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The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled trade workers. Eligibility includes having two years of work experience in certain skilled trades, a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority, and meeting language proficiency requirements in English or French as per the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family and be admissible to Canada. While there's no specific education requirement, possessing an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can enhance the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The application process is conducted through the Express Entry system, and if eligible, candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on their CRS score. The FSTP is recognized for its lower CRS score requirement compared to other Express Entry programs.
For an in-depth overview, please see the "Table of Contents" below.
Welcome to this easy-to-follow guide on The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTC). This guide is your secret weapon to Canadian permanent residence. Primarily, this guide is for anyone who wants to learn about immigration to Canada. If you find the official rules and documents about the requirements to move to Canada confusing, this guide can be your helpful friend.
Whether driven by economic opportunities, familial ties, or the pursuit of safety, Canada offers a range of avenues including provincial nomination programs. Plus, it's packed with insider secrets to help you shine brighter than the rest when you apply! Understanding the pathway to permanent residence is important for those seeking a long-term future in the country. This guide is here to make everything clearer and simpler for you.
This is a quick overview of this program. If you need more details, Go to the "Table of Contents" at the top of this page.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program: Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency
1. What is It?
This is a program designed for skilled tradespersons with experience in certain key groups of TEER 2 or TEER 3. Applicants can establish economically in Canada without relying on social services and plan to permanently live outside Québec.
2. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Your eligibility hinges on factors like experience, language proficiency, and having the necessary trade certification.
3. Why It Exists? Purpose of This Program:
The Federal Skilled Trades Program was devised to attract skilled tradespersons who can add substantial value to the Canadian workforce. It's an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking a prosperous life in Canada.
4. Application Process: How to Apply?
5. What's Next Once You're Approved?
Upon approval through this skilled trades pathway, you can relocate to Canada and start your new chapter as a permanent resident.
Wrapping Up:
The Federal Skilled Trades pathway offers a comprehensive method for skilled tradespersons to consider Canada as their new residence. This guide is sculpted to simplify the procedure for you, ensuring clarity at each phase. Our objective is to guide you through every crucial step, allowing you to traverse the program with ease and confidence.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTC) is one way you can immigrate to Canada if you're good at a particular skilled trade, like being an electrician or a plumber. Here's what you need to know to get started:
What is This Program Really About?
The Skilled Trades Pathway, similar to a well-laid out plan by the Canadian government, is meant to support individuals skilled in trades who wish to secure permanent residence in Canada. It is here to make the transition to living in Canada more orderly and less perplexing. It’s like a roadmap guiding skilled tradespersons through the process of making Canada their permanent home.
Why Was This Program Created?
Objective: Canada values skilled tradespersons and their unparalleled abilities. Therefore, this initiative was developed to accelerate and simplify the process of relocation and settlement in Canada for such individuals. It is fundamentally about linking skilled individuals with appropriate opportunities within the Canadian landscape.
How Does It Function? To become an integral part of Canada, there are specific steps and standards to follow. Candidates are required to demonstrate their trade skills and a sincere desire to reside and work in Canada. This ensures that those entering through this structured program are prepared to enhance the Canadian landscape and merge into its diverse environment harmoniously.
The Federal Skilled Trades Worker Program is a system that allows people with specific job skills to move to Canada. If you're good at a certain trade and can speak either English or French, this might be a way for you to live in Canada permanently. Here's a straightforward guide to help you understand how to go through the process:
1. See if You Qualify: First, find out if you meet the requirements. You'll need experience in a specific trade and be able to speak English or French well. You'll also need either a job offer from a Canadian company or a special certificate that says you're qualified to work in that trade in Canada.
2. Collect Your Papers: Get all the documents you'll need. This usually includes ID, language test results, proof of your job skills, and any job offers or certificates.
3. Make an Online Profile: Go to the Express Entry website and fill out a profile with all your details about the Federal Skilled Trades Program. This profile goes into a large pool of people who want to move to Canada.
4. Get Your Score: You'll be given a score based on things like your age, how much you've worked, and how well you know English or French. This score is then used to rank you against everyone else in the pool.
5. Wait for an Invitation: Every so often, Canada invites the people with the highest scores to apply to live there permanently. If you're one of them, you'll get an invite to fill out a more detailed application.
6. Send in Your Full Application: If you get an invite, you'll have a set amount of time, usually around 60 days, to send in all your paperwork.
7. Hear Back: After looking at all your information, the Canadian government will make a decision. If they say yes, you'll get a document confirming that you can move to Canada permanently.
8. Move to Canada: Once you're approved, you can move to Canada. There may be a few final steps like showing that you have enough money to support yourself.
By following these steps carefully, you have a good chance of successfully moving to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Worker Program.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program Worker is someone skilled in a specific trade like plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry and wants to live in Canada. To qualify for this program, you must have a certain amount of work experience in a trade that Canada needs. Additionally, you must be proficient in either English or French, demonstrated through testing. If you meet these criteria and are skilled in a specific trade that's in demand, this program could be the right path for you to become a permanent resident in Canada.
