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Federal Skilled Trades Program
FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canada’s economy relies heavily on skilled trades, and the shortage of certified workers across the country has created one of the strongest immigration pathways for tradespeople worldwide – the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). This program is designed specifically for individuals with hands-on, practical experience in trade occupations, offering them a direct route to Canada PR through the Express Entry system.
As one of the three federal economic immigration streams under Express Entry, the FSTP enables eligible electricians, welders, plumbers, construction workers, industrial technicians, chefs, mechanics, heavy equipment operators, and many other skilled trade professionals to obtain permanent residence and contribute to Canada’s labour force.
What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is a specialised immigration pathway for experienced tradespeople who want to become permanent residents of Canada. Unlike other federal programs, the FSTP is tailored for individuals who demonstrate strong technical skills, industry training, and hands-on expertise.
FSTP applicants benefit from streamlined processing times, simplified eligibility criteria, and periodic program-specific draws that often feature lower CRS cut-off scores compared to other Express Entry categories. This program gives trades professionals a competitive advantage and aligns with Canada’s ongoing efforts to fill labour shortages in essential sectors.
Why the Federal Skilled Trades Program Is an Ideal Pathway
FSWP and CEC applicants often face high CRS cutoffs, but the FSTP offers a more flexible and opportunity-rich path for trades professionals. Here’s why:
Prioritised Processing Due to Canada’s Trade Shortages
Canada faces nationwide shortages in skilled trades such as industrial mechanics, carpenters, truck drivers, welders, electricians, cooks, and construction workers. Because of this demand, FSTP applications often move through the Express Entry pipeline faster, helping applicants transition into the workforce quickly.
Prioritised Processing Due to Canada’s Trade Shortages
Canada faces nationwide shortages in skilled trades such as industrial mechanics, carpenters, truck drivers, welders, electricians, cooks, and construction workers. Because of this demand, FSTP applications often move through the Express Entry pipeline faster, helping applicants transition into the workforce quickly.
Lower CRS Score Requirements in FST-Specific Draws
One of the biggest advantages of the FSTP is the possibility of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) even with a lower CRS score. In previous program-specific draws, trades candidates received ITAs with scores far below general Express Entry cutoffs. This offers a strategic advantage to individuals who may not score highly in academic-based categories like education.
Increased Chances with a Trades-Related Job Offer
Applicants with a full-time job offer in a skilled trade significantly boost their eligibility and CRS score. A valid Canadian job offer not only strengthens your PR application but also demonstrates that your skills are in direct demand by the Canadian labour market.
Lower Language Requirements Compared to Other Streams
FSTP applicants are allowed to enter the Express Entry pool with lower language proficiency scores than those required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. This makes the trades stream more accessible to talented applicants whose strengths lie in practical experience rather than academic language proficiency.
Supports Long-Term Career Growth in Canada
Canada’s infrastructure projects, construction growth, manufacturing expansion, and industrial sectors create stable, long-term employment for skilled trades. FSTP applicants often experience smoother transitions into local industries and faster economic integration.
Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
The FSTP has its own unique set of requirements that reflect the nature of skilled trades work. Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Language Requirements (CLB 5 & CLB 4 Minimum)
Applicants must take an approved English or French test and meet these minimum benchmarks:
- CLB 5 in speaking and listening
- CLB 4 in reading and writing
These scores are intentionally set lower to accommodate the practical skill focus of the program, giving more tradespeople a fair opportunity to qualify.
2. At Least Two Years of Skilled Trades Work Experience
Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. This experience must reflect the core duties of the occupation and must be verifiable. This ensures that applicants have up-to-date, practical experience in their trade.
3. Job Offer or Canadian Certification Required
Applicants must meet either of the following:
- A full-time job offer in a skilled trade for at least one year from up to two Canadian employers,
- A certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
A certificate of qualification demonstrates that the applicant is fully authorised to practice their trade in Canada.
