​The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pivotal immigration pathway under Canada's Express Entry system, designed to attract skilled tradespeople from around the world to become permanent residents. This program addresses labor shortages in various essential sectors, ensuring Canada's economic growth and development.​

Understanding the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Established in 2013, the FSTP offers a dedicated immigration route for individuals with expertise in skilled trades. It is one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system.

The primary objective of the FSTP is to facilitate the immigration of qualified tradespersons to meet the demands of Canada's labour market and immigrate to Canada. ​Let’s look at the eligibility criteria of FSTP.  

Eligibility Criteria for the FSTP

To qualify for the FSTP, applicants must meet specific requirements:

• Skilled Work Experience: Candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in a skilled trade within the five years preceding their application. This experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad. ​
• Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Applicants need either:​
  • A valid job offer from up to two Canadian employers for at least one year
  • A certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority. ​
• Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by achieving the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:​
  • CLB 5 for speaking and listening.​
  • CLB 4 for reading and writing. ​
• Educational Requirements: While there is no mandatory education requirement for the FSTP, having a valid educational credential can enhance a candidate's CRS score, thereby improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. ​
• Proof of Funds: Applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon settling in Canada, unless they are already authorized to work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. 
• Admissibility: Candidates must be admissible to Canada, meaning they should not have any criminal records or medical conditions that could make them inadmissible. ​Intention to Reside Outside Quebec: Applicants must plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec has its own selection criteria for skilled workers. ​

Eligible Skilled Trades

The FSTP recognizes a range of skilled trades organized under specific major and minor groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. These include:​

• 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.​

It is essential for applicants to identify their NOC code accurately, as it determines eligibility and ensures the correct classification of their work experience. ​

Application Process for the FSTP

The FSTP operates through the Express Entry system, which involves several key steps:

• Create an Express Entry Profile: Eligible candidates must create an online profile, providing detailed information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details. ​
• Obtain a Certificate of Qualification (if applicable): If an applicant does not have a valid job offer, they must secure a certificate of qualification from the relevant provincial or territorial authority in Canada. This process typically involves an assessment of the candidate's training and experience to ensure they meet Canadian standards. ​
• Enter the Express Entry Pool: Once the profile is complete, candidates enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS awards points for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. ​
• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Periodically, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. Receiving an ITA is a crucial step toward immigration. ​
• Submit a Complete Application: After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including all required documents and fees. ​
• Medical and Security Checks: Applicants and their dependents must undergo medical examinations and security background checks to ensure admissibility to Canada. ​
• Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If the application is approved, candidates receive a COPR and can then make arrangements to move to Canada.

The Express Entry System

The Federal Skilled Trades Program operates through the Express Entry system, which is Canada's primary immigration management system for skilled workers. Express Entry ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. 

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the FSTP must first create an Express Entry profile. The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence during regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Express Entry system ensures a fast and efficient immigration process, often processing applications within six months.

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