Federal Skilled Trades Program

Federal Skilled Trades Program

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): An Opportunity for Skilled Trades Workers

If you have expertise in a technical trade and seek permanent residence in Canada, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) can be an ideal way for you. As part of Canada’s Express Entry system, this program provides skilled workers in technical fields, construction, transportation, agriculture, and other specialized sectors the opportunity to build a future in Canada using their professional skills.

With its flexible eligibility criteria and focus on practical skills, (FSTP) is a unique option for candidates with work experience in technical trades who aim to enter the Canadian job market swiftly. Our immigration team, with extensive knowledge and experience in Canadian immigration pathways, is here to guide you through every step and enhance your chances of success. Contact us today and take your first step!

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

The (FSTP) is one of the three main programs under Canada’s Express Entry system, designed specifically for skilled workers in technical trades. It caters to individuals with work experience in fields such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, maintenance, and similar specialized industries who seek to immigrate to Canada.

To qualify for this program, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a relevant trade, a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province. Additionally, applicants must meet the required language proficiency standards. One of the distinctive features of (FSTP) is that a university degree is not mandatory—instead, the program emphasizes practical skills and technical expertise.

→ If you meet the requirements, (FSTP) can bring you one step closer to permanent residency. Our immigration specialists are ready to support you throughout the entire process. Fill out our assessment form or book a consultation today!

For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly

Federal Skilled Trades Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

1. Work Experience
2. Your occupation must be classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) in one of the following categories:

• Major Group 72: Industrial, Electrical, and Construction Trades (excluding Sub-group 726)
• Major Group 73: General Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
• Major Group 82: Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production
• Major Group 83: Natural Resources and Related Production Occupations
• Major Group 92: Supervisors in Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities
• Major Group 93: Central Control and Process Operators in Manufacturing and Utilities (excluding Sub-group 932)
• Minor Group 6320: Cooks, Butchers, and Bakers
• Unit Group 62200: Chefs

1. You must demonstrate that your work experience aligns with the primary duties listed in the NOC for your chosen occupation.
2. You must meet the job-specific requirements outlined in the (NOC).
3. Your work experience must be paid. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not qualify.
4. Your work experience must have been gained in a country where you were legally authorized to work in your trade.
5. You must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work) within the last five years before applying.

• Full-time work in one job: 30 hours per week for two years (3,120 hours total).
• Part-time work: 15 hours per week for four years (3,120 hours total).
• Full-time work in multiple jobs: 30 hours per week in multiple positions for two years (3,120 hours total).

Important Notes:

• Hours exceeding 30 per week will not be counted.
• If you worked in multiple countries, you must show that you met each country’s requirements for practicing your trade.
• Work experience gained as a student is not considered under (FSTP).

2. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

To qualify under the (FSTP), you must meet one of the following conditions:

1. A valid job offer (Job Offer):
   • A full-time, valid job offer for at least one year from a Canadian employer.
   • The job offer must meet legal and occupational requirements in Canada.
2. A Certificate of Qualification (Certificate of Qualification):
   • A certificate proving that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform a specific skilled trade in Canada.
   • This certificate is issued by provincial, territorial, or federal authorities in Canada.

1. Valid Job Offer (Job Offer)

Requirements for a valid job offer:

• The offer must be up-to-date.
• It must be in writing.
• It must not be issued by a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate.
• It must include details such as:
  • Salary/wages
  • Job duties
  • Employment conditions (such as working hours)

Important Considerations:

• Having a work permit alone does not count as having a valid job offer, even if it is an open work permit.
• Your job offer must meet the eligibility criteria for the Express Entry program you are applying under.

Conditions for a valid job offer:

• The job offer must be from up to two employers and must include full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) with fixed wages.
• The employment period must be at least one year, and the job must be in (NOC 2021) TEER 2 or TEER 3 categories.
• The employer must have either:
  • A positive (LMIA)
  • An exemption from (LMIA) requirements (in specific cases).

Employer Conditions for a Valid Job Offer:

• The employer must have a new, positive (LMIA) confirming both the job offer and your position.

