A Comprehensive Guide to the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Are you looking for an opportunity to work in Canada through a skilled immigration program? Do you have the skills and experience to work in the skilled trades? The Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is a great opportunity to immigrate to Canada. This program covers a range of occupations that are in high demand in Canada’s job market, including but not limited to, electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and crane operators. Other professions covered under the FST program include industrial mechanics, machinists, bakers, chefs, and butchers. This program was created in 2013 to address the shortage of skilled workers in certain trades. Through this program, you can obtain a permanent resident visa and eventually become a Canadian citizen. According to the Canadian government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-2025, Canada aims to welcome 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025.
What is the Express Entry FST Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canadian immigration pathway designed for skilled workers who want to move to Canada and work in a skilled trade occupation. It’s a great option for individuals who have a lot of experience and skills in a particular trade, like welding, plumbing, or electrical work.
Eligibility Criteria for Federal Skilled Trades Program
To be eligible for this Canada Immigration program, applicants must meet the below certain eligibility criteria:
- Having at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade in the last five years,
- Having a valid job offer in the same skilled trade for at least one year in Canada, and
- Having a valid language test result.
Benefits of Express Entry FST Program
The Canada immigration program offers numerous benefits to eligible applicants.
- It allows applicants to obtain a permanent resident visa
- It allows applicants to obtain Canadian citizenship
- Applicants can bring their family members to Canada under the FST program
- It provides access to the same rights and benefits as Canadian citizens, such as healthcare and education
Federal Skilled Trades Program Application Process
- Create an Express Entry profile: To apply for the FST program, you’ll need to create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. This profile will help determine if you’re eligible for the program and whether you meet the minimum points threshold for consideration.
- Submit your application: Once you’ve been invited to apply, you’ll need to submit your FST application along with the required documents and fees. The IRCC will review your application and let you know if you’ve been approved for permanent residency in Canada.
- Get a medical exam and police certificate: If your application is approved, you’ll need to undergo a medical exam and obtain a police certificate to prove that you don’t have a criminal record.
- Receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence: If everything checks out, you’ll receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can start planning your move to Canada.
Selection Criteria
The Express Entry FST program is an incredibly unique and exciting way to immigrate to Canada. This program is for people who can speak English and/or French and have a strong desire to start a new life in Canada. To qualify for the Express Entry FST program, you must meet certain selection criteria.
- You must have a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution
- You must have at least one year of continuous full-time or an equivalent part-time paid work experience in the past three years in a skilled profession or trade
- You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- You need to demonstrate that you have the funds to support your transition to Canada
Timeline for FST Program Selection
The timeline for the Federal Skilled Trades program selection process can vary depending on the number of applicants and the complexity of the applications. Generally, applicants can expect to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence within a few months of submitting their Express Entry Profile.
Language and Skills Tests for FSTP
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you must meet the minimum language proficiency requirements in either English or French. The required language tests are:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test
- Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
The minimum language proficiency level for the FSTP program is Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing, although higher language scores may be required for certain occupations or job offers.
It’s important to note that your language test results must be less than two years old at the time of application, and you must include the results when you submit your application.
Financial Requirements for Express Entry
Applicants must meet certain financial requirements to be eligible for the Express Entry FST program. These requirements include having enough funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members in Canada. Applicants must also provide proof of adequate funds, such as a bank statement or other proof of income.
No. of Family Members
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
For every additional member
Funds Needed (in Canadian Dollars)
$13,310
$16,570
$20,371
$24,733
$28,052
$31,638
$35,224
$3,586
Documents Required for Canada Immigration
Applicants must provide certain documents to be eligible for the Express Entry FST program. These documents include:
- Proof of language test results,
- Proof of skills test results,
- Proof of work experience,
- Proof of valid job offer, and
- Proof of financial support.
Red Seal Exam
The Red Seal Program is a national certification program that provides skilled tradespeople with a recognized credential that demonstrates their expertise in their trade. The program is based on the completion of a Red Seal exam, which is a standardized test that assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills in their trade.
The Red Seal exam is designed to be fair, transparent, and consistent across all provinces and territories, ensuring that skilled tradespeople have the same level of knowledge and skills, regardless of where they were trained or where they work.
By passing the Red Seal exam, tradespeople can obtain a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial/territorial trade certificate, which recognizes their certification as a Red Seal tradesperson and makes it easier to work across Canada.
“I had more than 10 years of work experience in AC repair in India. With the help of Sangam Immigration, I successfully passed the challenging certificate exam requirements and the Red Seal exam. I’m so excited to settle as a Skilled Trades Worker in Canada”
– Happy Customer
Learn how you can immigrate to Canada under FST program
To sum it up, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an excellent immigration pathway for skilled workers looking to move to Canada and work in a skilled trade occupation. The program offers a range of benefits, including the opportunity to live and work in Canada permanently, access to social services and benefits, and the chance to contribute to the country’s growing economy.
Take the leap and make your Canadian dream a reality with Sangam Immigration. Our experienced team is here to help you make the transition to your new home hassle-free. Contact us today and get one step closer to your Canadian future.
FAQ
The Express Entry – FST Program is a federal government program that allows foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada. The program is designed to attract highly-skilled workers from around the world, who can contribute to Canada’s economy and create jobs for Canadians.
To be eligible for the FST Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid work permit or study permit
- Have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation in the past three years
- Have a minimum of a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 in English or French
- Have a valid Canadian passport or permanent residence status
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Meet the requirements of the Investment Immigration Program
- Demonstrate their intention to settle in Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
The Express Entry – FST Program uses a point-based system to assess potential candidates. Applicants are awarded points based on criteria such as age, language proficiency, work experience, and education level. The more points an applicant has, the greater their chances of being accepted into the program.
The Canadian Certificate of Qualification (also known as a Red Seal) is a nationally recognized credential that certifies that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform a specific trade occupation in Canada.
The Red Seal program is a partnership between the Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as industry representatives. It allows qualified tradespeople to obtain a nationally recognized credential that is transferable across Canada.
The application process for the FST Program can take up to six months. This includes the time it takes to submit the application, wait for a response, and receive the necessary documents.
The processing time for an Express Entry – FST Program application is typically between four and six months. It is important to note that processing times can vary depending on the number of applications received.
When applying for the FST Program, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Proof of language proficiency
- Proof of education
- Proof of work experience
- A valid passport or permanent residence status
- Proof of settlement funds
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
The fees associated with an Express Entry – FST Program application vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances. It also varies from province to province. The application fee is typically $550 CAD, although there may be additional fees for medical examinations and police certificates.
If you would like to find out more information about the FSTP, you can visit the Government of Canada website. This website provides detailed information about the program, including the eligibility requirements, points system, application process, and fees. For more information, reach out to our experts in Canadian Immigration.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers skilled workers the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada, access job opportunities in their skilled trade occupation, and contribute to Canada’s economy. Additionally, as a permanent resident, they can access social services and benefits, and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.