Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Since 2013, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) has offered an immigration pathway to global talent with skilled trades backgrounds. One of the programs overseen by the Express Entry immigration system is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The FSTP is intended for foreign nationals seeking immigration to Canada who have expertise in relevant trade vocations. However, it is not the only route available to qualified professionals seeking to immigrate to Canada permanently. There are further paths for unskilled immigration to Canada, but they do not involve a fast-track scheme like this one under Express Entry.

The first step is to determine if you meet the federal government's definition of a skilled trade worker. After that, you can apply through the Express Entry program. You must also possess a current job-offer or proof of certification in order to be qualified. To be considered for permanent residence in all provinces of Canada (apart from Québec) and with the exception of securing a provincial nomination from a Canadian province or territory, earning an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via the Express Entry system is your ultimate aim. The next step is for you to relocate to the province or territory that supported you.

You must fulfill a number of requirements (some of which overlap with the CRS standards of the Express Entry system) before you can construct your profile through Express Entry in order to be eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. These specifications must correspond with one of the specialized skilled crafts indicated in the table below. They are exclusive to this program.

Minimum Requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

A full-time job-offer for a minimum of one year from a Canadian company OR a qualification certificate* from a federal, provincial, or territorial authority.
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) competence score in either French or English (Level 4 for writing + reading and level 5 for listening + speaking.)
• minimum of two years of recent, full-time employment within the last 5 years.
The ability to prove that you can do your skilled trades work criteria.
Unless you have a legitimate job-offer or are able to work in Canada legally, you must demonstrate that you have the money to settle in Canada with your family.

*To receive this certificate, you must pass Canada's transference of qualifications test.

Required Skilled Work Experience

The following main National Occupational Classification NOC groups are used to classify skilled trade jobs that are eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program. All of the groupings are of skill type B and are separated into several jobs. You must provide evidence that you fulfilled the obligations outlined in the NOC's occupational description. This contains all necessary tasks as well as the majority of primary tasks. For NOC 7321 - Automotive service technicians, see this illustration.

1-Major Group 72

Industrial
Electrical
Construction

2-Major Group 73

Maintenance
Equipment Operation

3-Major Group 82

Supervisors and Technicians in Natural Resources
Agriculture

4-Major Group 92

Processing and Manufacturing
Utility Supervisors
Central Control Operators

5-Minor Group 632

Chefs and Cooks

6-Minor Group 633

Butchers and Bakers