• If you are currently working in Canada:
• Your work permit must have been issued based on a positive (LMIA).
• You must be working for the employer named on your work permit.
• On the day you submit your permanent residence application and when your visa is issued, you must be eligible to work in Canada.
• Your current employer must provide a full-time job offer for at least one year in the same three-digit (NOC) category as your current job.
• If you have a work permit exempt from (LMIA):
• You must have a valid work permit that is (LMIA)-exempt.
• You must currently be working for the employer listed on your work permit.
• You must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience with the employer offering you the job.
• Your job offer must be valid for at least one year after obtaining permanent residence.

*Ability to Perform the Job:

• You must prove that you have the skills and abilities required for the job.
• If the job requires a license or certification, you must meet those requirements after arriving in Canada.
• Each province and territory has different licensing requirements, so you should check them in advance.

Examples of Valid and Invalid Job Offers:

• If two companies offer a position (e.g., heavy equipment operator) and each provides at least 16 hours of work per week, the offer is valid.

• If a company offers a position (e.g., plumbing) for only 25 hours per week without a contract, the offer is not valid because it does not meet the 30-hour full-time requirement.

Who Needs an LMIA?

• In most cases, your employer must obtain a positive (LMIA) for a valid job offer under Express Entry.
• If you do not have a work permit, your work permit has expired, or your job is not listed on your work permit, the employer must obtain a new (LMIA).

Who Does Not Need an LMIA?

• If you have worked for your employer for at least one year, have a valid job offer, and hold an (LMIA)-exempt work permit, your employer does not need an (LMIA).

Exemptions from LMIA Include:

• International agreements (e.g., CUSMA, GATS)
• Federal-provincial agreements
• Programs that benefit Canada (e.g., Intra-company transfers, Francophone Mobility Program)
• Religious or charitable work

2. Certificate of Qualification

This certificate proves that:

• You have successfully passed the specialized and qualification exams.
• You have met all the necessary requirements and standards for practicing your profession in the province where the certificate is issued.

Who issues this certificate?

• Provincial or territorial authorities: These bodies are responsible for regulating and overseeing professions within specific provinces or territories in Canada.
• Federal authorities: In some specific cases, the federal government may also issue this certificate.

Steps to obtain the Certificate of Qualification

1. Assessment of education and work experience:

The relevant authorities in the province or territory where you intend to work will first review your education, work experience, and skills. This assessment determines whether you meet the requirements to take the qualification exam.

2. Taking the qualification exam:

If the initial assessment is successful, you can take the professional qualification exam. Passing this exam demonstrates that you have sufficient skills to perform the intended profession.

Important Notes:

• If you have been trained or worked in another country and wish to continue your profession in Canada, you may need to meet the local requirements of the province or territory where you plan to work. For example, even if you have been recognized as qualified in another country, you must ensure that you comply with Canadian standards.
• Holding a Certificate of Qualification increases your chances of finding a job in the Canadian labor market.
• In some professions, obtaining a Certificate of Qualification is a legal requirement for practicing the job.
• Each province or territory in Canada has its own requirements and process for credential recognition and obtaining the Certificate of Qualification. You may need to travel to the province or territory to have your qualifications assessed by the relevant authorities. Additionally, you might be required to complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of a Canadian employer.
• If the province or territory where you intend to live and work does not issue a Certificate of Qualification for your profession, you must have a valid job offer in your profession to qualify for this program.
• If your profession is not regulated by a province or territory, it may be federally regulated (e.g., aircraft mechanics). You can find information about the regulation of your profession and how it is assessed through the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

→ Having a valid job offer or a Certificate of Qualification is one of the key requirements for eligibility in immigration programs related to skilled trades in Canada. If you are looking to obtain a Certificate of Qualification, our team can guide you through every step of the assessment, exam, and certification process. Contact us now to pave your way to success!

3. Language Proficiency

Accepted Language Tests for the FSTP: You must take one of the following language tests that are approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

English Language:

• CELPIP Test: You must take the CELPIP-General test.
• IELTS Test: You must select the IELTS General Training option. The “IELTS One Skill Retake” is not accepted.
• PTE Core Test: You must choose the PTE Core option.

French Language:

• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
• TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

Validity of the Test Results:

• Your test results must be less than two years old from the date of issuance.
• If you submit an application with expired test results, your application will be rejected.
• The test results must be valid at the time of selection.

