Federal Skilled Trades Program: Move to Canada

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Are you ready to take your career to new heights and make Canada your permanent home?

Look no further than the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) as this program emphasizes on trades occupations. On this page, you will learn about the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process of the federal skilled trades program.

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

Federal Skilled Trades Program is an application stream under the Express Entry process to offer permanent residency to skilled laborers in Canada. The Express Entry system helps the federal government mitigate the labor shortages in the Canadian labor market.

Federal Skilled Trade Program in Canada

In Canada, skilled trades are all grouped under some major groups, sub-groups, and unit groups. If you are a skilled worker in any of these trades and have proven work experience, you can move to Canada under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

 

Why Choose the Federal Skilled Trades Program to Immigrate to Canada?

Canada has an aging population of workers; hence, immigration is always encouraged by the federal government of Canada. If you are immigrating to Canada under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, there are some benefits such as:

  1. Quick Processing: The first benefit of the FSTP application stream is the faster processing time. If you are applying to Canada for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you will get your permanent residence permit within six months.
  2. Low CRS Score: The CRS score requirement is lower than other application streams for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
  3. No specific Educational Qualifications are Needed: You do not need to have any specific educational qualifications to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
  4. FSTP-only Express Entry Draw: IRCC holds occasional FSTP-only Express Entry draws to allow permanent residency for applicants.
  5. More Points for Candidates with Canadian Work Experience: If you are applying under the Federal Skilled Trades Program and you have Canadian work experience, you can score more points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Calculate your CRS score here

Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

If you are planning to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program in Canada, you must meet the minimum FST eligibility criteria. Here is a visual representation of eligibility criteria, further explained below in detail.

Eligibility Criteria for federal skilled trades program

1. Language Proficiency

Candidates need to demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark score of (CLB) in four sections of their language ability. The sections and the required language proficiency scores are as follows:

Language Ability
Required Score
Reading
CLB 4
Writing
CLB 4
Listening
CLB 5
Speaking
CLB 5

2. Work Experience

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 past five years. The work experience is considered only after the candidate becomes qualified to independently practice the occupation.

Candidates must meet the job requirements outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), except for the requirement of holding a certificate of qualification.

3. Job Offer

Candidates must fulfill one of the following criteria:

  • Possess a valid job offer for full-time employment lasting at least one year, OR
  • Hold a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

4. Education

While formal education is not a requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program, candidates can still earn points for their education by obtaining an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA).

To claim points for education, FST applicants must provide a valid ECA report, which assesses the equivalency of their foreign education to Canadian standards. Thus, enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply.

5. Proof of Funds

Candidates must provide evidence of having sufficient funds to settle in Canada. As of 2023, the below table represents the proof of funds required for Canada Immigration.

Proof of Funds for Canada Immigration

 

Documents Required for Federal Skilled Trades Program

Here are the important documents you must include in your application to complete for Federal Skilled Trades Program and gain permanent residence in Canada.

  • Your identification proof, like your passport
  • If a family member is moving too, their identification proof
  • The general application form for immigration
  • Fee payment slip
  • Education certificate that is ECA -verified
  • Diplomas, degrees, and official transcripts
  • Test results for the IELTS exam and the CELPIP
  • A valid offer letter from an employer in Canada/ confirmation letter
  • Reference letter from the previous employer
  • Proof of skilled job performance.
  • Pension fund/employment contract as work experience proof.
  • Approved medical certificate from a verified practitioner
  • Clean police certificate
  • Fund verification for permanent settlement in Canada
  • Marital proof when moving with a spouse

Are you interested in applying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program's Occupation List? Get all your documentation in place with guidance from the experts

Application Procedure for Federal Skilled Trades Program

Navigate the pathway to Canadian permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program by following a streamlined application process tailored for skilled trades professionals.

  1. Step 1: Review Eligibility: Familiarize yourself with the FST eligibility requirements as mentioned above. Ensure you meet the criteria related to language proficiency, work experience, job requirements, and other factors specific to the program.
  2. Step 2: Language Proficiency Test Results: All candidates must provide language test results from an approved test taken within the past two years.
  3. Step 3: Identification Documents: Candidates need to provide information from identification documents, with passports ideally being valid for travel for the candidate and accompanying family members.
  4. Step 4: Obtain an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA): Although educational documents are not required, candidates can claim points for education by obtaining a valid ECA report. An ECA report attests to the value of foreign education by Canadian standards. There are Five authorized organizations in Canada that issue ECA reports.
  5. Step 5: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Calculate your CRS score after submitting the Express Entry profile. The lowest-ranking FSTP candidate who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) held a CRS score of 199 points since the launch of the Express Entry system in 2015. If your CRS score is below this threshold, actively pursue options to improve your score.
  6. Step 6: Await Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score meets the minimum requirements, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a regular draw from the Express Entry pool. The ITA allows you to proceed with the application for permanent residency.

