The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Due to the rising number of labour shortages in many skilled trades occupations across Canadian cities, the Federal Skilled Trades class program was introduced by the government. This program is the only migration program that target workers in specific occupations and is applicable for qualified and experienced tradespersons who wish to migrate and work in Canada.

Visa processing time: 6 months

Eligibility

• All applicants MUST meet the minimum English or French language requirement. The Federal Skilled Trades Program Canada requires a CLB 5 for the speaking and listening components and CLB 4 for reading and writing components.
• Must have two years (24 months) of full-time relevant work experience with up to 30+ hours per work, or equivalent in part time work in a skilled trade that adds up to the two years’ work with the same criteria, in the five years immediately prior to applying. (This could include, working more than one job for a total of 30 hours/week, or a longer duration of part time work with 15+ hours a week)
• Ability to demonstrate necessary skills and experience to carry out essential job duties
• Have proof of a full-time job offer, adding up to 30 hours per week in a skilled trade for a minimum of one year. You could also show job offers for two part time jobs that cover the minimum 30 hours a week.
• If you hold a valid qualification certificate in a skilled trade, issued from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority, then you do not need a job offer to qualify.

*The Federal Skilled Trades Program is only for prospective immigrants who wish to live and work in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those who wish to reside and work in Quebec should not apply for the FSTP, as Quebec has its own Quebec skilled trades program.

Eligible occupations under the FSTP include:

• Industrial
• Electrical and Construction
• Maintenance and Equipment operations
• Agriculture and Production
• Processing
• Transport
• Manufacturing
• Cooks /Chefs
• Bakers/ Butchers

How to Apply for the FSTP

Applications for the FSTP is made through the online Canada Express Entry Stream.

Applicants need to do this using a NOC 2011 code. If it is made using a NOC 2006 code then it needs to include a labour market impact assessment (LMIA). All occupations must correspond to an eligible 2011 NOC code, for the application to be successful.

A person holding a Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree, or a foreign certificate equivalent with an Educational Credential assessment, increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

*As of January 1, 2015, Candidates that wish to apply under the FSTP need to submit an expression of interest (EOI), through the Express entry system and would need to score a minimum of 65 points to be considered for invitation to apply.