If you’re qualified in a skilled trade and want to become a Canadian permanent resident, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is probably the right choice for you.
Need to make sure you fulfill all the Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements? Then look no further than our simple, five-minute guide below – we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
Basic Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements
As of January 1, 2015, the way candidates can apply for the FSTP has changed. Now eligible candidates will be selected to apply via the new electronic Express Entry System.
In order to be eligible, you must meet the following conditions:
- You have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in an approved skilled trade (more about that below)
- You have an offer of full-time employment that will last at least one year – OR
- You have an official certificate of qualification relating to your skilled trade which was issued by a province or territory – AND
- You meet all the minimum required language levels in either English or French
Work Experience
Your work experience must be in a trade that is part of Skill Level B in the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC). You must have had that work experience during the last 5 years.”
The NOC is essentially the system that the Canadian government uses to classify different types of jobs or occupations. These are grouped into categories depending on the type of work and the duties involved. For instance, Skill Level A covers professional jobs that usually require a degree, such as dentists, doctors, or university lecturers.
Language Ability
In order to meet the language ability requirements, you must be able to pass a language test that has been approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Passing the test will show that you can meet the minimum language skill level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5, which applies to speaking and listening, along with the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 for your reading and writing.
According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you must show that you meet the requirements in English or French by including the test results when you complete your Express Entry profile. Your test results must not be more than two years old on the day you apply for permanent residence.”
Other Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements
In order to be eligible for FSTP, you must also be:
- Classed as admissible to Canada
- Intend on living outside the province of Quebec
You will likely have to go to the province or territory to be assessed. You may also need an employer in Canada to give you experience and training. You should go to the website of the body that governs trades for the province/territory where you would like to live and work.
Are You Interested in the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The process is not easy and is very time-consuming. Applying for the federal skilled trades program requires knowledge of the requirements, procedures, Canadian embassies, as well as how to respond to inquires from Canadian immigration during the application process. If you hire us, we will work with you to ensure that your application is flawless.
Getting started is easy, simply fill out our free immigration assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your eligibility and options.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
