
Federal Skill Trade Program

What Is Skill Trade?
Express Entry and the Federal Skilled Trades Program Overview of Express EntryCanada offers many ways for professionals and workers to qualify for permanent residency visas. The most prominent option is through Express Entry, Canada's main pathway for economic-class skilled workers. This system is designed to attract individuals who can contribute to the country's economic growth, ensuring a smooth and efficient immigration process. Within Express Entry, candidates can apply under several programs, each targeting different types of skilled workers. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are two of the primary pathways, but the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a specialized route for tradespeople. This program caters to individuals who may not have a traditional academic background but possess the necessary skills and experience in trades that are in demand in Canada. To be eligible under the FSTP, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before applying. This experience must be in one of the eligible trades as classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Overview Of Skill Trade
Canada offers many different ways for professionals and workers to qualify for a permanent resident visa. The most prominent option is through Express Entry, which is Canada's main pathway for economic class skilled workers. This system is designed to attract individuals who can contribute to the country's economic growth, ensuring a smooth and efficient immigration process. Within Express Entry, candidates can apply under several programs, each targeting different types of skilled workers. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) are two of the primary pathways, but the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a specialized route for tradespeople.
Eligiblilty Criterea
Eligibility Criteria for FSTPIn addition to work experience, FSTP candidates must meet specific job requirements for their trade as set out in the NOC. They must also have a valid job offer for full-time employment in Canada for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. Language proficiency is another critical requirement, with applicants needing to achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 in speaking and listening and CLB level 4 in reading and writing. These criteria ensure that candidates are well-prepared to integrate into the Canadian workforce and society.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Meeting the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program is the first step toward creating an Express Entry profile and being considered for permanent residency in Canada. Once in the Express Entry pool, candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular Express Entry draws. By offering tailored pathways like the FSTP, Canada ensures that its immigration system remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of its labor market, welcoming skilled tradespeople from around the world to contribute to its economic and social fabric.