The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of three Express Entry programs that allow skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and proof of funds. This ranking system is known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Only the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements
1. Work Experience
- Two years of full-time paid work experience in an eligible skilled trade within the last five years
- Work experience can be from any country, but must be paid
- Work experience must meet the job requirements and duties listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) description for the skilled trade
2. Language
- Take an approved language test in English, French, or both
- Achieve a minimum of CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing
- Enter your language scores in your Express Entry profile
- Ensure your test results are valid (less than two years old) on the day you apply for permanent residence
3. Job Offer
The federal skilled trades is a Canadian immigration program that helps skilled workers from other countries move to Canada and work in skilled trades. To qualify, applicants must either have a job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian regulatory authority.
4. Education
There are no educational requirements for the FSTP, but you can still get extra points for your education in the Express Entry pool. If you studied outside of Canada, you will need an ECA to show that your education is equivalent to Canadian education.
Skilled trades eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code defines skilled trades as the following occupation groups:
Major Group 72 – Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades
This major group includes occupations in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial, electrical, and electronic equipment and systems. Some of the specific occupations in this group include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Construction workers
- Heavy equipment operators
- Industrial mechanics
- Millwrights
- Power engineers
- Welders
Major Group 73 – Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
This major group includes occupations in the maintenance, operation, and repair of machinery, equipment, and systems in a variety of industries. Some of the specific occupations in this group include:
- Aircraft mechanics and technicians
- Automotive mechanics and technicians
- Boilermakers
- Electrical and electronics technicians
- Elevator constructors
- Heavy equipment mechanics
- Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- Millwrights
- Power engineers
- Welders
Major Group 82 – Supervisors and Technical Jobs in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production
This major group includes occupations in the supervision and technical support of activities in the natural resources, agriculture, and related production industries. Some of the specific occupations in this group include:
- Agricultural and horticultural inspectors
- Agricultural engineers
- Biological technologists and technicians
- Conservation and fishery officers
- Forestry technicians
- Logging supervisors and contractors
- Mining engineers
- Natural resources conservation officers
- Petroleum engineers
- Soil conservation technicians
- Wildlife biologists
Major Group 92 – Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
This major group includes occupations in the supervision and operation of processing, manufacturing, and utilities equipment and systems. Some of the specific occupations in this group include:
- Chemical plant operators and supervisors
- Electrical power system controllers and operators
- Food and beverage processing plant operators and supervisors
- Industrial process control technicians
- Manufacturing supervisors and central control operators
- Metal and plastic processing plant operators and supervisors
- Power engineers
- Pulp and paper plant operators and supervisors
- Water and wastewater treatment plant operators and supervisors
Minor Group 632 – Chefs and Cooks
This group includes occupations in the preparation and cooking of food for immediate consumption. Some of the specific occupations in this group include:
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Pastry chefs
- Sous chefs
Minor Group 633 – Butchers and Bakers
This group includes occupations in the preparation and cutting of meat, poultry, and fish products, and the baking of breads, pastries, and other food products. Some of the specific occupations in this group include:
- Bakers
- Butchers
- Fish cutters
- Meat cutters
- Pastry chefs
How to Apply for PR in Canada as a Skilled Worker?
To apply for permanent residence (PR) through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you must first create an Express Entry profile. Express Entry is an online system that manages applications for three Canadian immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Trades, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Once you have created an Express Entry profile, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is based on a number of factors, including your age, education, work experience, and language skills.
The Canadian government regularly invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for PR. If you receive an invitation to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your application.
Proof of settlement funds for federal skilled trades
Most people who apply for permanent residence through the federal skilled trades have to show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family. However, you do not need to show this if you have a job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year, or if you already have a valid Canadian work permit.
A job offer from a Canadian employer that is valid for at least one year after you become a permanent resident.
The minimum amount of money you need to show varies each year, so check the government’s website for the latest information. In 2023, you need to show at least $13,757 if you are applying alone, or $17,127 if you are applying with one other family member. For each additional family member, you need to show between $3,500 and $4,000 more.
How Long Does it Take to Process an FSTP PR Application?
- Processing time: Up to six months, including biometrics processing time
- Factors affecting processing time: Country of application, completeness and verifiability of documents, IRCC application backlog
- Source of information: IRCC website
