What is Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three immigration programs under Express Entry, designed for skilled workers in technical trades who want to become permanent residents of Canada.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for FSTP, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Work Experience:

  • At least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years before applying.

  • The job must fall under NOC TEER 2 or 3 (skilled trades such as electricians, welders, mechanics, carpenters, and chefs).

  • Self-employment experience does not count.

• Job Offer or Certification:

  • A valid full-time job offer for at least 1 year OR a certificate of qualification in the trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

• Language Proficiency:

  • CLB 5 for Speaking & Listening (IELTS: Speaking 5.0, Listening 5.0).

  • CLB 4 for Reading & Writing (IELTS: Reading 3.5, Writing 4.0).

• Intent to Live Outside Quebec:

  • Since Quebec has its own immigration programs, FSTP applicants must plan to settle in any province except Quebec.
    

Advantages of FSTP:

✅ Lower language proficiency requirement compared to other Express Entry programs.
✅ No education requirement (but having a degree improves CRS score).
✅ Good option for skilled trades workers who struggle with traditional academic-based immigration routes.