step-by-step application procedure for federal skilled trades program

Application Fees of Federal Skilled Trades Program

Here's the breakdown of the costs involved in the Federal Skilled Trades Class through the Express Entry (EE) pathway:

Fees
Amount (CAD)
Application fee - Primary Applicant
$825
Application fee - Spouse/Common-law Partner
$825
Application fee - Dependent Child
$225
Right of Permanent Residence fee - Primary Applicant
$500
Right of Permanent Residence fee - Spouse/Common-law Partner
$500
Biometrics fee - Primary Applicant
$85
Biometrics fee - Two or more people in one FSTP application
$170

Federal Skilled Trades Program: Eligible FSTP Occupation List

Skilled trades under the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized into certain groups of National Occupational Classifications. If you have two years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in either of these trades, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada under the FSTP.

Here are the groups and the corresponding FSTP occupation list:

NOC Groups
Occupation
Major Group 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726)
technical trades and transportation officers and controllers. (Excluding transportation officers and controllers)
Major Group 73
general trades
Major Group 82
supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
Major Group 83
occupations in natural resources and related production
Major Group 92
processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and utility operators and controllers
Major Group 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)
Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors. (excluding aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors)
Minor Group 6320
cooks, butchers, and bakers
Unit Group 62200
Chefs

Federal Skilled Trades Program: FSTP Canada Draw

  • Canada conducts federal skilled trades class draws infrequently, with only 7 draws occurring throughout the history of the Express Entry system.
  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program was established in 2013 to address labor shortages in skilled trades across Canada and offers a pathway to permanent residence for qualified trade workers.
  • Compared to other eligible Express Entry programs, the FSTP issues the fewest number of Invitations to Apply (ITA) for PR. In 2019, out of the 85,300 ITAs issued, only 1,000 went to FSTP candidates.
 

Federal Skilled Trades Program: Your Opportunities Start Here

Federal Skilled Trades Program helps skilled workers work and settle in Canada. This is one of the prime application streams under the Express Entry system. If you are trying to move to Canada through this route, you will need to plan your route properly.

If you are planning to move to Canada, GetGIS can be your guide. From building your profile to language ability tests and the PR process, GetGIS does it all. So if you are planning to move to Canada, let GetGIS handle all the pressure.

Classifications of Groups for Eligibility

The classifications under Major Groups and Minor Groups for eligibility are listed here.

Under Major Group

Group Index
Occupations
92
Central Control Operators, Supervisors for Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities
82
Supervisors and Technical Jobs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Production
73
Equipment Operation and Maintenance Trades
72
Construction, Electrical, and Industrial Trades

Under Minor Group

Group Index
Occupations
633
Butchers & Bakers
632
Cooks & Chefs

Thinking of Moving Abroad? Here's How We Can Help:

  • Point calculation: In GetGIS, we calculate your points on your behalf to eliminate any chances of rejection or failure.
  • Visa application: GetGIS helps you to complete your visa application properly and we even train you for your visa interview process, to make your immigration journey easier.
  • Preparation for Language Test: GetGIS offers you expert guidance for your preparation for language tests like IELTS/PTE/CELPIP.
  • Expert guidance for each step of your immigration: With GetGIS, you rest assured about your immigration journey. We help you to take every step in the right direction to make your immigration journey smooth.
  • Job Search assistance: At GetGIS, you receive complete job search assistance, from CV optimization, to mock interviews everything is covered by GetGIS. And we won’t leave you alone until you get your job in your dream country.

So, don’t waste your time thinking about how to move to Canada. Start your career in Canada with GetGIS by Booking a Free Consultation Today!

Further Reading and Information

Your Journey With Us

At GetGIS, we strive to provide a seamless and hassle-free journey for our clients who are seeking job-seeker visas for Germany, Sweden, and Austria. Here's what you can expect when you choose to work with us:

1. Initial Consultation

We begin by scheduling an initial consultation to understand your career goals, preferences, and eligibility for the job seeker visa.

2. Document Preparation

Once we have assessed your eligibility, we provide a comprehensive list of documents required for the job seeker visa application, and assist you in preparing the required documents.

3. Application submission

We review your application to ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate.

4. Job Search Assistance

Once you have obtained the job seeker visa, we provide job search assistance to help you find relevant job openings in your preferred sector and location.

5. Post-landing Assistance

We offer post-landing assistance to help you settle in your new country, including assistance with finding accommodation, opening a bank account, and other essential services.

Why choose GetGIS?

GetGIS is the leading immigration consultant for PR visas and Job Seeker visas. We adopt a unique approach of tech-enabled operation that helps the clients to have real-time progress mapped anytime and anywhere. Along with the advantage of 1:1 IELTS training, we have a whole range of IELTS self-training guides in store to ensure your interrupted training.

The benefits of associating with GetGIS include:

Why choose GetGIS?

  • Tech-enabled user interface

  • 1:1 dedicated immigration expert and country expert guidance

  • Job Search Assistance

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