The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) was introduced in 2013 as an immigration pathway for skilled trades workers. It is one of three federal economic programs managed by Canada’s Express Entry system. The FSTP offers skilled trades professionals the opportunity to immigrate to Canada, and there are also other immigration options available, such as federal immigration programs, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Quebec’s immigration programs.

Benefits of FST

1. Addressing Labour Shortages: The FSTP is part of a concerted effort by federal and provincial governments to address labour shortages in trades occupations in Canada. It aims to welcome skilled trades workers to fill the gaps in the labor market.

2. Fast Processing Time: Successful FSTP candidates under Express Entry typically obtain permanent residence within six months, allowing for a quick transition to living and working in Canada.

3. Lower CRS Scores: FSTP candidates may have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores than other Express Entry candidates since they are not required to prove their level of education. This increases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

4. Program-Specific Draws: IRCC occasionally holds program-specific Express Entry draws inviting only FSTP candidates, further increasing their chances of receiving an ITA.

5. Provincial Nomination Advantage: Entering the Express Entry pool as an FSTP candidate increases the odds of obtaining a provincial nomination. A provincial nomination grants an additional 600 CRS points, significantly boosting the chances of receiving a permanent residence invitation.

6. Canadian Work Experience: FSTP candidates with Canadian work experience are well-positioned to succeed in the Canadian labor market. IRCC provides additional CRS points for candidates with Canadian work and study experience.

7. Labour Market Edge: Research by Canada’s governments and academics shows that having Canadian experience provides a major advantage when obtaining permanent residence under the FSTP. The knowledge, connections, and skills gained while working in Canada contribute to success in the labor market.

Overall, the FSTP offers skilled trades professionals an excellent opportunity to immigrate to Canada, fill critical labor market needs, and enjoy a faster pathway to permanent residence.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Valid Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: You must have either:

a) Valid job offers of continuous, paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours a week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year; OR

b) A certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial body, which demonstrates your qualification to work in a skilled trade occupation in Canada.

2. Language Proficiency: Provide proof of basic language proficiency from a designated language testing organization. The language test results should meet the minimum threshold set by IRCC, which is Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

3. Work Experience: Have obtained two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in the skilled trade within the five years before applying.

4. Essential Duties: Demonstrate that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform the essential duties of the skilled trade occupation.

Meeting these eligibility criteria will make you eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and pursue permanent residence in Canada as a skilled trades worker

Skilled work experience eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) falls under the following categories of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

1. Major Group 72: Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades

2. Major Group 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades

3. Major Group 82: Supervisors and Technical Jobs in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production

4. Major Group 92: Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators

5. Minor Group 632: Chefs and Cooks

6. Minor Group 633: Butchers and Bakers

Additionally, if you are eligible for the FSTP, you may also be eligible for category-based Express Entry draws. Meeting the eligibility criteria of category-based draws provides you with additional opportunities to be invited for Canadian permanent residence. This means that you could be invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry based on your specific skills and work experience, further enhancing your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

First, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the FSTP or any other economic class skilled worker immigration programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Step 2: Language Proficiency

If eligible, complete an English and/or French language test recognized by IRCC. If you have studied abroad, you may also claim additional CRS points by obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment.

Step 3: Create Express Entry Profile

Submit your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website for free. Your profile will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and Canadian work and study experience.

Step 4: Express Entry Draws

Regular Express Entry draws are held approximately every two weeks. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If you receive an ITA, you can proceed to submit your completed permanent residence application to IRCC within the specified deadline.

Step 6: Application Processing

IRCC aims to process most permanent residence applications within six months or less.

By following these steps and meeting the requirements, you can pursue immigration to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and potentially become a permanent resident in the country.