Federal Skilled Trades Program for Express Entry to Canada

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), is a stream offered to certified and OR experienced applicants who possess the eligibility criteria within a specific type of skilled trade and want to apply to become permanent residents.

Who is Eligible for the FST in Canada?

To be eligible for entry into Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include the following:

• You must have two or more years of full-time work experience within the skilled trade. Part-time work experience is counted, so long as it is an equal amount of time as required. The work experience must have taken place within the previous 5-year period before your application submission.
• All job requirements for the skilled trade you are claiming must meet those specified by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Possess a valid job offer for full-time employment for at least one year OR hold a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade that has been issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
• You are required to take a language test for English OR French. A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark score of 5 for speaking and listening and 4 for reading and writing are needed. The test results are valid for 2 years.
• It is necessary to show that you do have the financial stability to support yourself and your dependents once you relocate to Canada. Unless you are working in Canada OR have a valid offer of employment from a Canadian employer.
• You must be admissible to Canada.

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency through Express Entry, the necessary documents needed to support your profile are time sensitive. If you fail to provide these documents within the time frame provided, you may lose your invitation.

FST Program Process

If you are seeking to relocate to Canada and possess work experience within a skilled trade, the FST Program has many opportunities to getting you on the fast track towards achieving your goal. To begin this process, you must first create an Express Entry profile.

Your profile is a detailed description of your qualifications. Once you complete the Express Entry profile online, the system will award points for factors including your age, work experience, and education. The higher the level of points you earn, the higher the ranking of your Express Entry profile.

If invited to apply for permanent residency, you will be required to submit supporting documents which prove your qualifications. Documents may include employment records, education transcripts, certification or degrees, as well as financial records and medical records.

Role of the National Job Bank with Express Entry

The National Job Bank (NJB) is a system that can pair qualified applicants seeking to relocate to Canada with employment opportunities. Jobs listed within this system are placed into different categories. Occupations are based on a skill level by category of 0, A, B, C or D. Trades are categorized as a skill level B.

Skill Level B

These are technical and skilled trades jobs that often require a college diploma or apprentice training. Trades covered under this category include but are not limited to:

• Industrial, electrical and construction positions
• Welders
• Mechanics
• Maintenance and equipment operation
• Supervisors and technical jobs that fall within the natural resources, agriculture and related productions industry
• Processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and/or central control operators
• Chefs and cooks
• Butchers, food processors and bakers

Possessing the necessary criteria for the trades program is essential for consideration.  Canadian Immigration Group has extensive experience with Express Entry and can assist you in determining your eligibility.

We can be reached online or by phone at (780) 444-2844 or toll-free at (855) 944-2844.