Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canada, the maple country, is known for its welcoming and positive attitude towards immigrants and its commitment to stimulating economic growth through skilled immigration. Among its various immigration programs, the federal skilled trade program emerges as a gateway to Canada for individuals with specialised skills and experience in trades. 

The FSTP Program was introduced in 2013 under the express entry program. The goal behind the launch of this Canada Immigration Program is to address the skill shortages in the Trade sector. 

This article will provide details about the FSTP Program, including its eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and every other detail.

What is the federal skilled trade program? 

The FSTP is part of the three core economic immigration programs managed under the Canadian express entry system. It is an immigration program targeting highly skilled trade workers interested in becoming permanent residents of Canada. 

Skilled trades require training or extensive knowledge and may include practical or technical activities, including electricians, plumbers, welders, and chefs.

The FSTP, which fills gaps within the labour market in Canada, also helps skilled workers to have a stable and prosperous life here in one of the world's highly sought-after immigration destinations.

Why Select the FSTP program for Canada immigration? 

Selecting the FSTP program Canada immigration can be an excellent choice for skilled trade workers like you seeking to get permanent residency. This program aims to attract individuals with hands-on trade experience, which is essential for the Canadian economy. 

Here’s why you must select the FSTP program for Canada Immigration. 

1. Designed for skilled trade workers

FSTP emphasises practical skills in trades over formal education or management skills.

Covers occupations such as electricians, welders, plumbers, chefs, and butchers, filling critical labour gaps in the most vital sectors.

2. Fast, easy, and flexible

Applications are processed under express entry, with most finalised within six months.

Experienced workers from on-the-job training or apprenticeships are eligible, and more CRS points are awarded for additional qualifications. It requires a CLB of 5 for speaking and listening, which is easier to achieve for applicants.

3. Route to permanent residence

Permanent residence allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. Spouses and children receive health care, free education, and the chance to work or study.

4. Career advancement and competitive wages

Trades with scarce labour often attract competitive wages. Many Canadian job markets provide certification and training to build skills and increase earning potential.

5. More opportunities and immigrant pathway

Applicants can settle in any province, with extra incentives in regional programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after three years, gaining more rights such as voting and having a Canadian passport.

To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that the selected candidates have the skills, experience, and adaptability to integrate successfully into Canadian society.

1. Work experience

Candidates must have worked full-time in a trade for at least two years in the last five years or an equivalent number of years working part-time. This experience must be under one of the following categories in Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC):

• Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction industries 
• Major Group 73: Trades involving equipment operation and repair, agriculture, and related production; supervisors in these fields.
• Major Group 92: Supervisors processing, manufacturing, and utilities; central control operators
• Minor Group 632: Cooks
• Minor Group 633: Butchers, Bakers

2. Language competency

Applicants must be fluent in English or French, Canada's two official languages. They are evaluated based on internationally recognised language proficiency tests that include IELTS, CELPIP, and TEF. The language proficiency test will consider the following minimum points:

• Speaking and Listening at Canadian Level Benchmark 5 for the Canadian Language;
• Reading and Writing at CLB 4

3. Job Offer or certificate of qualification

Must possess a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal body or be given a legitimate position of at least one year of full-time employment by a Canadian company.

4. Education

While there is no specific educational requirement for the FSTP, candidates with higher academic qualifications can earn additional points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which improves their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

5. Admissibility

Applicants must be admissible to Canada and pass security and medical checks. Criminal records, serious health issues, or prior immigration violations could render an applicant ineligible.

Documents requirement for federal skilled trades program Canada 

For a successful application process, you must submit the following documents checklist to the IRCC ( Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada). 

1. Valid passport with 6 months validity after the visa expires 
2. Passport-sized photographs 
3. Police clearance certificate 
4. ECA(Education Credential Assessment) report 
5. Proof of funds 
6. Professional qualification 
7. Cover letter 
8. Job offer (if required) 
9. English language proficiency 
10. Should have spent a minimum of 2 years out of 5 in your listed trade. 
11. Provide travel history