*The following benchmarks are used to measure English or French language proficiency:

• Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English
• Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) for French

You must achieve at least the required score in these four skills:

• Writing
• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking

4. Education
   There is no mandatory education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). However, if you want to increase your score, you need to provide proof of your education.

• If you studied in Canada, you must submit your diploma and transcripts.
• If you have a non-Canadian degree, you must submit your diploma and transcripts, along with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):

• The Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) evaluates whether your foreign degree is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
• The World Education Services (WES) conducts the evaluation of foreign credentials across a wide range of disciplines.

5. Proof of Funds

You must prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada. You do not need to provide proof of funds if:

• You are legally authorized to work in Canada at the time of application.
• You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

The amount of money you need depends on the number of family members.

6. Admissibility to Canada

You must be eligible to enter Canada. Factors such as a criminal record or medical reasons may result in inadmissibility.

7. Residency in Canada

• You must plan to settle in a province other than Quebec. The selection process for skilled workers in Quebec is handled separately by the province.
• If you intend to live in Quebec, you must apply through Quebec’s skilled worker program.
• During the Express Entry profile submission, you will be asked which province you plan to reside in. However, you are not obligated to live in the province you initially choose.
• If you are a provincial nominee, you must settle in the province or territory that nominated you.

Note:

• There is no specific age limit for this program. However, older applicants may receive fewer points under the Express Entry system.

Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

1. Fast Track to Permanent Residency: Candidates can obtain permanent residency in less than six months through the Express Entry system.
2. No Education Credential Assessment Required: There is no need to submit an (ECA), and special invitations are issued for (FSTP) applicants.
3. Higher CRS Score: A provincial nomination can add up to 600 points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
4. Advantage of Canadian Work Experience: Having work experience in Canada increases (CRS) points and boosts chances of success.
5. Competitive Edge: Work experience and knowledge of the Canadian labor market improve your chances of success in this program.

For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly

How To Apply

Application Guide for The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The (FSTP) is managed through the Express Entry system.

Application Process Steps:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements:
   • Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for the (FSTP).
2. Create an Express Entry Profile:
   • Applicants must create and submit a profile on the (IRCC) website, providing details about work experience, education, credentials, and personal information.
3. Enter the Express Entry Pool:
   • Applicants are placed into the Express Entry candidate pool.
4. Selection Based on CRS Score:
   • Candidates are selected based on their (CRS) score.
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
   • Eligible candidates receive an (ITA) for permanent residence.
6. Complete Medical and Biometrics Tests:
   • A medical examination letter is issued, followed by biometric processing.
7. Eligibility and Background Checks:
   • Applicants undergo background and eligibility verification.
8. Receive Permanent Residence Confirmation.

→ By following these steps, you can successfully immigrate to Canada. To assess your eligibility and receive expert consultation, contact us now or complete the free evaluation form!

Costs of the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Required Documents for Uploading on the Immigration Website

To apply for immigration and obtain a related visa, you must upload all required documents online. No physical copies are required.

If your documents are in a language other than English or French, you must provide a certified translation, along with the translator’s certification or official translation license and a certified copy of the original document.

1. Employment Documents:

• Employment reference letter (for the applicant and spouse) including:
  • Job title
  • Company name, address, and contact information
  • Number of work hours
  • Annual salary
  • Job duties summary

*If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you must upload it.

2. Language Test Results:

• Approved language test results for the applicant and spouse.

3. Identification Documents:

• Passport (applicant, spouse, and children) – must be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
• Marriage or Divorce Certificates (if applicable).
• Birth Certificates (for all children).
• Recent Photos (for all family members).
• Proof of Relationship to a Canadian Relative (if applicable).

4. Educational Documents:

• Degree and transcripts for both the applicant and spouse.
• (ECA) report if the degree was obtained outside Canada.

5. Police Clearance Certificate:

• Must be provided for the applicant, spouse, and any children over 18.
• Valid for one month after issuance and six months after translation.

6. Medical Examination Report:

• Required for applicant, spouse, and children to confirm they do not have health conditions that would pose a burden on the Canadian healthcare system.

→ FSTP is an excellent opportunity for skilled tradespeople to immigrate to Canada. Contact us now for more information or to book a consultation!

For booking a consultation session, you can contact us via WhatsApp by clicking the links below or call us directly