Federal Skilled Trades Program

Your pathway to Canadian permanent residence through skilled trades

Welcome to Canada

We are dedicated to helping skilled tradespeople find their place in Canada.

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of three federal programs managed through Express Entry. It targets skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents of Canada based on their qualifications and experience in a skilled trade.

Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, FSTP requires either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory. This program recognizes the critical need for skilled trades workers across Canada.

2 Years

Work Experience Required

140+

Eligible Trades

CLB 5

Language Required

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet these minimum requirements

Work Experience

2 years full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years before applying.

Language Proficiency

Minimum CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing.

Job Offer or Certificate

Valid job offer or certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from a Canadian province.

Meet Job Requirements

Meet all job requirements for the skilled trade as set out in the TEER.

Eligible Skilled Trades

Your skilled trade must be in one of these National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:

Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades

Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, and construction workers

Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades

Heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and maintenance technicians

Chefs and Cooks

Professional chefs and specialized cooks in various culinary fields

Butchers and Bakers

Specialized meat cutters and professional bakers

Application Process

We guide you through every step of your Federal Skilled Trades application

Eligibility Assessment

We evaluate your skilled trade experience and qualifications to determine if you meet FSTP requirements.

Document Preparation

We guide you in gathering trade certificates, work experience letters, language test results, and job offers.

Express Entry Profile

We help you create and submit your Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Trades stream.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you receive an ITA, we assist with completing your permanent residence application within 60 days.

Application Submission

We review and submit your complete application with all supporting documents to IRCC.

Follow-up & Landing

We monitor your application status and guide you through medical exams, biometrics, and final landing procedures.

Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled tradespeople

Ability to include spouse and dependent children in your application

Access to Canadian healthcare and education systems

Freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada

Eligibility for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Processing Time

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months or less from the date of submission. However, processing times may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your application.

FSTW FAQ

Common questions about the Federal Skilled Trades Program

Still have questions?

Talk to our team

Eligible trades fall under specific NOC groups including industrial/electrical/construction trades, maintenance and equipment operation, supervisors in trades, and processing/manufacturing occupations. We confirm your trade's NOC code before you apply.

Yes, you need either a valid job offer of at least one year from a Canadian employer, or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province, territory, or federal body in your trade.

You need at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in your skilled trade within the five years before you apply.

You need a minimum of CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing — slightly lower thresholds than the Federal Skilled Worker Program, reflecting the practical nature of trades work.