Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the programs that is managed by the Express Entry immigration system. The FSTP is designed for foreign trade workers with work experience in eligible trade occupations to immigrate to Canada. It is not the only pathway for skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. There are also other ways to immigrate to Canada in an unskilled capacity but this will not be through a fast-track program like this one under Express Entry. The first step is to check if you qualify as a skilled trade worker according to the federal government. You can then apply through the Express Entry system. In addition, you will also need to have a valid job offer/certificate of qualification in order to be considered eligible. Achieving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Express Entry system is your ultimate goal to be considered for permanent residence in every province of Canada (apart from Québec) and with the exception of receiving a provincial nomination from a Canadian province or territory. You will then need to settle in the province/territory that endorsed you.

A Quick Overview of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Federal Skilled Trade Program infographic | immigrate to Canada

In order to be eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you will need to meet certain criteria (some of which overlaps with the Express Entry system’s CRS standards) in order to assess your suitability for the program before you can create your profile through Express Entry. These requirements are specific to this program and need to be in line with one of the specific skilled trades listed in the table below.

What Are the Requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

Minimum Requirements
A full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a total period of at least 1-year OR a certificate of qualification* from a provincial, territorial, or federal governing body
Language proficiency score in French or English measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC). (Level 4 for writing + reading and level 5 for listening + speaking)
At least 2-years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years
Ability to demonstrate that you meet the job requirements of your skilled trade
You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you have a valid job offer or can legally work in Canada.

*This certificate must be obtained from a transference of qualifications exam written in Canada. If you meet the requirements, you’re ready to apply for the program through the Express Entry system by creating your online profile.

Required Skilled Work Experience

Manufacturing qualifies under the Federal Skilled Trades Program in Canada.

Skilled trade occupations eligible under the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized in the following major National Occupational Classification NOC groups. The groups are subdivided into different occupations, and they are all skill type B. You must show that you performed the duties of the occupational description in the NOC. This includes all essential duties and most of the main duties. See this example for NOC 7321 – Automotive service technicians.

National Occupation Classification Categories
Major Group 72	Industrial Electrical Construction
Major Group 73	Maintenance Equipment Operation
Major Group 82	Supervisors and Technicians in Natural Resources Agriculture
Major Group 92	Processing and Manufacturing Utility Supervisors Central Control Operators
Minor Group 632	Chefs and Cooks
Minor Group 633	Butchers and Bakers

The Express Entry System

Express Entry is a fast-track system that processes applications for permanent residence in as little as six months! Meeting the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program is only the first part of the Express Entry process. The next step is to create an online profile that will give you a score for the additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria listed below. Then, you await an Express Entry draw (which typically happens every two weeks). During the draw, the highest-scoring candidates issued with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

CRS Criteria Gives Points For:

Your age
Your level of education
Your work experience in and outside of Canada
Your ability to adapt to life in Canada
Whether or not you have a sibling in Canada
Your level of language proficiency
Arranged employment
Whether or not you have a Provincial Nomination

Even though your level of education is not a minimum requirement for the FSTP it will help your Express Entry CRS score if you submit evidence of schooling in Canada or foreign credentials for attending high school or post-secondary institutions. Your CLB test score for language proficiency may meet the minimum requirements for the FSTP but it helps to achieve as high a language test score as possible in order to achieve a better score through the CRS.

Improving Your CRS Score

Improve your CRS score before applying to the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

There are many ways of improving your Express Entry Canada CRS score, most of them starting with adding to your work experience or getting better qualified in your field of study. This is achievable while you are in the process of applying to the Express Entry system (as your profile is always open to edits before the draw). However, it’s recommended that you make your profile as strong as possible and gather all the necessary documents before applying to stand the best chance of being successful early on in the process. Another way to improve your score is to achieve a Provincial Nomination (PN) through one of the Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs). If you are already inside the Express Entry system, this works by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the province of your choice within Canada or in some cases, waiting for them to send you a Notification of Interest (NOI). You need to meet the criteria for that province and be on their in-demand skills list to be eligible.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also work with the Express Entry system for skilled workers. If you are successful in meeting the criteria for a PNP – Express Entry aligned program (which are sometimes less stringent than those of the Federal Skilled Trades Program), you are then issued with a PN. This nomination adds 600 additional points to your profile, almost guaranteeing (bar any outstanding requirements) your ITA. This is because the minimum score drawn from the pool has never exceeded 500 points. It’s good to check which PNPs in Canada you qualify for and send the province an Expression of Interest.

