The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) was created in 2013 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as a pathway dedicated to offering immigration opportunities to foreign skilled workers. The FTSP is one of the three economic pathways in the Express Entry systems that allows talented and experienced economic class workers from across the globe to migrate to Canada.
Candidates who migrate using this pathway are guaranteed permanent residence within six months of relocation. A job offer and stable income are other benefits for migrating using this method. Candidates who migrate using this pathway are more likely to succeed in the Canadian job market as their work experience sets them apart from other immigrants. Low CRS scores are also accepted through this route as more emphasis is placed on their work experience than their education level.
Eligibility Criteria for FTSP Candidates
People who have the following requirements are eligible for the FTSP:
- Have a valid job offer (full-time, paid employment for up to a year)
- Proof of basic language proficiency ( a minimum of Canadian Level Benchmark 4 for speaking and listening, and CLB 5 for reading and writing)
- Has two years of working experience in a skilled field at least five years before relocation
- Be able to demonstrate skills and experience needed in their specified field.
Occupations of Skilled Workers eligible for the FTSP
Skilled professionals who fall under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) are eligible to apply for the FTSP:
- Major Group 72: industrial, electrical, and construction trades,
- Major Group 73: maintenance and equipment trades,
- Major Group 82: supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture,
- Major Group 92: processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators,
- Minor Group 632: chefs and cooks and,
- Minor Group 633: butchers.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Check your eligibility status (go to Canada’s immigration website)
- Take an English/French proficiency test.
- Submit your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
- If you receive an invitation to apply (ITA), submit your completed permanent residence application to IRCC within the specified deadline.
IRCC Express Entry draws are held every two weeks, so stay updated by viewing our website regularly for new information.
Good luck!