entry is how Canada welcomes skilled workers in the economic class to move to the country. Canada plans to invite over 400,000 new immigrants each year, with about 110,000 spots reserved for Express Entry under its Immigration Levels Plan.
In 2013, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) to provide a specialized immigration route for skilled trades workers.
What is Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is a Canadian immigration pathway for those with 2 years of recent experience in a skilled trade. Applicants must meet job requirements outlined in the National Occupational Classification and demonstrate essential duties for a chance at permanent residence.
Requirements For the Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Skilled work experience
- Language Ability
- Education
1. Skilled Word Experience
- Must have a minimum of 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled trade during the last 5 years.
- Fulfill the job requirements mentioned in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for the respective skilled trade.
- The performance of all essential duties and the majority of main duties as specified in the lead statement of the occupational description.
Skilled work experience qualifying for the FSTP belongs to specific categories within the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Minor group 633
- 6331 — Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers – retail and wholesale 6332 — Bakers
- 6332 — Bakers
Major group 72
- 7201 — Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- 7202 — Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- 7203 — Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades
- 7204 — Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades
- 7205 — Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
723 Machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades
- 7231 — Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- 7232 — Tool and die makers
- 7233 — Sheet metal workers
- 7234 — Boilermakers
- 7235 — Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters
- 7236 — Ironworkers
- 7237 — Welders and related machine operators
724 Electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workers
- 7241 — Electricians (except industrial and power system)
- 7242 — Industrial electricians
- 7243 — Power system electricians
- 7244 — Electrical power line and cable workers
- 7245 — Telecommunications line and cable workers
- 7246 — Telecommunications installation and repair workers
- 7247 — Cable television service and maintenance technicians
725 Plumbers, pipefitters and gas fitters
- 7251 — Plumbers
- 7252 — Steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
- 7253 — Gas fitters
727 Carpenters and cabinetmakers
- 7271 — Carpenters
- 7272 — Cabinetmakers
728 Masonry and plastering trades
- 7281 — Bricklayers
- 7282 — Concrete finishers
- 7283 — Tilesetters
- 7284 — Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
729 Other construction trades
- 7291 — Roofers and shinglers
- 7292 — Glaziers
- 7293 — Insulators
- 7294 — Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
- 7295 — Floor covering installers
Major group 73
- Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
- 7302 — Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews
- 7303 — Supervisors, printing and related occupations
- 7304 — Supervisors, railway transport operations
- 7305 — Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators
731 Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicle)
- 7311 — Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- 7312 — Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- 7313 — Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- 7314 — Railway carmen/women
- 7315 — Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- 7316 — Machine fitters
- 7318 — Elevator constructors and mechanics
732 Automotive service technicians
- 7321 — Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers
- 7322 — Motor vehicle body repairers
733 Other mechanics and related repairers
- 7331 — Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics
- 7332 — Appliance servicers and repairers
- 7333 — Electrical mechanics
- 7334 — Motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle and other related mechanics
- 7335 — Other small engine and small equipment repairers
736 Train crew operating occupations
- 7361 — Railway and yard locomotive engineers
- 7362 — Railway conductors and brakemen/women
737 Crane operators, drillers and blasters
- 7371 — Crane operators
- 7372 — Drillers and blasters – surface mining, quarrying and construction
- 7373 — Water well drillers
738 Printing press operators and other trades and related occupations not elsewhere classified
- 7381 — Printing press operators
- 7384 — Other trades and related occupations, not elsewhere classified
Major group 82
- 8211 — Supervisors, logging and forestry
822 Contractors and supervisors, mining, oil and gas
- 8221 — Supervisors, mining and quarrying
- 8222 — Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services
823 Underground miners, oil and gas drillers and related occupations
- 8231 — Underground production and development miners
- 8232 — Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
824 Logging machinery operators
- 8241 — Logging machinery operators
825 Contractors and supervisors, agriculture, horticulture and related operations and services
- 8252 — Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers
- 8255 — Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services
826 Fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women
- 8261 — Fishing masters and officers
- 8262 — Fishermen/women
Major group 83
- 831 – Occupations in natural resources and fisheries Occupations in natural resources and fisheries
Major group 92
- 921 – Supervisors, processing and manufacturing occupations Supervisors, processing and manufacturing occupations
- 922- Supervisors, assembly and fabrication Supervisors, assembly and fabrication
- 923 – Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing
- 924 – Utilities equipment operators and controllers Utilities equipment operators and controllers
Major group 93
931 – Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing
932 – Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
Major group 6320 & Chefs
- 63200 – Cooks Cooks
- 63201 – Butchers – retail and wholesale Butchers – retail and wholesale
- 63202 – Bakers Bakers
- 62200 – Chefs
2. Language Ability
- Prove that you possess basic language skills by taking a language test from an approved organization.