How We Can Help

We can help you apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Our service makes use of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), who are experts on the different programs offered by the federal government, such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program, as well as the ever-changing policies surrounding immigration. They are your helping hand when it comes to first creating your profile right up until you receive your ITA for permanent residence. They can also advise you further about which route to take and what you can improve on in your professional capacity. The Express Entry process happens very swiftly once you have met the criteria for your chosen program (for example, the FSTP) which means that there is little room for error when it comes to collecting the required documents and submitting them on time. Our consultants have all been through the process themselves (as they are all immigrants to Canada) and can ease all your fears when it comes to your application. Why not have experienced professionals on your side when you’re navigating the system? Sign up with our service today to get the ball rolling towards permanent residence.

Immigration FAQ’s

1. How to Increase Your CRS Score

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is based on the following factors:

Provincial Nomination;
Offer of employment;
Core capital factors;
Your common-law partner or spouse;
Skill transferability;
Previous Canadian study experience;
Siblings in Canada; and
French and English Ability

Provincial Nomination (600 Points)

600 points are awarded for an enhanced Nominee certificate from a province in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Job Offers (50-600 Points)

A Canadian job offer will also earn you points; the number of points is based on the NOC level of the particular job.

Core Human Capital Factors (600 Points)

These take into account your level of education, for example:

Certificate;
Diploma; or
Degree

If you intend to gain higher qualifications, your score will increase. This same point system applies to your legal partner or spouse if you applied together.

Language (150 Points)

Improving your language skills in either English or French through a recognized Canadian institution can also raise your CRS score.

Work Experience

The more experience you have, the more points you earn. This also applies to your legal partner or spouse.

2. How to Pass Minimum Entry Criteria

You must:

Meet all the requirements of the:
- Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC);
- Federal Skilled Trades Class; or
- Canadian Experience Class

You must register with the Canadian Job Bank within 30 days unless:

You have arranged employment from a Canadian employer; or
You have received a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program

You must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to earn Comprehensive Ranking System points, unless you:

Have worked full time for an employer with a work permit for a least one year (or a part-time job for an equal amount of time);
Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is for at least one year in duration; or
Have a valid employer specific temporary work permit exempt under code R204 (a), (c) or R205

If you qualify for any of the Federal Programs, you have 30 days from when you submit your profile to complete the rest of the requirements like registering with the Job Bank. If you do not, your Express Entry profile cannot be activated.

3. How to Apply for Canadian Express Entry

There are three programs to apply for under Express Entry:

Skilled Federal Worker Program (SFWP);
Skilled Federal Trades Program (SFTP); or
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

4. How to Qualify for the Skilled Federal Worker Program

The following factors affect your eligibility:

Work Experience

You must:

Have gained relevant work experience for a job listed in the National Occupation Classification (NOC). Note: Work experience gained in another occupation you have not applied for does not apply;
Have gained work experience in the past 10 years;
Have received payment for your work;
Have a job at skill level 0, A or B;
Have a year’s worth of work experience (minimum 1,560 hours); and
Prove that your work experience fits the requirements of the NOC

Language Ability

You must:

Meet the minimum language level set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB);
Take a language proficiency test That is approved by IRCC;
You must meet the language requirements for either French or English; and
Your language test results must not be more than two years old when you apply

Education

You must:

Have completed canadian secondary education; and a tertiary certificate, diploma or degree;
Have completed foreign credentials; or
Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC

Proof of Funds

You must prove you can support yourself and your family financially, unless:

You are working in Canada; or
You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Additional Factors to Be Considered

Age;
Valid job offers; and
Adaptability

5. How to Qualify for the Skilled Federal Trades Program

This program is aimed at people who wish to become permanent residents (PR) of Canada. This only applies to people who qualify in a skilled trade.

Minimum Requirements

You must:

Plan to live outside of Quebec (The province has its own Quebec Skilled Worker Program);
Meet the language requirements for English and French;
Have two years’ work experience in a skilled trade (or equal amount of experience in a part time position;
Have work experience within the past 5 years;
Meet the job requirements in the National Occupational Classifications;
Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for a minimum of one year; or
A certificate of qualification for that skilled trade that is confirmed from the Canadian provincial or territorial government authority

Skilled Work Experience

These skilled trades are involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Program as ranked by the National Occupational Classification.

