Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – Canada
Introduced in 2013, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) provides a dedicated immigration pathway for skilled trades professionals from around the world. It is one of the three skilled worker programs administered under Canada’s Express Entry system.
The FSTP is designed to help address Canada’s demand for qualified trades workers while offering eligible candidates a clear route to permanent residence. Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA) supports skilled trades professionals throughout the FSTP application process.
Program Overview
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the Federal Skilled Trades Program in 2013 to meet labour shortages in key trades occupations. The program operates under the federal Express Entry system, which is Canada’s primary selection system for economic-class immigrants.
Under Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, the government aims to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants annually, with approximately 110,000 places each year allocated to Express Entry. The FSTP is one of several options available to skilled trades workers, alongside other federal programs, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Quebec’s own immigration pathways.
Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program
The FSTP plays an important role in Canada’s strategy to attract skilled trades workers and address ongoing labour shortages. Factors such as an aging population and low birth rates have increased the country’s reliance on immigration to sustain economic growth, particularly in trades-related sectors.
Key advantages of the FSTP include:
Fast processing times, with successful applicants often receiving permanent residence within six months through Express Entry
No mandatory education requirement, which may result in lower CRS scores compared to other Express Entry candidates
Access to program-specific Express Entry draws, where IRCC invites only FSTP candidates
The opportunity to obtain a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points and significantly increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply
Applicants with prior Canadian work or study experience are especially well positioned, as Express Entry awards additional CRS points for Canadian experience. Research consistently shows that trades professionals with Canadian exposure integrate more successfully into the labour market due to their local knowledge, skills, and professional networks.
How the FSTP Immigration Process Works
IRCC manages the Federal Skilled Trades Program through the Express Entry system, alongside the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The general process includes:
Confirming eligibility under the FSTP or another Express Entry program
Creating and submitting an Express Entry profile through IRCC
Receiving a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, language ability, work experience, education (if applicable), and Canadian experience
Waiting for an Express Entry draw, typically held every two weeks
Submitting a complete permanent residence application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC aims to process complete permanent residence applications within six months or less.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Through the FSTP
Step 1: Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Step 2: Complete an IRCC-approved English and/or French language test. If applicable, you may also obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to claim additional CRS points.
Step 3: Submit your Express Entry profile through IRCC’s online system.
Step 4: Monitor Express Entry draws to see if you receive an Invitation to Apply.
Step 5: If invited, submit your complete permanent residence application within the deadline provided by IRCC.
Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA) assists applicants at each stage to ensure compliance with current immigration requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
Hold valid job offers for continuous, paid, full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) for at least one year from up to two Canadian employers, OR possess a valid certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority
Meet minimum language proficiency requirements from an IRCC-designated testing body:
CLB 5 for speaking and listening
CLB 4 for reading and writing
Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in a skilled trade within the five years preceding the application
Demonstrate the skills, training, and experience required to perform the essential duties of the occupation
A certificate of qualification confirms that an applicant is authorized to work in a skilled trade in a specific Canadian province or territory after meeting certification or examination requirements.
Eligible Skilled Trade Occupations
Work experience eligible under the FSTP must fall within the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:
Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources and agriculture
Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators
Minor Group 632: Chefs and cooks
Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers
Applicants must intend to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec operates its own skilled worker immigration system.
Additional Opportunities Through Express Entry
Eligible FSTP candidates may also qualify for category-based Express Entry draws, which can further improve their chances of receiving an invitation for Canadian permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What language proficiency is required for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Applicants under the Federal Skilled Trades Program must complete an IRCC-approved English and/or French language test conducted by a designated third-party testing organization.
At a minimum, candidates must achieve:
CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French) for speaking and listening
CLB 4 (English) or NCLC 4 (French) for reading and writing
If you receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence, your language test results must be valid and no older than two years on the date you submit your application.
2. What is a certificate of qualification under the FSTP?
A certificate of qualification confirms that an individual is authorized to work in a specific skilled trade in Canada. It shows that the applicant has successfully met the certification requirements and passed the necessary examinations to practice that trade in a particular province or territory.
Certificates are issued by the provincial or territorial authority responsible for regulating trades, or in some cases, by a federal government authority.
3. How can I obtain a certificate of qualification for the FSTP?
In Canada, responsibility for trade training and certification generally rests with provincial and territorial governments. Each province or territory sets its own standards for skilled trades.
To obtain a certificate of qualification, the relevant trade authority will assess your skills, training, and work experience to determine whether you are eligible to take the certification exam. In many cases:
You may need to travel to Canada to sit the required examination
You might need a Canadian employer to provide training or work experience before certification
Some trades are regulated at the federal level rather than by a province or territory, such as aircraft maintenance. In these cases, credential assessment is handled under federal regulations.
4. Should I apply under the FSTP if my Express Entry CRS score is low?
Yes. Creating an Express Entry profile can still be beneficial even if your CRS score is lower. By entering the Express Entry pool, you may become eligible for a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points and greatly increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Submitting an Express Entry profile is free, and candidates may also explore other immigration programs at the same time.
5. Do I need to show proof of funds under the FSTP?
Yes. In most cases, applicants invited to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program must demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members upon landing in Canada.
However, this requirement does not apply if you are legally authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.