Canada
Federal Skilled Trade Program
Canada is one of the countries that is constantly in search of skilled individuals across various fields. The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) is one of the three main programs under Canada’s Express Entry system, specifically designed for individuals with skilled trade experience who wish to apply for permanent residency.
Table of Contents:
1. Eligibility Requirements for the Program
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trade Program, applicants must meet specific requirements related to work experience, job offer or certificate of qualification, language proficiency, and admissibility the following eligibility criteria:
At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
How to count your work hours?
You can meet the 3,120-hour requirement in a few different ways:
- full time at 1 job:
up to 30 hours/week for 24 months = 2 years full time (3,120 hours) - equal amount in part-time work:
for example, 15 hours/week for 48 months = 2 years full time (3,120 hours) - full time at more than 1 job:
30 hours/week for 24 months at more than 1 job = 2 years full time (3,120 hours)
Applicants must prove their language proficiency in English or French through an approved test. The minimum required language score is minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening and minimum CLB 4 for reading and writing work experience must fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 2 or 3.
Job Offer or Certification:
have valid job offers of continuous, paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours a week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year, or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. Each province outlines which professions will be regulated and establishes regulatory bodies where applicable.
While having relevant educational credentials can be beneficial, work experience is considered more important for this program. To earn additional points at Express Entry for education, provide a valid ECA report from an authorized organization, attesting to the value of your foreign education by Canadian standards.
Must intend to live outside of the province of Quebec.
2. Eligible Occupations under the Program
The Federal Skilled Trade Program is designed for skilled trades and technical jobs.
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, defines skilled trades as the following occupation groups:
Major Group 72 :
industrial, electrical and construction trades
Major Group 73 :
maintenance and equipment operation trades
Major Group 82 :
supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
Major Group 92 :
processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
Minor Group 632 :
chefs and cooks
Minor Group 633 :
butchers and bakers.
These occupations must be listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.
3. Steps for Applying to the Program
The steps to apply for the Federal Skilled Trade Program are as follows:
The first step is to create an online profile in the Express Entry system. After registration, your information is entered into the system, and you will be considered for selection if eligible.
After creating a profile, applicants are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). CRS scores are calculated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. Applicants with higher scores have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
If selected in the Express Entry pool, you will receive an ITA for permanent residency.
After receiving the ITA, you need to submit your full application with all required documents.
After submitting the complete application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews all documents to ensure the applicant meets the program’s eligibility criteria and is admissible to Canada. If the application is approved, the applicant is issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which officially grants them permanent resident status.
4. Conclusion
The Federal Skilled Trade Program is one of the best options for individuals who have trade skills and wish to live and work permanently in Canada. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting the required documents, this program offers a pathway for skilled workers to establish a permanent residence in Canada.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
No, a job offer is not required for the program, but having a job offer can increase your CRS score.
The typical processing time is around 6 months, but it can vary based on case complexity and application conditions.
Yes, the spouse and dependent children of the primary applicant can apply for permanent residency along with the main applicant.
A Certificate of qualification confirms that an individual is qualified to work in a skilled trade in Canada. To obtain this certificate, a person must pass a recognized exam and meet all the requirements necessary to practice the trade in a specific province or territory.
In Canada, the responsibility for establishing the requirements to practice skilled trades lies with the provinces and territories. To obtain certification, individuals must successfully pass a certification exam and satisfy the criteria outlined by the relevant regulatory body in the province or territory where they wish to work. This process includes a thorough assessment of skills, work experience, and training to determine eligibility for the examination. Typically, candidates are required to travel to Canada to undertake the exam, and it is often essential to secure employment with a Canadian employer to gain the necessary training and work experience prior to certification.
No, A job offer is required if an individual does not possess a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade that has been issued by a province or territory in Canada.