Did you know that the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the fastest pathways to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers? No higher education or significant financial proof is required — FSTP focuses on your hands-on skills and work experience. Join Phan Immigration in exploring the details of this skilled trade immigration stream and take a closer step toward making your Canadian dream come true.
Overview of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in Canada
In 2013, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), a dedicated immigration stream for individuals with high-level skills in specific technical trades. The program aims to address labor shortages in critical sectors, helping boost Canada’s economic growth and diversify its workforce.
The FSTP is one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. According to Canada’s latest permanent residence intake plan, the government targets welcoming 395,000 new permanent residents by 2025, with 124,680 spots allocated to Express Entry applicants.
What sets the FSTP apart is its focus on practical skills and work experience that meet the demands of the Canadian labor market, rather than prioritizing higher education or financial capacity like some other programs. It offers a fast and accessible route to permanent residency for skilled tradespeople worldwide, ensuring they can quickly integrate and contribute to Canadian society through their specialized expertise.
Benefits of Joining the FSTP Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers several key advantages for applicants:
- You may receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card within as little as 6 months from the time your FSTP application is successfully submitted.
- FSTP applicants often have lower CRS scores compared to other Express Entry candidates, as they are not required to provide educational credentials. IRCC also occasionally conducts FSTP-specific Express Entry draws. Moreover, being part of the Express Entry pool increases your chances of receiving a provincial nomination, which adds 600 CRS points and significantly boosts your chances of obtaining PR.
- If you already have work experience in Canada, your chances of labor market success increase. IRCC awards additional CRS points for Canadian work or study experience. Canadian work history also provides a competitive edge in the PR process.
Eligibility Criteria for the FSTP Program
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Valid Skilled Work Experience:
Your work experience must:
- Be in the same National Occupation Classification (NOC) and fall under one of these categories:
- Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-group 726), 73, 82, 83, 93 (excluding Sub-group 932)
- Minor Group 6320
- Unit Group 62200
- Match the main duties listed in the NOC job description and include most of the essential duties.
- Meet the job requirements as specified by the NOC.
- Be paid (salary or commission); unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count.
- Be obtained in a country where you were legally authorized to practice that trade.
- Include at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or 3,120 total working hours) within the last 5 years before you apply. You may accumulate the required hours through:
- Full-time at one job: 30 hours/week for 24 months = 2 years full-time (3,120 hours)
- Part-time equivalent: e.g., 15 hours/week for 48 months = 2 years full-time (3,120 hours). You can combine multiple part-time jobs. Hours over 30/week are not counted.
- Full-time in multiple jobs: 30 hours/week for 24 months across multiple jobs = 2 years full-time (3,120 hours)
Note: Work experience gained while studying will not be counted.
Valid Job Offer (Optional):
If you have a valid job offer, it must:
- Be issued by a single employer
- Be for continuous, non-seasonal, full-time work (at least 30 hours/week)
- Have a clear salary
- Be valid for at least one year from the date you obtain permanent residency
- Fall under TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 under the NOC system
Or a Certificate of Qualification in a Skilled Trade:
- You must have passed a certification exam and meet all requirements to practice the trade in the province/territory issuing the certificate.
Language Requirements:
- Provide proof of language ability through an IRCC-approved language test.
- Minimum scores: CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing (in English or French).
Proof of Funds:
- You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer and are legally working in Canada at the time of application.
Admissibility & Settlement Plan:
- You must be admissible to Canada.
- You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec (which has its own skilled worker program). If you are nominated by a province or territory, you must settle in that region.
