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Skilled Trade Experience
You generally need at least two years of full-time skilled trade work experience, or the equivalent in qualifying part-time work, within the five years before applying.
IMMIGRATE
Federal Skilled Trades Program
An Express Entry pathway for experienced skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
Assess Your FSTP EligibilityFEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM
What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program, commonly referred to as FSTP, is one of the federal economic immigration programs managed through Canada's Express Entry system.
It is designed for skilled workers who are qualified in an eligible skilled trade and who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
Unlike some other economic immigration pathways, the Federal Skilled Trades Program does not currently have a minimum education requirement. However, applicants must meet specific work experience, language and trade qualification requirements.
Meeting the minimum FSTP requirements can make you eligible to enter the Express Entry pool, but it does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
ELIGIBILITY
Key Federal Skilled Trades Requirements
Applicants must meet all applicable program requirements before they can qualify under FSTP.
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Eligible Trade
Your work experience must fall within one of the skilled trade occupational groups accepted under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
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Trade Duties and Requirements
Your work experience must correspond with the applicable NOC description, including the lead statement and most of the listed main duties, and you must meet the employment requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC.
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Language Ability
You must complete an approved English or French language test and meet the minimum required levels in all four language abilities.
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Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
You must have either a qualifying full-time job offer for at least one year or a Canadian certificate of qualification in your skilled trade.
06
Intention to Live Outside Quebec
FSTP applicants must intend to live outside Quebec. Qualifying work experience may still have been gained in Quebec if the applicant can demonstrate an intention to settle elsewhere in Canada.
SKILLED TRADES
Eligible Skilled Trade Groups
FSTP work experience must be in one of the skilled trade NOC groups accepted by IRCC.
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Major Group 72
Technical trades, excluding occupations in Sub-Major Group 726.
02
Major Group 73
General trades occupations included within this eligible NOC major group.
03
Major Groups 82 & 83
Eligible occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production.
04
Major Groups 92 & 93
Eligible processing, manufacturing and utilities occupations, excluding Sub-Major Group 932.
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Minor Group 6320
Cooks, butchers and bakers classified within this eligible NOC minor group.
06
Unit Group 62200
Chefs classified under NOC Unit Group 62200.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Understanding the Work Experience Requirement
Skilled trade experience must satisfy several requirements to count toward FSTP eligibility.
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At Least Two Years
You generally need at least two years, or 3,120 hours, of qualifying skilled trade experience within the five years before applying. IRCC counts a maximum of 30 hours per week toward this requirement.
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Paid Work
Qualifying experience must be paid work. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count toward the minimum requirement.
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Same NOC
The skilled trade experience used to qualify must fall within the same eligible NOC occupation.
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Qualified to Practise
Your qualifying work experience must have been gained in a country where you were qualified to practise the trade under the applicable rules.
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Full-Time or Part-Time
The required experience may generally be accumulated through qualifying full-time work or an equivalent amount of part-time work.
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Student Work Does Not Count
Work experience gained while studying does not count toward the minimum FSTP work experience requirement.
JOB OFFER OR CERTIFICATE
You Need One of Two Key Qualifications
In addition to meeting the skilled work experience requirements, an FSTP applicant must have either a qualifying job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
A qualifying job offer may be made by up to two employers and must provide continuous, paid, full-time work of at least 30 hours per week for at least one year in an eligible skilled trade. The offer must also meet IRCC's requirements for a valid Express Entry job offer.
Alternatively, you may qualify through a certificate of qualification issued by an authorized Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority for your trade.
Certificate of Qualification
Trade certification is regulated differently across Canada. The assessment process and requirements can depend on your trade and the province, territory or federal authority involved.
If the relevant province or territory does not issue certificates of qualification for your trade, you may need to rely on a qualifying job offer instead.
Review My TradeLANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum English or French Levels
FSTP applicants must complete an approved language test and meet the minimum level in each language ability.
5
Speaking
Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
5
Listening
Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French.
4
Reading
Minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French.
4
Writing
Minimum CLB 4 in English or NCLC 4 in French.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Education and Settlement Funds
Education is not a minimum FSTP requirement, but education and settlement funds can still be relevant to your Express Entry application.
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No Minimum Education Requirement
You do not currently need a specific educational credential to meet the minimum requirements of FSTP.
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Education Can Affect CRS
Canadian education or assessed foreign education may still contribute to your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
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Proof of Funds May Be Required
Applicants generally need to demonstrate sufficient settlement funds. Proof of funds is generally not required if you are currently authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, provided the applicable IRCC requirements are met.
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Admissibility Still Applies
Applicants must also meet Canada's applicable admissibility requirements.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How the FSTP Process Works
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is managed through Canada's Express Entry system.
1
Identify Your Trade
Determine the correct NOC for your skilled trade and confirm that it is eligible.
2
Confirm Eligibility
Review your experience, language results and job offer or trade certification.
3
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile and enter the Express Entry pool if you meet the requirements.
4
Compete for an Invitation
Candidates are ranked in the Express Entry pool and may receive an Invitation to Apply in an applicable invitation round.
5
Apply for PR
If invited, submit your permanent residence application and supporting documentation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Skilled Trade Eligibility Can Be Complex
Determining whether your experience qualifies involves more than simply looking at your job title.
Your NOC classification, actual job duties, period of employment, trade qualifications and the regulatory requirements of the country or province where you worked can all be relevant.
If you are relying on a Canadian certificate of qualification, the certification process may also differ significantly by trade and jurisdiction.
Are You an Experienced Tradesperson?
AddPlus Immigration Solutions Inc. can review your trade experience, employment history and potential Express Entry options to help you understand whether FSTP may be suitable for you.
Contact UsYOUR SKILLS CAN OPEN NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Explore Your Skilled Trades Pathway to Canada
Tell us about your trade, work experience, qualifications and immigration goals, and our team can help you assess your potential eligibility under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
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