Federal Skilled Trades Program – FSTP

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three federal economic programs managed through the Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled trades workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada. The program is tailored to meet Canada’s labor market needs by attracting skilled tradespeople from around the world.

Benefits

• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Provides a clear route for skilled tradespeople to obtain permanent residency.
• Express Entry System: Managed under the Express Entry system, which offers fast processing times.
• No Educational Requirement: No formal education requirement, though having educational credentials can boost the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Eligibility Requirements

• Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying.
• Skilled Trades: Work experience must be in a NOC skill level B trade under key groups, such as industrial, electrical, construction trades, maintenance and equipment operation trades, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production, and processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators.
• Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing, proven by standardized language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
• Residence: Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
• Meet Admissibility Requirements: Must be admissible to Canada (no criminal record or health issues).

Required Documents

• Passport and Travel Documents: Valid passport and copies of all pages.
• Language Test Results: Results from accepted language proficiency tests.
• Work Experience Proof: Reference letters, employment contracts, and pay stubs.
• Job Offer or Certification: Valid job offer or certificate of qualification in a skilled trade.
• Educational Credentials: While not required, submitting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can improve CRS score.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other proof of sufficient funds to support oneself and family members.
• Medical Examination: Medical clearance from an IRCC-approved physician.
• Police Certificates: Police clearance certificates from each country where the applicant has lived for more than six months since the age of 18.
• Other Documents: Additional documents as required by IRCC, such as proof of legal status in Canada.

Application Process

1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Complete Language Testing: Take an approved language test and obtain results.
3. Get Job Offer or Certification: Obtain a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in your trade.
4. Create Express Entry Profile: Create an Express Entry profile online, providing detailed information about your skills, work experience, and other personal information.
5. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the criteria and have a competitive CRS score, you will receive an ITA.
6. Submit Application for Permanent Residence: Complete the online application, upload required documents, and pay the application fees within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
7. Medical Examination and Police Clearance: Complete the medical exam and obtain police certificates.
8. Review and Decision: IRCC reviews your application and makes a decision.
9. Receive Permanent Residence Visa: If approved, receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (CAD)
Language Testing	$300 – $350
Educational Credential Assessment	$200 – $300 (if applicable)
Medical Examination	$200 – $400
Police Certificates	$20 – $100 per certificate
Permanent Residence Application Fee	$1,325 (including right of permanent residence fee)
Biometrics Fee	$85 per person
Miscellaneous Expenses	Varies (translation, notarization, etc.)

Processing Time

• Express Entry Profile: Profile creation and ITA can be immediate, but depends on CRS score and draw frequency.
• Permanent Residence Application (after ITA): Approximately 6 months.

Summary

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers skilled tradespeople a streamlined path to Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system. Key benefits include fast processing times and no formal education requirement. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, provide necessary documents, and go through a structured application process, which includes creating an Express Entry profile, receiving an ITA, and applying for permanent residence. Costs and processing times are generally manageable, making the FSTP an attractive option for eligible candidates.