Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is specifically designed for individuals who possess experience and qualifications in skilled trades and aim to become permanent residents of Canada. The FSTP is one of the three programs in the Express Entry System and ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to invite the most competitive candidates into the Express Entry pool.
Table of Contents
- What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
- Who is Eligible for Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Work Experience Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Language Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Education Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Proof of Funds Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Launched in 2013, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) was established to attract skilled trades workers to Canada, addressing labour shortages in various sectors. It is one of the three main programs within the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The FSTP provides the most efficient pathway for individuals with qualifications and experience in skilled trades, such as construction, electrical, and industrial trades, among others, to immigrate to Canada. Candidates must meet specific criteria, including language proficiency and having a valid job offer or certification from a Canadian province or territory. By streamlining the immigration process for skilled tradespeople, the FSTP plays a crucial role in fulfilling Canada’s economic and labour market needs.
Who is Eligible for Federal Skilled Trades Program
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, candidates are required to have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade, which can also be equivalent in part-time experience. This relevant work experience needs to have been acquired within the last five years. It’s important to note that only the work experience gained after the certification to practice the trade in the candidate’s home country is considered for eligibility purposes. In addition to work experience, candidates must meet minimum language requirements in English or French, demonstrate proof of funds to support themselves and their family as they transition to Canada and have a valid job offer of 12 months or a certification from a Canadian province.
Work Experience Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
Candidates must possess at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before their application. Additionally, candidates must fulfill the job requirements for their specific skilled trade as defined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and demonstrate that they have carried out the responsibilities mentioned in the NOC’s lead statement, covering all essential duties and the majority of the main responsibilities.
Skilled trades NOC groups
Work experience must be in one of the following NOC groups:
- Major Group 72, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers
- excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers
- Major Group 73, general trades
- Major Group 82, supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Major Group 83, occupations in natural resources and related production
- Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
- Major Group 93, central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Minor Group 6320, cooks, butchers and bakers
- Unit Group 62200, chefs
The IRCC will only accept an application if candidates demonstrate that their experience aligns with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description, or they were qualified to practice their trade at the time of their work independently. Additionally, only paid work experience (wages or commission) are considered; volunteer roles and unpaid internships do not meet the criteria.
Candidates must possess either a valid job offer for full-time employment lasting at least one year or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
Certification Requirements
A qualification certificate validates your eligibility to work in a specific skilled trade in Canada, confirming you’ve successfully passed a certification exam and met the requirements to practice in the issuing province or territory. Such certificates are granted by provincial, territorial, or federal bodies responsible for trade regulation. To obtain this certificate, your trade experience, training, and skills will be assessed to determine your eligibility for a certification exam. Each province and territory has distinct qualification requirements and certification processes, potentially requiring physical presence for assessment or Canadian employer-sponsored experience and training. For trades not recognized with certificates in your intended province or territory, a valid job offer in your trade is required for program eligibility.
Language Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
To qualify for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must meet language benchmarks: a minimum of CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing. All Express Entry candidates must take an authorized language exam, such as IELTS, and submit their results. Language test results are valid for two years following the test date. These results must be valid at the time of application for permanent residence. Additionally, applicants demonstrating proficiency in French can secure extra points.
Education Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
While post-secondary education isn’t a requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, having educational credentials can significantly boost your Express Entry profile through additional points. Education plays a crucial role in the Express Entry CRS ranking.
To increase your Express Entry score through education, consider these options:
For education acquired in Canada, earn points by presenting a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary institution.
For education obtained outside Canada, you can gain points by having a completed educational credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)from a recognized organization, verifying that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian secondary or post-secondary qualification.
Visit our Comprehensive Ranking System guide for more details on how Express Entry profiles are allocated points.
Proof of Funds Requirements for Federal Skilled Trades Program
Each applicant has to show sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada. These funds are commonly referred to as settlement funds. You do not need to show settlement funds if you have a letter of employment. The specific amount of settlement funds required depends on the size of your family.
