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Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the immigration pathways under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for skilled trades workers who wish to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.

Here are the key features of the Federal Skilled Trades Program:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must:

    • Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years preceding the application.
    • Meet the job requirements for the skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), including obtaining any necessary licenses or certifications.
    • Have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
    • Meet minimum language proficiency requirements in English and/or French (CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing).

  2. Express Entry System: Candidates interested in immigrating to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program must first create an online profile in the Express Entry system. They are then assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

  3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their profile information. The CRS score is used to rank candidates, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency during regular Express Entry draws.

  4. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through the Express Entry system have 60 days to submit a complete application, including supporting documents and paying the application fees.

  5. Permanent Residency Application: Once the application is submitted, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to process complete Express Entry applications within six months. If the application is approved, candidates and their accompanying family members become permanent residents of Canada.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is an excellent option for skilled trades workers who meet the eligibility criteria and wish to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. It provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for individuals with experience in in-demand skilled trades occupations. 

How to Apply

To apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. This includes having at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years preceding the application, meeting the job requirements for the skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), having a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority, and meeting minimum language proficiency requirements in English and/or French.

  2. Create an Express Entry Profile: The Federal Skilled Trades Program is managed through Canada’s Express Entry system. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must create an online profile in the Express Entry system. You will need to provide information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.

  3. Complete Your Profile: Fill out all sections of your Express Entry profile accurately and thoroughly. Ensure that you provide all required information and supporting documents, including language test results, educational credentials assessment (if applicable), proof of work experience, and any other documents requested.

  4. Submit Your Profile: Once your Express Entry profile is complete, submit it online. You will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information provided in your profile. Your CRS score will determine your rank in the Express Entry pool.

  5. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Express Entry draws are conducted regularly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). During these draws, candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.

  6. Submit Your Application for Permanent Residency: If you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residency, including supporting documents and paying the application fees, within the specified timeframe. Ensure that you provide all required documents and information accurately to avoid delays or complications in the processing of your application.

  7. Wait for Processing: Once your application is submitted, IRCC will review it to ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements. IRCC aims to process complete Express Entry applications within six months. If your application is approved, you and your accompanying family members will become permanent residents of Canada.

It’s essential to carefully follow all instructions and requirements throughout the application process to maximize your chances of success. If you have any questions or concerns, consider seeking assistance from an immigration consultant or legal representative specializing in Canadian immigration.

Skilled Trades Occupation (Examples)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada is designed for individuals who have experience in skilled trades occupations. The best National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for the Federal Skilled Trades Program depends on your specific trade or occupation.

Here are some examples of skilled trades occupations and their corresponding NOC codes:

  1. Welder: NOC 7237 – Welders and related machine operators
  2. Electrician: NOC 7241 – Electricians (except industrial and power system)
  3. Plumber: NOC 7251 – Plumbers
  4. Carpenter: NOC 7271 – Carpenters
  5. Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic: NOC 7312 – Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
  6. Industrial Electrician: NOC 7242 – Industrial Electricians
  7. Steamfitter and Pipefitter: NOC 7252 – Steamfitters, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler System Installers
  8. Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers: NOC 7611 – Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers

When applying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must select the NOC code that best matches your skilled trade or occupation. Ensure that your work experience aligns with the job duties and requirements listed under the selected NOC code. Additionally, if you have more than one skilled trade, you may choose to include multiple NOC codes in your Express Entry profile to maximize your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Before selecting a NOC code, carefully review the descriptions and requirements of each occupation to determine which one best reflects your skills and experience. If you are unsure about which NOC code to choose or have questions about your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, consider seeking guidance from an immigration consultant or legal representative specializing in Canadian immigration. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances and help you navigate the application process effectively.

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