Federal Skilled Trades
An immigration program of the Government of Canada that enables applicants to gain permanent residency in Canada by working in certain skilled trades
Navigating FST with Expert Guidance
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) stands as a prominent immigration initiative led by the Government of Canada, facilitating the acquisition of permanent residency for eligible applicants who possess expertise in specific skilled trades. Tailored to cater to individuals who have already acquired the necessary qualifications and substantial experience in their respective specialized trades, this program serves as a gateway for them to live in Canada.
FST Program Requirements
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) has been crafted to offer skilled tradespeople holding the necessary qualifications and experience the chance to apply for permanent residency in Canada. To meet the eligibility criteria for the FSTP, applicants’ should have the following requirements:
- An offer of employment from a Canadian employer or must have a Canadian qualification certificate by a province or territory within the country.
- Demonstrate at least two years of full-time experience in the specific trade within five years prior to applying
- Meet English/French language proficiency requirements
- Score at least 65 points on the selection grid
- Provide proof of funds if needed
- Possess skills and training that are related to an occupation listed in Canada’s TEER system
- Demonstrate that they will be able to become economically established in Canada
Federal Skilled Trades Program – Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Possess at least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a qualifying skilled trade within the last 5 years before their application;
- Obtain your Certificate of Qualification or other proof of qualification from a province or territory;
- Be able to speak English and/or French at Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 or higher;
- Have a plan to settle in a province or territory other than Quebec; and
- Meet the minimum requirements of the profession as set by the relevant provincial or territorial authority.
How much are the Fees?
The fees associated with the program are $550 and a Right of Permanent Residence Fee amounting to $500. Moreover, applicants are also required to cover the costs related with language testing fees, educational credential assessment fees, and other applicable expenses pertinent to the application for permanent residency.
Eligible occupations
The occupations eligible under this program are organized into six major categories under the TEER system:
- Industrial, Electrical, and Construction Trades
- Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
- Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production
- Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
- Chefs and Cooks
- Other Trades and Related Occupations.
Meeting all the program requirements is crucial for attaining eligibility for permanent residency. These requirements include showcasing proficiency in either English or French and demonstrating the ability to attain economic stability in Canada.
What are Federal Skilled Trades Program processing times?
As a general guideline, the processing of applications for the Federal Skilled Trades Program typically takes around 4-6 months from the moment of submission. Please note that in certain circumstances, processing times for the Federal Skilled Trades Program may extend beyond 10 months due to factors such as high demand or other relevant considerations. It is essential to understand that these timeframes are estimates and can vary depending on individual circumstances.
FAQs
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a wide range of advantages for skilled workers in trade occupations who aspire to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The key benefits of this program are as follows:
- Work Flexibility across Canada: Successful FSTP applicants enjoy the freedom to live and work in any province or territory across Canada, allowing them to choose their desired location.
- Pathway to permanent residency: The FSTP serves as a gateway for foreign nationals to ultimately acquire Canadian citizenship. Once individuals meet the program's eligibility requirements, they can apply for permanent residency in Canada.
- Expedited processing times: FSTP applications undergo faster processing compared to other immigration categories, significantly reducing waiting times for applicants.
- No job offer required: Unlike certain immigration programs, FSTP applicants are not obligated to possess a confirmed job offer or arranged employment in Canada.
The language prerequisites for the Federal Skilled Trades Program necessitate that applicants meet specific language requirements. It is imperative for them to effectively comprehend and communicate in either English or French, demonstrating proficiency at a level equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four language domains: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
A certificate of qualification for the Federal Skilled Trades Program constitutes an official document issued by a provincial or territorial organization. This significant credential serves as concrete evidence of an individual's acknowledged status as a competent tradesperson within their respective Canadian province or territory. It validates their expertise and proficiency in their particular trade.
When it comes to obtaining a certificate of qualification for the Federal Skilled Trades program, there are specific steps you need to follow. To initiate the application process, it is essential to reach out to the relevant authorities in your province or territory. You can easily find comprehensive information about the application procedure on the official websites of most provincial and territorial governments.
Regarding the requirement of a job offer under the Federal Skilled Trades program, while it is not obligatory, it becomes necessary if you do not possess an officially issued certificate of qualification in your skilled trade by a province or territory in Canada. The job offer acts as an alternative means to demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the program.
Under the Federal Skilled Trades program, an eligible job offer must be:
- for a full-time position of at least 30 hours per week;
- in an occupation listed in Canada’s NOC Matrix (National Occupational Classification) as Skill Type B or C; and
- from an employer that is located in Canada.
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