Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), part of the Express Entry system, provides a fast route for skilled tradespeople to get Canadian permanent residence. FSTP, like other Express Entry programs, utilizes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates and invites the most competitive individuals to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility for the Federal Skills Trades Program
Over half of Canada’s immigrants come through economic programs each year, with the FSTP standing out as a preferred route for skilled workers. This program grants successful candidates the right to live and work in Canada permanently, making it an attractive option for those with the necessary qualifications.
To qualify for the FSTP, candidates must fulfill all the minimum criteria:
- skilled trades work experience
- job offer or certificate of qualification
- language Proficiency.
Skilled Trades Work Experience:
Possess at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (or an equivalent amount in part-time) within the past five years. The work experience should be acquired after certification to practice the trade in their country of residence.
Your professional background should be in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:
- Major Group 72: Technical trades and transportation officers and controller, excluding Sub-Major Group 726: Transportation officers and controllers
- Major Group 73: General trades
- Major Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- Major Group 83: Occupations in natural resources and related production
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and utilities operators and controllers
- Major Group 93: Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
- Minor Group 6320: Cooks, butchers and bakers
- Unit Group 62200: Chefs
If an individual has the required work experience, they must also meet the additional eligibility criteria specified by the FST program:
Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification:
Secure a valid offer of full-time employment lasting at least 12 months or hold a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority in their skilled trade.
Language Proficiency:
Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 on an approved English or French language test.
Residence in Canada:
Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
Candidates who meet these requirements can submit an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Trades program. It’s crucial to note that applicants must also meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements, as certain criminal offences or medical conditions may affect eligibility.
Navigating The Application Process
Submission of Express Entry Profile
Once the eligibility criteria are met, candidates can submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It’s important to understand that submission does not guarantee Canadian permanent residence. Candidates receive a CRS score only after submission and become potential candidates for future Express Entry draws.
Required Documents
When submitting an Express Entry profile for the FSTP, candidates need to provide information from several documents:
Language Proficiency Test Results:
Results from an approved language test taken within the previous two years.
Identification Documents:
Information from valid identification documents, ideally passports for the candidate and accompanying family members.
Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA):
While educational documents are not mandatory, candidates can claim points for education by providing a valid ECA report evaluating foreign education against Canadian standards. This is optional for credentials obtained from a Canadian educational institution.
Financial Evidence:
Candidates need to demonstrate that they have enough money for themselves and their family to establish in Canada unless they
- are presently authorized to work in Canada legally, and
- hold a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
CRS Score for the Express Entry
Since the Express Entry system launch in 2015, successful FSTP candidates typically hold a CRS score of 199 points or higher. Candidates with scores below this benchmark should actively explore opportunities to improve their scores for a competitive edge.
Embark on your journey through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, opening doors to Canadian permanent residence and a promising future in this diverse and welcoming country.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Processing Time
The Express Entry process can be as short as six months, although timelines differ for each case. Profiles are valid for a year, and upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates must submit their complete application within 60 days.
- Insights into Express Entry Draws
Express Entry draws happen every two weeks. Staying updated on the latest cut-off scores is crucial for candidates eagerly awaiting invitations.