Group Number	Job Description
72	Industrial, construction or electrical trades
73	Equipment operation and maintenance
82	Technical and supervisors in: Agriculture Natural resources Production
92	Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisor Central control operators
632	Cooks and chefs
633	Bakers and butchers

Education

You do not need a specific qualification for this program, but you can earn more CRS points if you have:

Foreign qualifications;
An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC;or
A Canadian certificate, diploma or degree

Language Ability

Pass the Canadian Language Benchmark test at minimum language level;
The language test must be approved by IRCC; and
Your test results must not be older than two years when you apply.

Be assessed by the province or territory

Each of the provinces or territories have different requirements for the skilled trade industry.

6. How to Qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements

You must:

Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
Have the required language skills needed for your job;
Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
Have the language proficiency needed for your job; and
Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be gained in the following job levels based on the National Occupational Classifications.

Job Description	Skill Type
Technical jobs	B
Skilled trades	B
Professional jobs	A
Managerial jobs	0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if you:

Have a high school diploma, tertiary diploma or degree;
Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by IRCC; or
Have completed foreign credentials

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in the various language tests determined by the CEC.

Canadian Language Benchmark Score Needed	Job Level (NOC)
7	0
7	A
5	B

The language test must be approved by IRCC and must not be older than two years when you apply.

Have skilled work experience for at least 12 months (either full time or part time for the same amount of time) within three years before you apply;
Have the required language skills needed for your job;
Have gained experience in Canada with proper authorization;
Have language levels need for your job; and
Have plans to live outside of Quebec

Note:work experience gained as a student or a self-employed individual does not count.

Skilled Work Experience

Work experience must be within three years of applying for the Canadian Experience Class. Work experience must be gained in the following job levels as based on National Occupational Classifications.

Job description	Skill Type
Technical jobs	B
Skilled trades	B
Professional jobs	A
Managerial jobs	0

Education

You do not need an education to apply for this program, but you can score higher if:

have a high school diploma and/or tertiary diploma or degree;
have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; or have
completed foreign credentials

Note: Only apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your foreign education is either equal to, or higher than the Canadian education standard.

Language Ability

To qualify you must score well in:

the Canadian Language Benchmark; and
the language tests

Canadian Language Benchmark score needed	Job level (NOC)
7	0
7	A
5	B

The Language Test must be approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .These tests are based off your French and English ability to:

Read;
Speak;
Listen; and
Write

Your test results must be included if you are applying for this program through the Express Entry program. Note: these tests must not be older than two years when you apply.

Principal Applicant

When you apply for the Express Entry, and want to immigrate with your common law partner, you must choose who will be the principal applicant.

Note: a common law partner is a person who has been married to you for one year. This applies for same sex and opposite sex partners.

Choose the principal applicant by looking at who will score the highest points under the Express Entry program.

Inadmissibility

You may be inadmissible if you are:

Considered a security risk;
Lied about information in your application or interview;
Have ties to organised crime;
Can’t support yourself financially;
Have terrible financial health;
Committed a crime outside of Canada;
Do not qualify under Canada’s immigration laws; and
Have a family member that is not allowed in the country

Choosing Where To Live

Note:under the Express Entry you can apply to live in other provinces/territories in Canada, except Quebec. This province has its own set of requirements needed for you to enter.

7. How to Calculate Comprehensive Ranking System Points

These are the factors that are used to calculate CRS Points

Age (max 110 points);
Education (max 150 points);
Language proficiency (max 160 points);
Canadian Work Experience (max 80 points);
Skills Transferability (max 100 points); and
Additional Factors (max 600 points)

8. What Is a Legal Agent?

A legal agent is an authorized representative that must be:

A paralegal or lawyer who has a good relationship with the provincial or territorial legal societies of Canada;
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who has a good relationship with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council; or
A notary who has a good relationship with the Chambre des notaires du Québec

Note: An unauthorized agent will not be able to help you with your application.

9. Who Are Canadianvisa.org’s Legal Agents?

There are currently 3 Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants working with Canadianvisa.org:

David Allon #R513335

Mario Antolinez #R515931

Jimmy Park #R510391

10. How to Check If Your Legal Agent Is Authorized

If you want to ensure that your Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is an authorized consultant, you can check with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC).

The ICCRC’s website has a register of all the persons that are qualified to be Canadian Immigration Consultants. Any individual who claims to be a legal consultant will have a RCIC code. If there are no results for a person’s RCIC code, then they are not a legal Canadian Immigration Consultant.