This program is aimed at people who have specific trade skills and fall under certain job groups known as TEER 2 or TEER 3. If you are one of these skilled tradespersons and can show that you can support yourself financially in Canada without needing public assistance, this could be a suitable path for you. This is particularly true if you intend to live in Canada but not in the province of Québec.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Program Description: The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTC) is for skilled trade persons aiming to permanently live in Canada (excluding Québec) and economically establish themselves without relying on social services.
Application Method: Processed through the express entry online application management system. Applicants are ranked using a point-based system, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest scorers receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
Point System: Applicants can earn a maximum of 1200 points on the CRS. Points are allocated differently for single and married individuals based on core human capital, skills transferability, and additional factors like provincial nomination and arranged employment.
Language Requirement: Applicants must earn a minimum of CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing in either English or French.
Experience Requirement: Must have two years of Canadian or foreign experience in the last 5 years in a skilled trade under specific NOC groups. A combination of full-time and/or part-time, non-continuous work is also allowed.
Job Offer: A valid LMIA-based job offer for full-time work for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority is required. The job offer can be given by two employers.
Education Requirement: School education is not required, but trade certification is mandatory. Only experience gained after obtaining the required trade certification is counted.
Settlement Funds: Proof of the required amount of funds for the applicant and family members or a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is required.
What You Need:
1. Points: Try to get the highest score you can out of 1,200 points on a scale called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If you're single or married, the points are allocated a bit differently. Here's how the points are divided:
2. Language: You need to score at least CLB/NCLC 5 for talking and listening and CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing in either English or French.
3. Work Experience: You should have worked for at least two years in a skilled trade within the last 5 years. This work should fall under certain job categories known as TEER 2 or TEER 3. Specific NOC groups apply, so make sure your experience is in one of those.
Note: As of the date this information was compiled, the relevant NOC (National Occupational Classification) groups are: 72, 73, 82, 92, 93 excluding the sub-major group of 932, minor group 6320, and unit group 62200. A combination of full-time and/or part-time, non-continuous work is also allowed.
4. Job Offer: You need one of two things:
Note: You can also get a job offer from two different employers, but you must be capable and willing to do the job.
5. Education: You don't need to have gone to school, but you do need a trade certification. Only the work you did after getting this certificate will count toward your application.
6. Money: You need to show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family, unless you already have a job lined up in Canada.
By understanding and meeting these requirements, you're setting yourself up for a strong application under this program.
Here's a simplified guide to help you understand how to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Step 2: Create an Online Profile
Step 3: Wait for Invitation
Important Criteria You Need to Meet
Step 4: Get a High Score on CRS
How Points Are Given: Federal Skilled Trades Program:
Why Your Score Matters: The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Step 5: Language Skills
Step 6: Work Experience
Work Experience Requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program:
Specific Job Categories:
Note: Your work experience should fit into these categories, but be aware that some sub-categories are not accepted for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Step 7: Job Offer or Certification
Step 8: Education
Step 9: Money in the Bank
Step 10: Submit Your Application
By following these ten steps in order, you're setting yourself up for the best chance of getting into this program.
When applying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you'll need to submit several documents to verify the information in your application. Here's a handy checklist:
1. Passport or Travel Document: This proves your identity and nationality.
2. Language Test Results: You'll need official results from an approved agency showing you meet the minimum language requirements.
3. Work Experience Documents: Proof of your work experience is crucial. This can include reference letters, pay stubs, or tax documents.
4. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: A letter from your future employer offering you a job, or your certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
5. Education Credentials Assessment (ECA) Report: If you're using education to bolster your application, you'll need an ECA report from an approved agency.
6. Medical Exam Confirmation: You'll need to undergo a medical examination by an approved doctor and provide confirmation.
7. Police Certificates: These are required to prove you have no criminal record. You need one from each country you've lived in for six months or more since age 18.
8. Proof of Funds: You must show you have enough money to settle in Canada unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
The journey towards a new life in Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades Program involves a fair amount of paperwork and patience. However, with thorough preparation, careful attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the process, your pathway to Canadian residency can become a lot smoother.
The application process for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) follows specific stages. Here's a step-by-step rundown in a layman-friendly, structured format:
1. Completeness Check:
2. Eligibility Evaluation:
3. Scoring and Ranking:
4. Invitation to Apply (ITA):
5. Further Documentation:
6. In-Depth Review:
7. Security and Medical Checks:
8. Decision Phase:
9. Notification:
10. Landing and Entry:
11. Receipt of Permanent Resident Card:
Please note that these steps serve as general guidelines and may differ slightly depending on specific circumstances. Always refer to the most current information provided by IRCC for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
When budgeting for your immigration journey, it's essential to consider both the financial and time investments.
Processing Times: The processing time for applications under the Federal Skilled Trades Program is typically around six months. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application. It's best to check the Government of Canada's official website for the most current processing times.
Application Fees: You need to pay a processing fee and a right of permanent residence fee when you submit your application. Please check the official website for the most current fees. The primary costs associated with the application are the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee. If you're bringing family members with you, there would be additional charges for them as well. As these fees are subject to change, always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Remember, there may be additional costs involved, such as fees for obtaining necessary documents (like passports, medical exams, or police certificates), language testing, and education credential assessments.
