The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a great immigration option for tradespersons in one of the qualifying occupations, who either have a job offer or the appropriate certifications for their profession.
The program is managed through the Express Entry process and candidates are selected based on their ability to become economically established in Canada.
Qualifying Skilled Trades
Based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) System.
- Group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Group 92: Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
- Group 632: Chefs and cooks
- Group 633: Butchers and bakers
Minimum Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades
- At least 2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian or foreign work experience in a listed skilled trade within 5 years before applying
- Language proficiency in English or French CLB level 5 for speaking and listening, and 4 for reading and writing), assessed through an approved language test.
- A valid job offer for a full-time listed skilled trade job for at least 1 year from up to two Canadian employers, OR a certificate of qualification in a listed skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial body.
- Meet the employment requirements listed for the position in the NOC. This may include job specific training and experience. A certificate of qualification is not required for a job offer.
- Plan to live and work in a province other than Quebec. Quebec does not have a separate skilled trades program. People with skilled trade experience and/or qualifications can apply through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program.
The Federal Skilled Trades Application Process
The application is based on a three-step process.
- Meet the minimum requirements for the FSTP
- Enter the Express Entry process. Through this online points-based process FSTP candidates with the strongest qualifications are invited to send in their application
- Apply for permanent residence
Frequently Asked Questions
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