Overview of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Introduced in 2013 by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a tailored immigration pathway for skilled trades professionals looking to make Canada their home.
The FSTP is one of three federal economic immigration programs managed through Canada’s Express Entry system, the country’s premier platform for inviting skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. As outlined in Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, the government aims to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants annually, with approximately 110,000 Express Entry invitations issued each year.
For skilled trades professionals, the FSTP represents a focused route to immigrate to Canada. However, other options include:
- Applying through additional federal immigration streams.
- Exploring the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on regional labor market needs.
- Pursuing immigration pathways specific to Quebec, which operates its own unique immigration system.
Whether you’re a welder, electrician, or other trades specialist, Canada’s demand for skilled trades workers opens diverse opportunities for immigration. Learn how the FSTP and other pathways can help you achieve your dream of starting a new chapter in Canada!
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and immigrate to Canada as a skilled trades professional, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Valid Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
- Have one of the following:
- Job Offers: Continuous, paid, full-time employment (minimum of 30 hours per week) from up to two Canadian employers for at least one year.
- Certificate of Qualification: A recognized certification from a provincial or territorial regulatory authority in Canada, verifying your qualification to work in your skilled trade.
2. Language Proficiency Requirements
- Provide proof of basic language proficiency by completing a test from an approved language testing organization.
- Meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) minimum thresholds:
- CLB 5 for speaking and listening.
- CLB 4 for reading and writing.
3. Skilled Work Experience
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in your skilled trade within the past five years before applying.
4. Demonstration of Skills and Duties
- Be able to prove your skills, work experience, and ability to perform the essential duties of your occupation as outlined in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your trade.
By meeting these requirements, skilled trades professionals can leverage the FSTP as a streamlined pathway to secure Canadian permanent residency and contribute to Canada’s thriving workforce.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Here is a detailed instruction on how to use the FSTP to pursue immigration to Canada.
Step 1: Check whether you fulfill the eligibility requirements of the FSTP.
Step 2: You qualify for the FSTP or another Express Entry program, you must take an English and/or French language test officially accepted by IRCC. Additionally, if you have completed a qualifying program overseas, you might want to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment to gain extra CRS points.
Step 3: Create and submit your Express Entry profile for free on IRCC’s website.
Step 4: Keep an eye on IRCC’s Express Entry draws to find out if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. These draws usually occur every two weeks.
Step 5: Upon receiving an ITA, make sure to submit your finalized application for permanent residence to IRCC by the given deadline. The standard processing time for most applicants is six months or less.
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Why Choose the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) is a popular pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers from around the world. Here’s why you should consider this program:
- Global Talent Pool: Canada welcomes skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Points-Based System: Your eligibility is determined by a fair and transparent points system that rewards factors like education, work experience, language proficiency and age.
- Fast-Track Processing: The Express Entry system streamlines the application process, making it efficient and timely.
- Permanent Residency: Successful applicants can obtain permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
- High Quality of Life: Canada offers a high standard of living, world-class education, and excellent healthcare.
- Diverse and Inclusive Society: Canada is a multicultural nation that embraces diversity and offers a welcoming environment for newcomers.

If you possess the skills and qualifications to contribute to the Canadian economy, the FSTP could be your ideal path to a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible for the FSTP, you typically need:
- Skilled Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years.
- Language Proficiency: A minimum language proficiency level in English or French.
- Job Offer (Optional): A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your application.
Express Entry is a system used to manage applications for permanent residence under three economic immigration programs, including the FSWP. It’s a fast-track system that allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
- Permanent Residency: Successful applicants can obtain permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.
- High Quality of Life: Canada offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and world-class education.
- Strong Economy: Canada has a robust economy with opportunities for skilled tradespeople.
Diverse and Inclusive Society: Canada is a multicultural nation that welcomes people from all over the world.
The processing time for most FSTP applications under Express Entry is around 6 months, but it may vary depending on individual cases.
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