- The test should demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements set by IRCC: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
3. Education
- For education in Canada:
- Need a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution.
- For foreign education:
- Require a completed educational credential.
- Need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
- The ECA must confirm that your education is equivalent to a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution.
How to apply for Federal Skilled Trades program?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the program’s eligibility criteria, including having at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade, language proficiency, and other specified requirements.
- Take Language Tests: Take approved language tests (IELTS for English or TEF for French) to demonstrate language proficiency. Achieve at least CLB 5 in all four language areas.
- Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you obtained your education outside of Canada, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove the equivalence of your foreign education to Canadian standards.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an Express Entry profile online and indicate your interest in the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
- Improve Your CRS Score: Enhance your CRS score by acquiring more education, improving language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, and obtaining a valid job offer in Canada.
- Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA): Regularly check Express Entry draws. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can then submit your application for permanent residence.
- Submit Application for Permanent Residence: Once you receive an ITA, submit a complete application for permanent residence within the specified timeframe, including supporting documents.
- Medical and Security Checks: Undergo medical examinations and security checks as part of the application process.
- Wait for Decision: After submitting your application, wait for a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times can vary.
Proof Of Funds
Demonstrate sufficient funds for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you are:
- Currently authorized to work in Canada legally.
- Possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Selection Factors
Factors considered for scoring:
Language Skills (Maximum 28 points):
First Official Language (Maximum 24 points):
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 or higher | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Below 7 | Not eligible to apply |
- Second Official Language (Maximum 4 points):
- At least CLB 5 in all 4 abilities: 4 points
- CLB 4 or less in any ability: 0 points
Education (Maximum 25 points): Points are awarded based on the level of education completed in Canada or equivalent foreign education with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Work Experience (Maximum 15 points): Points are allocated based on the number of years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled occupation.
| Experience | Maximum 15 points |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 9 |
| 2-3 years | 11 |
| 4-5 years | 13 |
| 6 or more years | 15 |
Age (Maximum 12 points): Points are awarded based on your age at the time of application.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 0 |
| 18-35 | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| 38 | 9 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 6 |
| 42 | 5 |
| 43 | 4 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 45 | 2 |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47 and older | 0 |
Arranged Employment in Canada (Maximum 10 points):
- Points are given if you have a valid job offer meeting specific criteria.
Adaptability (Maximum 10 points):
- Points can be earned through various factors, including language proficiency of the spouse, past studies or work in Canada, arranged employment, and having relatives in Canada.
Your performance in each of these 6 factors determines your total score, ranging from 0 to 100. The current minimum passing score is 67 points.
FAQs
What score do I need for federal skilled trade program?
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trade program you would at least need 67 points out of 100 points.
How long does it take to process the federal skilled trades program?
Processing time for Fedral Skilled Trade Program is approximately 6 months.
Do I need certificate of qualification for the FSTP?
Yes, for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you generally need a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. This certificate demonstrates that you meet the required standards for your skilled trade in Canada. Having this certification is essential for eligibility under the FSTP.
How can I get a certificate of qualification for the FSTP?
To get a Certificate of Qualification for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada:
- Check eligibility for the FSTP.
- Choose a skilled trade.
- Contact the relevant provincial or territorial authority for your trade’s certification process. e.g: for Ontario check https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/
How can I improve my FSW score?
You can improve your Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) score, consider focusing on areas like enhancing language proficiency, obtaining additional education or certifications, gaining more work experience, and securing a valid job offer in Canada.
Do you need a job offer under the FSTP?
No, a job offer is not a mandatory requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada.
What is an eligible job offer under the FSTP?
An eligible job offer under the FSTP in Canada is full-time, permanent, and in a skilled trade category (NOC skill level B).
What work experience can I use towards the FSTP’s two-year work experience requirement?
You can use full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years towards the Federal Skilled Trades Program’s (FSTP) two-year work experience requirement.
Is proof of funds required under FSTP?
No, proof of funds is not a requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada.