4. Proof of Settlement Funds
Candidates for the Federal Skilled Trades Program must demonstrate that they have two years of full-time experience working in their profession, or more if the experience was gained through part-time employment. Have you calculated your experience and decided you possess the necessary experience? Continue to step 2 if so. If not, keep on working until this condition is met.
Eligible Skilled Trades Under FSTP
Eligible occupations fall under major NOC groups, including, but not limited to:
- Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Supervisors and technical roles in natural resources, agriculture, and production
- Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors
- Chefs, cooks, and bakers
This broad eligibility allows workers in multiple industries to access permanent residency through Express Entry.
Advantages of the FSTP Compared to Other Streams
- Lower language score requirement makes the program more accessible
- Reduced reliance on academic qualifications
- Faster processing timelines due to high labour-market demand
- Priority Express Entry draws have historically favoured trade profiles
- Job offers significantly increase eligibility bandwidth
- Greater long-term job security in Canada’s trades-heavy provinces and territories
Skilled trades professionals often experience smoother settlement and high employment stability after receiving permanent residence.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Below is the complete process, from verifying eligibility to receiving your PR card.
Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Work Experience Requirement
Ensure you have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. If you do not meet this requirement yet, continue gaining experience before proceeding.
Step 2: Verify Your Skilled Trade Occupation
Check that your trade falls under Canada’s eligible NOC categories for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Your duties and experience must match your chosen NOC description.
Step 3: Meet Language and Qualification Requirements
- Take approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).
- Secure a qualifying job offer or provincial/territorial certificate of qualification.
- Gather all documents to prove your eligibility before entering the Express Entry pool.
Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Submit an online profile through the federal immigration system. You will enter your employment history, identity details, language scores, job offer or qualification, and other self-declared information. If eligible, you will officially join the Express Entry pool.
Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score
Consider refining your profile to increase your ranking. Popular strategies include:
- Submitting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to earn up to 150 additional points
- Retaking language tests to boost your CLB score
- Gaining further skilled trades experience
- Pursuing employer-driven or trades-focused Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways → A nomination adds 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA
FSTP candidates often see substantial CRS improvement through ECAs or provincial nominations.
Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff for a specific Express Entry draw, or if IRCC issues a trades-focused draw, you will receive an ITA. This allows you to apply officially for permanent residence.
Step 7: Conduct a medical exam, provide background information for security purposes, and submit an online application.
You will have 60 days to gather and submit:
- Medical examination records
- Police clearance certificates
- Employer reference letters
- Background and security documents
- Evidence of settlement funds (if required)
Because the deadline is short, preparing documents in advance is highly recommended.
Step 8: IRCC Assessment of Your Application
A Canadian immigration officer reviews your file thoroughly. If additional information is needed, you will be contacted. This step ensures authenticity and eligibility.
Step 9: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Approved applicants are issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence, which enables them to complete their landing formalities at an airport or an IRCC office.
Step 10: Get Your PR Card
Your PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address after landing. This serves as proof of permanent resident status and is essential for international travel.
Continued below…
Who Should Apply Under the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
This program is ideal for:
- Trades professionals with hands-on experience and industry training
- Individuals who may not score highly in academic-based criteria
- Workers seeking fast immigration processing due to national labour shortages
- Applicants with job offers or trade certification in Canada
- Skilled workers seeking long-term stability in Canada’s trades sector
The FSTP is a powerful opportunity for candidates with practical skills and technical expertise.
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Begin Your Federal Skilled Trades Program Application Today
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is one of the most efficient and opportunity-rich pathways for skilled tradespeople seeking Canada PR. With the right strategy, your CRS score, documentation, and Express Entry profile can be optimised for success.
Canada Immigration Global can help you:
- Determine your eligibility for FSTP
- Strengthen your Express Entry profile
- Increase your CRS score
- Prepare complete documentation
- Explore trades-friendly Provincial Nominee Programs
- Submit your final PR application
Book a Consultation Today and take your first step toward becoming a permanent resident of Canada through the Skilled Trades pathway.