One of the three categories included in the Canadian immigration Express Entry system is the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It is designed for skilled workers who want to move to another country permanently and are certified in a skilled profession. A valid job offer of full-time employment for a minimum of twelve consecutive months is required for the FSTP, as is a Canadian authority-issued certificate of qualification in a skilled trade.

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These are the main National Occupation Classifications (NOC) categories under which the skilled trades for the “Federal Skilled Trades Program” are categorized:

 

 

1. Major Group 72                        Construction and Industrial electrical trades

2. Major Group 73                         Equipment operation and maintenance trades

3. Major Group 82                         Technical jobs and Supervisors in natural          

                                                          resources agriculture and related production

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

5. Minor Group 632                        Cooks and Chefs

6. Minor Group 633                        Bakers and Butchers

 

Your job history must match the requirements listed in the specific NOC in order for us to accept your application. You can figure out your Express Entry points for this scheme using the CIC CRS calculator or tool. Express Entry Canada encourages you to apply for this program to become a Permanent Resident of Canada once your score equals or exceeds the current draws.

 

Minimum criteria for this program:

 

1. Experience in Skilled Work 

You should have at least 24 months of skilled trade job experience. and should be:
• in one of skilled trades mentioned above;
• in a full-time position; or similar period in a part-time position;
• Within the period of last five years of application

 

 

2. Education

There is no criteria for a minimum education for this program, but you can increase your CRS points by:
• Attaining a Diploma, Degree, or Certificate from a secondary or post-secondary Canadian institution;
• Obtaining an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report  for your foreign education by submitting your documents to a designated institution.

 

 

3. Proficiency in Language

You must complete one of the following approved language tests –

 IELTS, CELPIP-G, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada, 

and get a minimum language score in speaking and listening of CLB 5; and  in reading and writing of CLB 4

 

 

4. Proof of Financial Support

You should be able to show sufficient available funds for yourself and your family to be able to settle in Canada, unless if:
– Presently you areable to work in Canada, or;
– You have a valid job offer in Canada

 

 

5. Other determining factors

Admissibility; Age; Marital Status; Close Relatives in Canada, Authorized Trade Assessment; etc.

 

 

Benefits of this program:

 

• The application system is fully electronic

• Processing times are faster than Provincial Nomination Program (PNPs).

• There is no limit to the number of applicants who can apply to the Express Entry Pool via the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

 

 

 

Want to find out if you’re eligible for this program or how to apply for it?