Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Overview

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of three federal immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system. It specifically targets individuals with experience in industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, and other technical trades. Successful applicants receive permanent residence, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Canada except Quebec.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must meet four main criteria: have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying; meet the job requirements for that trade as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC); demonstrate language proficiency of at least CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing; and possess either a valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (for at least one year) or a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

Application steps

1. 1

   Step 1: Check Eligibility

   Confirm your trade is eligible under the NOC and that you meet the minimum work experience and language requirements.

2. 2

   Step 2: Language Testing

   Take an approved language test (English or French) to prove you meet the minimum CLB benchmarks.

3. 3

   Step 3: Create Express Entry Profile

   Submit your profile online to the Express Entry pool. You will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

4. 4

   Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

   If you are among the top-ranking candidates in a draw, you will receive an ITA for permanent residence.

5. 5

   Step 5: Submit Application

   Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete electronic application for permanent residence with all supporting documents and fees.

Required documents

• Valid passport or travel document
• Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF)
• Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts, pay stubs)
• Certificate of qualification or valid job offer letter
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical exam results
• Proof of settlement funds (if applicable)

PR, family, language & arrival

Common pitfalls

• Failing to provide proof of qualification for the trade in the country where the experience was gained.
• Incorrectly calculating part-time work hours.
• Not meeting the specific NOC job description duties.
• Submitting expired language test results.