Published on

Federal Skilled Trades Program: How to Qualify for Canada Express Entry

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Oliver Pelero
    Twitter

Introduction

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a key economic immigration program managed by Canada's Express Entry system. It is designed specifically for skilled tradespeople with experience in high-demand technical and manual occupations.

If you are a qualified electrician, plumber, chef, or industrial worker, the FSTP offers a direct route to Canadian permanent residency.

In this guide, we outline the eligibility requirements for the FSTP. You can check your general pathways score using our Express Entry CRS Calculator.

Core Requirements for FSTP Eligibility

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Language Ability

You must prove your communication skills in English or French:

  • Speaking and Listening: Minimum score of CLB 5.
  • Reading and Writing: Minimum score of CLB 4.

2. Work Experience (Skilled Trades)

You must have accumulated at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time experience) in an eligible skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply.

3. Eligible NOC Code Groupings

Your experience must fall under specific categories of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

  • Major Group 72: Technical trades and transportation officers.
  • Major Group 73: General trades.
  • Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources.
  • Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors.
  • Minor Group 6320: Cooks and chefs.

4. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

You must hold either:

  • A valid, full-time job offer of employment for at least 1 year in Canada, OR
  • A Certificate of Qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

Proof of Funds Requirement

FSTP candidates must prove they have enough money to support themselves and their families in Canada, unless they are currently authorized to work here. Check the required amounts with the Express Entry Proof of Funds Calculator.

Conclusion

The FSTP is an excellent option for tradespeople, featuring lower language score requirements than the Federal Skilled Worker program.

To see how your skilled trade profile ranks in the pool, try the Express Entry CRS Calculator.

SHARE