Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a key immigration pathway for individuals with experience in skilled trades. The FSTP operates through the Express Entry system, which is designed to help skilled workers move to Canada and contribute to the country’s economy.
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. It targets foreign nationals who have experience in specific skilled trades, offering them the chance to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada.
Who Can Apply for the FSTP?
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Skilled Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Job Offer or Canadian Certification: Applicants must either have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year or possess a certificate of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- Language Ability: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing, is required in either English or French.
- Admissibility: Applicants must be admissible to Canada and meet health and security requirements.
Express Entry and Skilled Trades
The Express Entry system ranks candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which assesses factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Candidates in the Express Entry skilled trade pool may be invited to apply for permanent residency during regular draw rounds.
Unlike other Express Entry programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the FSTP is tailored to individuals working in key trade occupations. This program specifically focuses on skilled tradespeople such as:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Carpenters
- Cooks and chefs
These occupations fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, with skilled trades typically classified under NOC codes starting with 72, 73, 82, or 92.
How to Apply for the FSTP Through Express Entry
To apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program through Express Entry, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the FSTP eligibility criteria, including skilled trade experience and language proficiency.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Complete your Express Entry profile online, providing details about your work experience, education, and language scores.
- Improve Your CRS Score: Increase your chances of being selected by boosting your CRS score through additional work experience, language tests, or educational credentials.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your profile ranks high enough, you may receive an ITA during one of the Express Entry draws.
- Submit a Permanent Residency Application: Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residency, including all required documents.
Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program offers several advantages for skilled tradespeople looking to immigrate to Canada:
- Permanent Residency: Successful applicants gain permanent residency in Canada, which can lead to Canadian citizenship.
- Job Opportunities: Canada is facing a shortage of skilled trade workers, making this a highly sought-after category.
- Family Sponsorship: As a permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Canada.
Conclusion
The Federal Skilled Trades Program provides a unique opportunity for experienced tradespeople to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry skilled trade stream. If you have experience in a skilled trade, you may find that this program offers the most direct path to obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
