Federal Skilled Trades Program

A direct pathway for skilled tradespeople.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications in a skilled trade. It is one of the three programs managed by the Express Entry system.

 

Federal Skilled Trades Program

A direct pathway for skilled tradespeople to immigrate to Canada.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications in a skilled trade. It is one of the three programs managed by the Express Entry system.

 

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is tailored for individuals with hands-on experience in a skilled trade. It recognizes the demand for skilled tradespeople in Canada's labor market by providing a clear and efficient pathway to permanent residency. This program is for those who can meet specific work experience, language, and certification or job offer requirements.

 

General Requirements

  • Work Experience: You must have at least two years of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.


  • Language Skills: You must meet the minimum language requirements for your trade: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.


  • Job Offer or Certificate: You must either have a valid job offer for at least one year or have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.


  • Admissibility: You must not have any criminal records or other issues that would make you inadmissible to Canada.

Education

While there is no education requirement for this program, having a Canadian or foreign educational credential can significantly increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

CRS Score

Although meeting the FSTP criteria makes you eligible, your CRS score is what ultimately determines if you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Proof of Funds

You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada, unless you are currently working legally in the country and have a valid job offer.

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Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

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Optimize Your CRS Score

We ensure that every possible avenue to increase your CRS score is explored and executed correctly, giving you the highest possible chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Choose the Best Strategy

We assess whether you qualify best under the Canadian Experience Class or one of the other programs managed by Express Entry, ensuring your profile is positioned for success.

Avoid Costly Mistakes 

Our experts meticulously review every detail of your application to avoid inconsistencies, missing paperwork, and other costly mistakes.

Have a Backup Plan

If your CRS score is not high enough, we can help you explore options like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that might be a better fit.

What is NOC?

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is the official system used by the Canadian government to classify jobs based on their duties and the type of work performed. Finding your correct NOC code is the first crucial step in the FSWP process. It determines whether your work experience is considered "skilled" and therefore eligible for Express Entry.


To find your NOC, you should not rely on your job title alone. Instead, use the official NOC website and search for your occupation. Read the "Main Duties" section of the job descriptions to find the one that best matches your responsibilities. This ensures you select the correct code, which is essential for the accuracy of your Express Entry profile.

Find your NOC

Use the official Government of Canada tool to access the complete list of occupations and find the code that matches your work experience.

The FSTP Advantage

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is distinct from other Express Entry programs because it is designed for a specific set of occupations and has its own selection criteria. This means that draws for the FSTP often have a lower CRS cut-off score than those for other programs, making it a more accessible pathway to permanent residency for qualified tradespeople.

How do I calculate my CRS points?

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is how the government of Canada ranks you within the Express Entry pool. It is calculated based on your core human capital (age, education, language skills, and work experience). The best way to get an accurate score is to use the official tool on the Canadian government's website and have all of your supporting documents, like language test results, ready.

CEC vs. FSWP vs. FSTP: What's the Difference?

Factor
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Work ExperienceAt least 1 year of skilled work in Canada (in the last 3 years).
At least 1 year of continuous skilled work (in the last 10 years).
At least 2 years of full-time work in a skilled trade (in the last 5 years).
Work Location
Must be in Canada.
Can be anywhere outside of Canada.
Can be in or outside of Canada.
Language
CLB 7 for TEER 0/1; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3.
CLB 7 in all four abilities.
CLB 5 for speaking/listening; CLB 4 for reading/writing.
Education
No education required for eligibility.
Canadian secondary or post-secondary education, or an ECA is required.
No education required, but a credential can boost your CRS score.
Proof of Funds
Not required.
Required, unless you have a valid job offer and are currently working.
Required, unless you have a valid job offer.
Job Offer
Not required.
Not required, but a valid job offer can add significant points.
Required. The job offer must be for at least one year.

Provincial Nomination
& Express Entry

Provinces and territories can nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), giving applicants a major boost in their chances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

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