Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. It's one of the three programs managed under Express Entry.
About the Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. This program recognizes the valuable contribution that skilled tradespeople make to Canada's economy.
Unlike other Express Entry programs, the FSTP has lower language requirements but requires either a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from a Canadian authority.
Program Requirements
- 2+ years skilled trade experience
- CLB 5 speaking/listening, CLB 4 reading/writing
- Valid job offer OR certificate of qualification
- Meet NOC requirements for the trade
Program Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
- At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply
- Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Have either a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year OR a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
- Meet the required language levels in English or French for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing and listening)
Language Requirements
Lower language requirements compared to other Express Entry programs
Common Skilled Trades in Demand
Job Offer OR Certificate Required
You need either a valid job offer OR a certificate of qualification
Valid Job Offer Requirements
- Must be for full-time employment
- Must be for at least 1 year
- Must be in the same skilled trade as your work experience
- Employer may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Job offer must be from up to 2 employers if working in seasonal industries
Certificate of Qualification Requirements
- Certificate must be for the trade you want to be assessed in
- Certificate must be issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
- Must be valid at the time of application
- Certificate shows you are qualified to work in that trade in Canada
Eligible Skilled Trades
Work Experience Requirements
- Work experience must be in the same skilled trade as your intended occupation in Canada
- Experience must be gained through full-time employment or equivalent part-time
- Must be paid work experience (volunteer work doesn't count)
- Work must have been performed within the 5 years before you apply
- Must meet the employment requirements set out in the NOC for that occupation
Application Process
Check Eligibility
Ensure your trade is eligible and you meet work experience requirements
Language Testing
Take approved language tests (CLB 5 speaking/listening, CLB 4 reading/writing)
Get Job Offer or Certificate
Secure valid job offer OR obtain certificate of qualification
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool
Receive Invitation
Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC
Submit Application
Submit complete application within 60 days of receiving ITA
Important Information
- • Meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee an invitation to apply
- • Express Entry uses Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for final selection
- • Language test results are valid for 2 years from test date
- • Job offers may require Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- • Certificate of qualification must be from Canadian authority
- • Processing time for complete applications is approximately 6 months
- • You must have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Ready to Apply as a Skilled Tradesperson?
Let our experienced team assess your eligibility and guide you through the Federal Skilled Trades Program application process.