Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers skilled workers the opportunity to become permanent residents of Canada based on their qualifications in a skilled trade. This program is tailored for individuals who have practical and hands-on experience in a trade occupation, seeking to contribute to Canada’s thriving economy.
To qualify for the FSTP, candidates must satisfy specific requirements related to their work experience, job offer or certificate of qualification, and language proficiency.
Experience Requirements: Candidates must possess at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent part-time duration) in a skilled trade within the last five years before applying.
Compliance with National Occupational Classification (NOC): The work experience must align with the job requirements specified in the NOC for that skilled trade. Applicants must demonstrate that they have performed all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed in the NOC’s occupational description.
Note: The application will be refused if the work experience does not meet the NOC standards or if the applicant was not qualified to practice the trade independently during that period. Only paid work (wages or commission) counts towards the experience requirement; volunteer work and unpaid internships are excluded.
Valid Job Offer: Applicants must have a valid full-time job offer for at least one year or
Certificate of Qualification: Obtain a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
A certificate of qualification verifies that an individual is qualified to work in a specific skilled trade in Canada. This involves:
This certificate, sometimes referred to as a “qualification certificate,” is issued by provincial, territorial, or federal bodies governing trades. To receive a certificate, these authorities assess the applicant’s training, trade experience, and skills to determine eligibility to take the certification exam.
Each province and territory has its own requirements and processes for trade certification. Applicants may need to:
For more information on getting assessed, applicants should visit the websites of the governing bodies in the province or territory where they intend to live and work.
If the chosen province or territory does not issue certificates of qualification for the trade, a valid job offer in the trade is necessary for eligibility under the FSTP.
Although there is no formal education requirement for the FSTP, enhancing educational credentials can improve an applicant’s rank in the Express Entry pool:
Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families in Canada unless they are currently legally working in Canada and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Admissibility: All applicants must be legally admissible to Canada.
Residence Plans: Candidates must plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec selects its own skilled workers. The application process includes specifying where in Canada the applicant intends to live, but settling in that specific province or territory is not mandatory.
The FSTP acknowledges the essential skills that trade workers bring to Canada, offering them a pathway to permanent residence based on their proven capabilities and potential for long-term contribution to the Canadian economy.
For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), applicants must have work experience in specific skilled trades classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the NOC groups that qualify for the program, along with notable exclusions:
Major Group 72: Technical Trades and Transportation Officers and Controllers
This group encompasses a wide range of technical trades, but it explicitly excludes Sub-Major Group 726, which covers transportation officers and controllers. This exclusion ensures that the focus remains on technical skills within a broader range of industries.
Major Group 73: General Trades
This category includes a variety of general trades, capturing a broad spectrum of skills and occupations essential in various sectors such as construction, electrical, and plumbing, reflecting the diverse skills required in everyday operational tasks and maintenance.
Major Group 82: Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production
Professionals in this group are involved in supervisory roles that oversee operations and ensure the smooth functioning of activities in natural resources and agricultural production. These roles are crucial for maintaining quality and efficiency in resource management and agricultural output.
Major Group 83: Occupations in Natural Resources and Related Production
This group consists of tradespeople who work directly in natural resources sectors, such as forestry, mining, and fishing. These occupations are fundamental to Canada’s resource-based economy, requiring specific expertise in the extraction and primary processing of these natural resources.
Major Group 92: Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Supervisors, and Utilities Operators and Controllers
This major group includes supervisors and operators who manage and operate equipment in processing, manufacturing, and utilities sectors. These roles are essential for overseeing production processes and ensuring that operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
Major Group 93: Central Control and Process Operators, and Aircraft Assembly Assemblers and Inspectors
This category focuses on occupations related to central control operations and the assembly and inspection of aircraft. However, it specifically excludes Sub-Major Group 932, which deals with aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors, to refine the eligibility to other critical control and process operations.
Minor Group 6320: Cooks, Butchers, and Bakers
This group represents key culinary and food preparation trades, including cooks, butchers, and bakers. These trades are vital in food services and hospitality, demanding a high level of skill in food preparation and handling.
Unit Group 62200: Chefs
This unit group specifically focuses on chefs, who are responsible for the overall operation of kitchens in restaurants, hotels, and other places where food is served. They play a critical role in designing menus, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring quality culinary production.
Applicants with experience in these areas are recognized for their specialized skills and their potential for integration into Canada’s labor market.
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