The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the immigration pathways under Canada’s Express Entry system, specifically designed for individuals with skilled work experience in a trade. It allows qualified skilled trades workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Work Experience
Applicants must have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before applying. The work experience must be in a trade that is classified under NOC (National Occupational Classification) Skill Type 72, 73, or 74, or Skill Level B.
Examples of eligible trades include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Welders
- Heavy-duty mechanics
2. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
- Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer of full-time employment in Canada for at least one year from a Canadian employer. The job offer must be in the same trade as your work experience and must be from a company that has been approved by the Canadian government.
OR
- Certificate of Qualification: You must have a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian province or territory. The certification must be issued after passing a trade exam administered by a provincial or territorial authority. This is not required for all trades but can enhance your application.
3. Language Proficiency
- Applicants must meet the minimum language requirement of CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
You will need to take a language test, such as IELTS for English or TEF Canada for French, to demonstrate your language skills.
4. Education
Unlike other programs under Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Trades Program does not require a Canadian educational credential. However, if you have foreign educational credentials, you may choose to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to demonstrate their equivalency to Canadian standards. This step is optional but can help improve your CRS score.
5. Proof of Funds
You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents upon arrival in Canada unless:
- You are currently working in Canada with a valid work permit, or
- You have a valid job offer in Canada.
The required amount varies depending on the size of your family and is updated annually.
6. Criminal and Medical Clearances
As with any immigration application, you and your family members must undergo medical and criminal background checks to prove you are admissible to Canada.
How to Apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Check Your Eligibility:
- Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including having the necessary work experience and language skills.
- Create an Express Entry Profile:
- If eligible, create an online Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. You will be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Submit an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- If you receive an ITA from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can submit a full application for permanent residency. The CRS cut-off score changes with each draw, so receiving an ITA depends on the competitiveness of your profile.
- Submit Your Application:
- After receiving an ITA, you must submit your complete application for permanent residency. You will need to provide various documents, including your language test results, proof of work experience, job offer or certificate of qualification, and proof of funds.
- Permanent Residency Decision:
- IRCC will review your application and if everything is in order, you will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa.
Additional Factors to Consider
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
If you don’t have a job offer or certificate of qualification but have skilled trade experience, certain provinces may nominate you through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This can give you additional points towards your CRS score, making it more likely to receive an ITA for permanent residency.
Age
Younger applicants (typically between 20 and 29 years old) are awarded more points for age under the CRS. However, individuals over 30 can still qualify if their work experience and language skills are strong.
Language Proficiency
Higher language scores help increase your CRS points and make you more competitive in the Express Entry pool. If you meet the minimum requirement, consider retaking the test to aim for a higher score.