The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the immigration programs offered by the Canadian government to attract skilled workers in specific trades to contribute to the country’s economy. The program is designed to address labor shortages in certain skilled trades occupations in Canada.
Under the FSTP, eligible skilled workers with experience in specific trades can apply for permanent residence in Canada. This program is separate from the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, which target different categories of skilled workers.
The FSTP has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Skilled Trade Eligibility: Applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system’s Skill Level B.
- Job Offer or Certification: Applicants must either have a valid job offer from up to two employers in Canada for a total period of at least one year, or possess a Certificate of Qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by providing language test results from a designated testing agency. The test results should meet the minimum language threshold prescribed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Financial Ability: Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members during their settlement in Canada. This requirement ensures that applicants are financially prepared for the initial period of their stay in the country.
Once applicants meet the eligibility criteria, they can create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. The FSTP candidates are then ranked based on factors such as their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other adaptability factors. Periodically, candidates with the highest ranking scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC.
If an applicant receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they can submit a complete application for permanent residence, which includes providing supporting documents and paying the necessary fees. After the application is submitted, it will be assessed by IRCC, and if approved, the applicant will be granted permanent residence in Canada.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program provides an opportunity for skilled tradespersons to immigrate to Canada and contribute their expertise to the country’s workforce.
