Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canada’s immigration system doesn’t just value degrees — it values skills. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is part of the Express Entry system and is designed specifically for experienced tradespeople who have the qualifications and hands-on expertise that Canada needs to grow its economy.
Whether you’re a welder, plumber, electrician, or chef, FSTP may be your fastest and most direct route to permanent residency — and a long-term career in Canada.
The FSTP targets skilled trades workers with experience in specific NOC TEER 2 or 3 occupations. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, FSTP has no education requirement, and the language benchmark is lower, making it more accessible to individuals with practical, hands-on experience.
Eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
The requirements for FSTP are more focused on practical experience than academic credentials — but each element is still crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:
Work Experience:
You must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade occupation within the last five years before applying.
🛠️ Note: Your experience must be paid and in one of the eligible NOC codes, such as:
Major Group 72 – industrial, electrical and construction trades
Major Group 73 – general trades
Major Group 82 – supervisors and technical roles in natural resources, agriculture
Major Group 83 – occupations in natural resources and agriculture
Major Group 92 – manufacturing and utilities
Major Group 93 – central control operators
Minor Group 6320 – cooks, butchers, bakers
Unit Group 73300 – transport truck drivers
💡 Tip: Self-employment may not be accepted unless you can prove the nature of your trade work and earnings clearly — always document with contracts, invoices, and tax filings.
Language Proficiency:
You must meet the following minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking & listening, and CLB 4 for reading & writing.
💡 Tip: CLB 5 is lower than other Express Entry streams, but higher scores still increase your CRS ranking — consider retesting if you’re close to CLB 7.
Job Offer or Trade Certification:
You must either:
Have a valid job offer of at least one year in your skilled trade from one or two Canadian employers, or
Hold a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
💡 Tip: Trade certification is often regulated at the provincial level. If you’re applying from outside Canada, you may need to challenge a Red Seal exam or be pre-approved by the relevant authority in Canada.
Settlement Funds:
You must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, unless you are currently working in Canada or have a valid job offer. The amount depends on your family size.
"Canada needs tradespeople. We’re creating new pathways through Express Entry to bring in the skilled workers our economy depends on"
How to Apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Applying under the FSTP involves more than just meeting eligibility — it requires navigating Canada’s Express Entry system strategically. Here’s how to move forward step by step:
1. Confirm Your NOC Code
Ensure your trade is listed under the eligible NOC TEER 2 or 3 categories (e.g., electrician, welder, baker, plumber). Use the NOC 2021 search tool and verify both the TEER level and job duties match your experience.
💡 Legal tip: If your duties don’t align with the NOC description, your application may be refused — even if your job title matches. Focus on matching core duties and employment context.
2. Arrange a Language Test
Take a designated language test like IELTS General Training or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada/TCF Canada for French. Results are valid for 2 years. For FSTP, the minimum requirement is:
CLB 5 – Speaking & Listening
CLB 4 – Reading & Writing
💡 Tip: A higher language score won’t just help you meet eligibility — it also boosts your CRS score, making it easier to get invited.
3. Obtain a Job Offer or Trade Certification
You must have either:
A valid job offer for at least one year from a Canadian employer (can be two employers sharing full-time hours), OR
A certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.
💡 Tip: If you’re outside Canada, look into provincial trade certifying bodies to find out if you’re eligible to challenge the certification exam or apply remotely.
4. Create an Express Entry Profile
Register your profile through IRCC’s Express Entry portal, selecting Federal Skilled Trades Program as your stream. Upload your documents, including test results and proof of work experience.
💡 Note: There is no fee at this stage, but make sure your documents are complete — inaccurate profiles may be found ineligible or misrepresented.
5. Enter the Pool and Wait for a Draw
Once in the pool, you’ll be ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). You’ll need to wait for a category-based draw targeting FSTP or skilled trades (or receive a high enough score in a general draw).
6. Receive an ITA and Submit Your Application
If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. You’ll have 60 days to upload your full application, including:
Police certificates
Medical exams
Proof of settlement funds (if required)
Employer letters or certification docs
7. Final Steps: Biometrics, Medical & Decision
After submission, IRCC will review your file. You may be asked for biometrics, additional documents, or an interview. If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
💡 Legal insight: FSTP applicants are often delayed due to missing trade certification documents or improperly drafted reference letters. Have your application reviewed by a legal professional before submission.
Federal Skilled Trades FAQ
Self-employment is generally not accepted for FSTP eligibility unless you can prove the experience meets IRCC’s employment criteria (i.e., consistent income, third-party clients, structured hours, etc.). However, this is risky. IRCC prefers employer-based experience with pay stubs, contracts, and reference letters. If you’ve worked independently, consider pursuing trade certification through a province to strengthen your case.
Yes — but only if you obtain a Certificate of Qualification from a provincial or territorial trade authority. This proves you meet Canadian standards to work in your trade. Without either a valid job offer or this certificate, you are not eligible under FSTP.
FSTP is specifically for skilled trades, whereas FSWP is for general professionals and CEC is for those with Canadian work experience. FSTP has lower language requirements but unique hurdles like the need for a job offer or trade certification. It also receives separate, category-based draws, so your CRS score doesn’t need to be as high — if you qualify under a trade-specific category.
ou must contact the provincial/territorial trade authority for your occupation (e.g., Skilled Trades Ontario, Red Seal program, etc.). Some offer challenger exams if you have extensive foreign experience. However, most require you to be in Canada to complete certification. In this case, getting a job offer may be the faster route.
Not necessarily, but IRCC expects that your main duties closely match those outlined in the NOC. If critical tasks are missing or inconsistent, your experience may be rejected. Be sure your reference letters reflect the actual NOC description — avoid generic job summaries.
How Can We Help
Canadian immigration laws can be complex and challenging. At Moshiri Immigration, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) specialize in Canadian immigration law. We have successfully handled many Canadian Experience Class applications, and we can help you too!
Our years of experience allow us to provide practical and straightforward advice, ensuring you get the results you want. From the moment you become a client at Moshiri Immigration, we guarantee that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and personal attention.
