What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

A successful applicant must have at least 2 years of full-time experience in the particular trade he/she claims to have skill in. Part-time work that adds up to 2 years is also applicable. He/she must have worked 30+ hours per week for 2 years to be eligible.

Language Proficiency:

Applicants must show proficiency in English or French language and must be able to prove their proficiency in either or both official languages of Canada i.e. English and/or French according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). This can be done by taking either of the following test(s):

• International English language Test System (IELTS). Applicants must score an overall of band 5.0 (speaking (5.0+), listening (5.0+), reading (3.5+), writing (4.0+))
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). Applicants must be able to score, speaking (5+) and listening (5+), for reading (4+) and writing (4+)
• Test devaluation de Francais (TEF) for French. Applicants must be able to score; for speaking (226+), listening (181+), reading (121+), and writing (181+)

Job Requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum job requirements set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to be eligible. Failure to meet set requirements will lead to failure to work in Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). 

A permanent job offer or Skilled Trade Qualification:

Applicants must be able to show proof of a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer or two part-time job offers from two different Canadian employers that add up to 30 hours of work per week to apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Alternatively, they do not need proof of job offer if they have a certification from Canada in the skilled trade, they intend to work in. Their skilled trade certification needs to be certified by a regulatory body in the Canadian province/territory, they intend to work in.

Eligible Occupation categories for FSTP:

The following categories are classified as Skill level B under the National Occupational Classification (NOC). All of these categories are eligible for the Canada Skilled Trades program. Skill type B jobs require a college diploma or apprenticeship training. We can help you to find out exactly which occupations are subject to a sub-cap of 100 participants and suit your skills.

Agriculture and Production

1. Cooks and Chefs
2. Bakers and Butchers
3. Electrical and Construction
4. Industrial
5. Maintenance and Equipment operations
6. Manufacturing
7. Processing
8. Transport

The aforementioned categories are further divided into groups and sub-groups by NOC as follow:

Major Group 72 - Industrial, electrical, and construction trades

• Minor Group 720 - Contractors and supervisors, industrial, electrical, and construction trades and related workers
• Minor Group 723 - Machining, metal forming, shaping, and erecting trades
• Minor Group 724 - Electrical trades and electrical power line and telecommunications workers
• Minor Group 725 - Plumbers, pipefitters, and gas fitters
• Minor Group 727 - Carpenters and cabinetmakers
• Minor Group 728 - Masonry and plastering trades
• Minor Group 729 - Other construction trades

Major Group 73 - Maintenance and equipment operation trades

• Minor Group 730 - Contractors and supervisors, maintenance trades and heavy equipment and transport operators
• Minor Group 731 - Machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicle)
• Minor Group 732 - Automotive service technicians
• Minor Group 733 - Other mechanics and related repairers
• Minor Group 736 - Traincrew operating occupations
• Minor Group 737 - Crane operators, drillers, and blasters
• Minor Group 738 - Printing press operators and other trades and related occupations, n.e.c.

Major Group 82 - Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production

• Minor Group 821 - Supervisors, logging, and forestry
• Minor Group 822 - Contractors and supervisors, mining, oil and gas
• Minor Group 823 - Underground miners, oil and gas drillers, and related occupations
• Minor Group 824 - Logging machinery operators
• Minor Group 825 - Contractors and supervisors, agriculture, horticulture, and related operations and services
• Minor Group 826 - Fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women

Major Group 92 - Processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors and central control operators

• Minor Group 921 - Supervisors, processing, and manufacturing occupations
• Minor Group 922 - Supervisors, assembly, and fabrication
• Minor Group 923 - Central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing
• Minor Group 924 - Utilities equipment operators and controllers

How to apply for FSTP:

The Federal Skilled Trades Class immigration can be applied online through the Canada Express Entry System. Applications are very sensitive as a mere incorrect NOC code can lead to the rejection of the application. Our professionals can help you in filling out an efficient application. Processing time may take up to six months.

Note: All applications must be made with the revised NOC codes in case your application is made using the NOC 2006 code it must also include a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Although the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) does not require educational achievements, they can serve as extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in Express Entry.

Jobs in Quebec:

In case you intend to work in Quebec, it has its separate program known as the Quebec Skilled Trades Program. The Federal Skilled Trades Program is only for potential immigrants who intend to live and work in any of the following:

• Alberta (AB)
• British Columbia (BC)
• Manitoba (MB) New Brunswick (NB)
• Nova Scotia (NS)
• Newfoundland (NL)
• Ontario (ON) (Ontario has Express Entry streams called the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program)
• Prince Edward Island (PEI)
• Saskatchewan (SK) or any other Canadian territories.

Still, confused, want to file an application for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)? The Visa Canada team can help you in preparing your application. Our professional team has years of experience in dealing with such applications.