Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is one of the three immigration programs managed under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed specifically for skilled tradespeople who want to obtain permanent residence based on their practical, hands-on experience in an eligible trade.

This program supports Canada’s demand for skilled workers in areas like construction, manufacturing, transportation, and more.

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must:

●  Work Experience:

    ○  Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time)

    ○  Within the last 5 years before applying

    ○  In a skilled trade classified under NOC TEER 2 or 3, from IRCC’s list of eligible trades

●  Job Duties:

    ○  Meet all the essential duties listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your trade

    ○  Be able to demonstrate your experience in the lead statement and main duties

    ○  Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification (you must have one of the following):

    ○  A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year from a Canadian employer OR

    ○  A Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian province, territory, or federal authority

●  Language Proficiency:

    ○  CLB 5 in speaking and listening

    ○  CLB 4 in reading and writing

    ○  Must take a valid IRCC-approved language test

●  Work Authorization:

    ○  You must have gained your experience while authorized to work in the country where it was obtained

●  Location:

    ○  You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec

A Certificate of Qualification proves that you are licensed or certified to practice a specific skilled trade in Canada.

To get one, you usually need to:

●  Pass a certification exam in the province or territory where you intend to live

●  Meet local trade licensing requirements

●  Be assessed by a Canadian regulatory authority (Red Seal or provincial body)

Having this certificate strengthens your eligibility and improves your CRS score in Express Entry.

There is no minimum education requirement for the FST program.

However, you can increase your Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by submitting:
●  A Canadian secondary or post-secondary diploma, certificate, or degree
●  Or, if you studied outside Canada:
    ○  A completed foreign credential plus an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated IRCC organization

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members, unless:

●  You are currently authorized to work in Canada

●  And you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer

IRCC updates the settlement fund requirements each year based on family size.

●  You must be admissible to Canada (criminality, security, and medical checks apply)

●  You must plan to live outside Quebec. Quebec manages its own skilled worker programs.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is processed through Express Entry. Here is the step-by-step procedure:
1. Check Your Eligibility :  Ensure you meet the minimum FST program criteria
2. Get a Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification :  Required before you can enter the Express Entry pool
3. Create an Express Entry Profile :  Submit your information through your IRCC account
4. Enter the Express Entry Pool :  Your profile will be ranked using the CRS score
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) :  If selected, you’ll have 60 days to submit a full application
6. Submit Your PR Application :  Upload all required documents through IRCC’s portal
7. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) :  If approved, you’ll be issued CoPR and can move forward with landing