Federal Skills Trades
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Tradesperson
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three programs under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for experienced tradespeople who want to become permanent residents and build their future in Canada.
With high demand across industries such as construction, manufacturing, and food services, this program offers a fast-track opportunity for qualified candidates.
Why Choose the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
- High demand jobs → Skilled trades are essential to Canada’s economy, ensuring steady job opportunities.
- No education requirement → Unlike other immigration streams, formal education is not mandatory.
- Direct pathway to PR → Successful applicants and their families receive Canadian permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
Work Experience
- At least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
Job Offer or Certificate
- A valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year from a Canadian employer, OR
- A certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.
Language Proficiency
- English: CLB 5 (speaking & listening) and CLB 4 (reading & writing), OR
- French: NCLC 5 (speaking & listening) and NCLC 4 (reading & writing).
Admissibility
- You must be legally admissible to Canada and plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
Eligible Skilled Trade Categories
The FSTP covers specific National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups: (table)
| NOC Group | Category of Trades | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Major Group 72 | Industrial, electrical, and construction trades | Electricians, Plumbers, Welders |
| Major Group 73 | Maintenance and equipment operation trades | Heavy-duty mechanics, Crane operators |
| Major Group 82 | Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production | Mining supervisors, Oil & gas drillers |
| Major Group 92 | Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators | Supervisors in factories, Power plant operators |
| Minor Group 632 | Chefs and Cooks | Head chefs, Line cooks |
| Minor Group 633 | Butchers and Bakers | Meat cutters, Pastry chefs |
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to prepare the following:
- 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 job offer letter
- Police clearance certificate(s)
- Medical exam results
Application Process
- Check Eligibility – Ensure your trade experience and language scores meet requirements.
- Create Express Entry Profile – Enter the candidate pool.
- Get CRS Score – Based on age, language, work history, and more.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – If your score is high enough.
- Submit PR Application – Provide documents and pay required fees within 60 days.
- Permanent Residency Approval – Average processing time: ~6 months.
How We Support You
At Shreehari Immigration, we make your journey smoother:
- Free eligibility assessment → Know your chances before you apply.
- Step-by-step application support → From documents to profile creation.
- CRS optimization strategies → Increase your score and chances of an ITA.
- Expert guidance → Advice tailored to your trade and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
A document issued by a Canadian province or territory confirming that you are officially qualified to work in your trade in Canada. Usually obtained after passing a certification exam.
Yes, but you must obtain a Canadian certificate of qualification for your trade.
No. Education is not mandatory, though it may improve your CRS score.
Typically 6 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply.
Yes, your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application for PR.
Take the Next Step
Book Your Free Consultation Today – Speak to an immigration professional about your eligibility.
Get Your Free Eligibility Assessment – Find out if you qualify for the FSTP in just a few steps.