Here are the minimum settlement fund requirements based on family size:
- One person (single applicant): $14, 690.00 CAD
- Two persons: $18, 288.00 CAD
- Three persons: $22, 483.00 CAD
- Four persons: $27, 297.00 CAD
- Five persons: $30, 690.00 CAD
- Six persons: $34, 917.00 CAD
- Seven persons or more: $38, 875.00 CAD
These are the main categories a candidate must meet to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program and create an Express Entry profile. Other requirements include no criminal history, medical clearance, and intending to live outside of Quebec. Any offences or false documentation will lead to inadmissibility in the application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Experience Class
Can I apply for Canadian experience class outside Canada?
Yes, candidates can apply outside of Canada for the Canadian Experience Class if they fulfill the eligibility criteria, including having one year of work experience in Canada within three years immediately preceding the application. Candidates in Canada on a temporary work visa nearing its expiration can obtain a bridging open work permit, allowing them to maintain employment in Canada while awaiting their invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Do you need to show financial proof for the Canadian Experience Class?
No, if you receive an invitation under the Canadian Experience Class, the requirement to demonstrate financial proof does not apply to you. However, by default, the Express Entry system will request proof of funds documents from all candidates. To be exempt, invitees for permanent residency can fulfill this step by uploading a letter stating their invitation under the Canadian Experience Class or uploading evidence of a valid job offer, bypassing the need to show proof of funds.
Do internships and co-ops in Canada count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience?
No, however, it is a bit nuanced. The eligibility of a paid internship to count towards the Express Entry work experience requirement varies depending on its relation to your educational program. If your paid internship was conducted outside of your academic curriculum and not as a requirement for your degree or diploma, it could be considered valid work experience for Express Entry. This means that internships undertaken independently of academic obligations, where you gain practical skills relevant to your professional field, may contribute to fulfilling the work experience criteria for Express Entry applications.
Frequently Asked Questions Federal Skilled Trades Program
What is the difference between the Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades program?
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program targets individuals with professional work experience and often requires higher education, focusing on various eligibility criteria, including language proficiency and educational background. In contrast, the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is designed specifically for those with experience and qualifications in skilled trades. Both programs serve different skilled worker categories within Canada’s Express Entry system for immigration.
What is the CRS score for federal skilled trade?
The lowest CRS score recorded for selection under the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program since its introduction into the Express Entry system was 199 points. In 2023, the IRCC implemented category-based draws. The Canadian government is now explicitly targeting candidates with qualifications in key labour sectors, including transportation and agriculture, which align with the FSTP. This approach prioritizes candidates potentially within the Federal Skilled Trades Program, recognizing the need for skilled workers in these critical areas.
How long does it take to process the Federal skilled Trades Program?
The processing time for applications under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) submitted through the Express Entry system typically takes around six months from the time a complete application is received. If a candidate is not selected within 12 months of being in the express entry pool, they will be removed and will have the chance to improve their profile and resubmit.
Do I need to show proof of funds for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Yes, proof of funds is required unless a candidate has a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year. If a candidate has a job offer, candidates will still need to upload proof of funds, and then a supporting letter of a job offer as the Express Entry System, by default, requires every profile to upload proof of funds.
How can a Federal Skilled Trades candidate improve their CRS score?
A Federal Skilled Trades (FST) candidate can enhance their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in several strategic ways to increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. Here are a few examples:
- Job Offer: Securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your CRS score. Depending on the job’s NOC code, an offer can add up to 50-200 points.
- Education: Although not a requirement for the FSTP, pursuing additional education or obtaining higher educational credentials, especially within Canada, can add valuable points to your CRS score. To increase your score, consider getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education.
- Language Improvement: Improving your language proficiency in English or French and retaking language tests to achieve higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels can substantially increase your CRS score. Proficiency in both languages is especially rewarded.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Applying for and securing a nomination through a PNP can be a game-changer, as it adds 600 points to your CRS score, significantly increasing the chances of an ITA. Many provinces have streams specifically for skilled trades workers that can provide a pathway to nomination.
