Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is part of an effort by the Canadian government to welcome more skilled trade workers to Canada to address labour shortages in its trade occupations. Canada has an aging population and low birth rate, which is why it relies more on immigration to support its labour force and economic growth. The skilled trades are an area of significant need. IRCC launched the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) in 2013 to offer a dedicated immigration pathway to skilled trade workers.

IRCC uses Express Entry to manage skilled worker applications for three economic class skilled worker immigration programs including the FSTP

In order to be eligible for the FSTP, you must:

Have valid job offers of continuous, paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours a week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year OR a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial body.
Provide proof of basic language proficiency from a designated language testing organization, demonstrating that the applicant meets the minimum threshold set by IRCC — Canadian Level Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Have obtained 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) in the skilled trade in the five years before applying.
Be able to demonstrate the skills and experience and that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.

Under the Express Entry, successful FSTP candidates are usually able to obtain their permanent residence within six months.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Draw

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that assesses your profile and ranksit in the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry

The Canada Express Entry is the method of choosing applicants. In this process, a pool of candidates, eligible for invitation to apply, are selected based on the announced CRS score.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The IRCC uses the Express Entry System to manage skilled worker applications for three programs including the Canadian Experience Class.

Federal Skilled Workers Program

This is a 5 years multiple entry visa, which allows foreign skilled workers to work and settle in Canada. The program invites skilled immigrants to reside in Canada.