Dedicated FSTP Draws
Below are the Express Entry draws specifically targeted at candidates under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
| # | Date | Draw Type | Invitations Issued | Lowest CRS Score Invited |
| 159 | 06/08/2020 | Federal Skilled Trades | 250 | 415 |
| 128 | 16/10/2019 | Federal Skilled Trades | 500 | 357 |
| 117 | 15/05/2019 | Federal Skilled Trades | 500 | 332 |
| 100 | 24/09/2018 | Federal Skilled Trades | 400 | 284 |
| 91a | 30/05/2018 | Federal Skilled Trades | 500 | 288 |
| 76 | 01/10/2018 | Federal Skilled Trades | 505 | 241 |
| 64 | 26/05/2017 | Federal Skilled Trades | 400 | 199 |
How to Apply for the FSTP Program in Canada
You can refer to the following steps to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Applicants should thoroughly review the FSTP eligibility requirements mentioned in Section 2 to ensure they meet the criteria. Additionally, to be admissible to Canada, you must not fall under any of the following conditions:
- Considered a threat to national security in Canada.
- Have committed human rights violations or international crimes.
- Have a criminal record.
- Be involved with or connected to organized crime.
- Have a health condition that endangers public health or safety.
- Have a health condition likely to cause excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services.
- Be deemed financially incapable of settling in Canada (this does not apply to skilled worker applicants).
- Have submitted false information or forged documents, or concealed critical information in your application.
- Have previously violated Canadian immigration laws or regulations.
Step 2: Create an Online Profile on the Express Entry System
Next, applicants must create an online profile in the Express Entry system. This profile includes details about your skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant information. It is essential to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Once your profile is submitted, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Step 3: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Having a profile on Express Entry means you officially join the pool of Express Entry candidates. In this pool, your CRS score determines your ranking compared to other applicants. Periodically, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score places you among the top-ranking candidates in the pool at the time of a draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC. After receiving the ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residence along with all required documents within 60 days.
Step 5: Prepare and Gather All Required Documents
The next step is to collect all documents required for your permanent residence application, including:
- Passport/travel document
- Canadian educational credentials or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees/diplomas
- Proof of language proficiency or language test results
- Proof of funds
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer (if applicable)
- Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate(s)
- Medical exam results
- Children’s birth certificates (if dependent children are accompanying)
- Marriage certificate (if married), divorce certificate (if divorced), statutory declaration of common-law union (if applicable), or death certificate (if widowed)
- Adoption certificate (if applicable)
Step 6: Pay the Fees and Submit Your Application
Finally, pay the required fees and submit your application. The fees for the FSTP application include the processing fee, biometrics fee, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. After completing your payment and ensuring all information and documents are accurate, you can submit your application.
After Submission: Wait for Processing and Complete the Final Steps
Once submitted, your FSTP application will be processed within approximately 6 months, depending on your case. During this time, it is recommended to regularly check your application status in case additional documents are requested.
Which Immigration System Does the FSTP Belong To?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, which is directly managed by the Canadian government. It offers a fast-track pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and their families—without requiring proof of settlement funds if a valid job offer is available. The program provides an excellent opportunity for a stable career and high quality of life in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FSTP
Can FSTP Applicants Live Anywhere in Canada?
No. FSTP applicants can live in most provinces and territories in Canada, except for Quebec, which operates its own immigration system. When applying, you must indicate your intended province of residence. Once you obtain permanent residency, however, you are free to live anywhere in Canada (except Quebec). If you are nominated by a province, you are expected to live in that province for a few years.
What Are the Benefits of a Provincial Nomination?
Receiving a provincial nomination under the FSTP gives you a significant advantage. It adds 600 CRS points to your Express Entry profile—almost guaranteeing that you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw. Moreover, a nomination certificate strengthens your application and can speed up the processing time.
What Occupations Are Eligible Under the FSTP?
Eligible occupations under the FSTP include:
- NOC 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades (excluding Sub-group 726: heavy equipment and transport equipment mechanics)
- NOC 73: General trades and equipment operation
- NOC 82: Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- NOC 83: Workers in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- NOC 92: Supervisors in processing, manufacturing, and utilities; central control operators
NOC 93: Central control and processing operators (excluding Sub-group 932: aircraft assemblers and inspectors) - NOC 6320: Cooks
- NOC 62200: Retail sales supervisors
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is a valuable opportunity for skilled individuals seeking to build a better life in Canada. Contact Phan Immigration today to receive expert advice and take the next step toward making your Canadian dream a reality.
