Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled tradespersons who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications in a skilled trade.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – Permanent Residency for Skilled Tradespeople

Canada has a high demand for qualified skilled trades professionals, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers them a direct pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) under the Express Entry system. At Sober Immigration, we help tradespeople worldwide apply through the FSTP, ensuring their work experience, education, and certifications meet Canadian immigration requirements.

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry. It is designed for skilled workers in specific trade occupations who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the FSTP focuses on hands on skilled trades rather than traditional professional or academic jobs.

Eligible Skilled Trades

To apply, your work experience must fall under the following categories of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

Major Group 72 – Industrial, electrical, and construction trades

Major Group 73 – Maintenance and equipment operation trades

Major Group 82 – Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production

Major Group 83 – Occupations in natural resources and agriculture

Major Group 92 – Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and central control operators

Minor Group 6320 – Cooks, butchers, bakers, and chefs

Unit Group 62200 – Butchers and meat cutters

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under the FSTP, you must meet the following requirements:

1: Work Experience

At least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.

2: Job Offer or Certificate

A valid job offer of full-time employment in Canada for at least 1 year, OR

A Certificate of Qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority

3: Language Ability

Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.

Must take an approved test (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF)

4: Other Requirements

Must meet job requirements for your trade as listed in the NOC.

Must intend to live outside Quebec

Education is not required for FSTP eligibility, but having Canadian or foreign education can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program

The FSTP offers several advantages for skilled tradespeople:

Pathway to PR specifically for tradespeople

Lower language requirements compared to other Express Entry streams

No formal education requirement

High demand for skilled trades across Canada

Opportunity to settle with family as permanent residents

Documents Required

A complete FSTP application typically includes:

Valid passport

Proof of work experience in a skilled trade (contracts, reference letters, pay slips)

Job offer or Canadian Certificate of Qualification

Language test results

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – optional, but boosts CRS score

Police clearance and medical exam

Proof of funds (unless already working in Canada)

Common Challenges for FSTP Applicants

Applicants often face these challenges:

Difficulty obtaining Canadian Certificate of Qualification without being in Canada

Employers hesitant to issue proper job offers for immigration purposes

Applicants failing to match their work experience with the correct NOC trade code

Low CRS scores compared to other Express Entry candidates

How Sober Immigration Helps

At Sober Immigration, we provide comprehensive support:

Evaluate your work experience and confirm if it matches an eligible trade

Guide you on obtaining a Certificate of Qualification or valid job offer

Help improve your CRS score through strategies like PNP nominations

Prepare complete, error-free Express Entry applications

Advise on pathways to PR even if your CRS score is low

Why Choose Sober Immigration?

Our expertise in skilled trades immigration includes:

Licensed immigration consultants with expertise in skilled trades immigration

Proven success assisting tradespeople from industries such as construction, trucking, agriculture, and hospitality

Clear, transparent advice tailored to your career and background

Full-service support – from Express Entry profile creation to final PR approval

Skilled Trades Immigration Specialists

Our FSTP team includes specialists with deep understanding of Canadian trades systems, provincial certification processes, and skilled trades immigration pathways.

Immigration Lawyers

Expert legal guidance for complex cases

Visa Experts

Specialized knowledge in visa processes

Case Officers

Dedicated support for your application

Why Choose Sober Immigration?

Licensed Canadian immigration consultants with extensive Express Entry experience. Transparent, honest CRS evaluations before you apply. Proven success helping both Canadian residents and applicants abroad.

Trades Certification Expertise

Specialized knowledge in Canadian trades certification and licensing processes

FSTP Application Specialization

Dedicated expertise in Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements

Trade-Specific Language Support

Understanding of trade-specific language requirements and testing

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about work permits and employment in Canada.

Still Have Questions?

Our immigration experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance with your work permit application.

Common Challenges Applicants Face

Overstating trade skills, experience level, or certification status

Examples include:

•Accurately represent actual trade experience and skills
•Verify all trade certifications and licenses
•Ensure employers can confirm trade-specific duties
•Maintain honest timeline of apprenticeships and training

Always provide truthful, verified information.

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Yes, it is the right decision as Canada is safe and beautiful with a lot of job opportunities and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers.

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