Applying for the FSTP involves careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you prepare your application:
1. Prepare Well in Advance: Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents, take language tests, and complete all parts of the application. Rushing can lead to mistakes or oversights.
2. Be Truthful and Accurate: Ensure all the information you provide is accurate and truthful. Providing misleading information can lead to application denial or even a ban from reapplying.
3. Consult with an Immigration Professional: If you're unsure about anything in the process, consider seeking advice from an immigration professional. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help ensure you're on the right track.
4. Stay Up-to-Date with Changes: Immigration rules and procedures can change. Regularly check the Government of Canada's official website for updates related to the FSTP.
5. Proofread Your Application: A simple typo or error could delay your application or result in denial. Make sure to review all your information before submitting.
With careful planning, diligent preparation, and a commitment to accuracy, you can navigate the Federal Skilled Trades Program application process successfully. Remember, this is a significant step in your journey to building a prosperous life in Canada, so take your time and ensure you've put your best foot forward.
When embarking on the application process for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, there are several vital practices to follow and pitfalls to avoid.
Dos:
1. Provide Complete and Accurate Information: Fill out your application thoroughly and correctly. Leaving out information or providing inaccurate details could delay your application or lead to refusal.
2. Regularly Check Your Application Status: Keep an eye on your application status online to stay updated and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
3. Follow Instructions Carefully: Each part of the application process has specific instructions. Make sure to read and follow them closely.
Don'ts:
1. Avoid Fraudulent Activity: Engaging in fraudulent activity, such as using false documents, could lead to severe consequences, including being barred from reapplying.
2. Don't Misrepresent: Providing false information or omitting relevant details in your application is considered misrepresentation and can result in application denial and a possible ban from reapplying.
3. Don't Overstay Your Authorized Period: If you're in Canada while applying, ensure you maintain legal status and do not stay beyond your authorized period.
Let's imagine a hypothetical case to illustrate how one might navigate the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) application process in Canada.
Case Example: Meet John, a Plumber from Country X
Background:
John is a 32-year-old plumber with 5 years of work experience in his trade. He is married and has good English language skills. He also has some savings and is looking to immigrate to Canada for better opportunities.
Step 1: Eligibility Check
Step 2: Create Online Profile
Step 3: Enter the Candidate Pool
Step 4: Wait for an Invitation
Step 5: Complete Application
Step 6: Review and Verification
Step 7: Decision Time
Step 8: Prepare for Arrival
Within a few months of his the Federal Skilled Trades Program approval, John and his family move to Canada, where he starts working as a plumber and begins his new life.
By following each step properly, John successfully navigates the FSTP application process and achieves his dream of moving to Canada.
Q1. What kinds of skilled trades are eligible for the FSTP?
A1. The FSTP covers a wide range of skilled trades, including but not limited to: industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, equipment operation, technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, certain skilled trades in manufacturing, processing, and cooking in the food industry.
Q2. How does the Express Entry system relate to the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
A2. The Express Entry system is an online immigration application system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. The Federal Skilled Trades Program is one of the three programs managed under the Express Entry system.
Q3. How can I prove my language proficiency for the FSTP application?
A3. You can prove your language proficiency by taking an approved language test in English or French. You must meet the minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Q4. What is the significance of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) in this process?
A4. The NOC is a system used by the Canadian government to classify jobs. It describes duties, skills, talents and work settings for different jobs. For the FSTP, your skilled trade must be listed in NOC Skill Level B.
Q5. Can I apply for the FSTP without a job offer?
A5. Yes, but without a job offer, you must have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
Q6. What happens after I receive an invitation to apply?
A6. After you receive an invitation to apply, you'll have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This includes all supporting documentation.
Q7. Can my family members come with me if I'm accepted through the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
A7. Yes, your spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, can come with you to Canada if you're accepted through the Federal Skilled Trades Program. They will need to be included in your application.
Q8. How often are Express Entry draws conducted?
A8. Express Entry draws typically occur every two weeks, but the exact schedule can vary.
Q9. What are my options if my application is denied?
A9. If your application is denied, the reason for denial will be explained. You can address these issues and reapply or consider other immigration options.
Q10. How can I increase my chances of being invited to apply through the Express Entry system?
A10. To increase your chances, ensure that your Express Entry profile is complete and accurate, improve your language skills, gain more skilled work experience, or obtain a Canadian job offer or a nomination from a Canadian province or territory.
Always make sure to check with the specific institution or official Canadian government resources for the most accurate and updated information about the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The official government website for immigration-related matters. Here, you'll find in-depth information about the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Express Entry, and other immigration programs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Kamal Akhtar (Immigration Lawyer)
Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public
BCOM; MBA; LL.B; LL.M (York University, Toronto)
As the founder of this website and your guide through the complexities of Canadian immigration law, my academic credentials include a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) and Master of Law (LL.M) from York University, Toronto, complemented by an Honours Diploma in Immigration Consulting. I am a lawyer licensed by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). My affiliation with legal associations such as the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA), the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC), the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), and the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) underscores my commitment to immigration policies and practices. I share insights shaped by over 25 years of legal experience. Please note that information on this website does not constitute legal or professional advice.