Federal Skilled Trades Program: Permanent Residence for Skilled Tradespeople
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is the Express Entry route for people qualified in a skilled trade, such as electricians, welders, plumbers, machinists, mechanics, bakers and chefs. It has lower language requirements than the other two programs and no education requirement.
Minimum requirements
Work experience. At least two years of full-time work, or 3,120 hours, in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply. All of it must be in the same NOC occupation, paid, and gained in a country where you were qualified to practise that trade. Work done while studying does not count.
Eligible trades. The occupation must fall within these NOC groups: Major Groups 72 (excluding 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, and 93 (excluding 932), Minor Group 6320 (cooks, butchers and bakers), and Unit Group 62200 (chefs).
Duties. You must have performed the actions in the lead statement of the occupation and most of its main duties.
Job offer or certificate. You need one of the following: - a valid job offer of full-time work for at least one year, or - a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian province, territory or federal authority.
Language. CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Education. None required. A Canadian or assessed foreign credential can add CRS points.
Proof of funds. Required, unless you are legally able to work in Canada and hold a valid job offer.
Where you plan to live. Outside Quebec.
Certificate of qualification
A certificate of qualification shows you are qualified to work in a trade in Canada. To earn one, you must have your training, experience and skills assessed by a provincial, territorial or federal body and pass a certification exam. Each province sets its own process, and some require you to be in the province or to gain experience with a Canadian employer. If your province does not certify your trade, you will need a job offer instead.
After you qualify
Meeting the minimums puts you in the Express Entry pool, where your CRS score decides whether you are invited. IRCC also runs category-based rounds for trade occupations. Read more in our CRS and category rounds guide.
Get help from a licensed consultant
Trades applications hinge on the right occupation code, a genuine match to the duties, and the right job offer or certificate. I can review your situation and represent you from start to finish. No one can guarantee an invitation or an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer to apply? You need either a valid one-year full-time job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
Are all trades eligible? No. Only occupations in the NOC groups listed above qualify.
Does trade experience gained abroad count? Yes, if you were qualified to practise the trade in that country and the work was paid and within the last five years.
Do I need to speak English or French at a high level? The minimums are lower than for the other programs: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Can I use work I did as an apprentice while studying? Work gained while studying does not count toward the minimum requirements.
Sources: IRCC, Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program; Express Entry: Who can apply.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.