Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): Eligibility, Qualifying Trades, and How to Apply

What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is one of three federal immigration programs managed through Canada's Express Entry system. It provides a dedicated pathway to permanent residency for qualified tradespeople who have experience in specific skilled trades.

Canada has a significant and growing demand for skilled tradespeople. The FST program is designed to fill workforce gaps in industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance by attracting experienced tradespeople from around the world or retaining those already working in Canada.

The FST is less commonly used than the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), partly because it requires either a valid job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification. However, for eligible tradespeople, it offers a direct route to permanent residency with lower language requirements than the FSW.

Official IRCC page: Federal Skilled Trades Program

Eligibility Requirements

Work Experience

You must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or the equivalent in part-time hours) in a qualified skilled trade within the five years before you apply.

• Full-time means at least 30 hours per week
• Two years of full-time equals at least 3,120 hours total
• Part-time work can be combined (for example, 15 hours per week for four years)
• The work experience can be gained in Canada or abroad
• The experience must be in one of the qualifying NOC codes for skilled trades

Your work experience must match the requirements described in the NOC for your specific trade, including the lead statement and main duties.

Qualifying Skilled Trades

The FST covers skilled trades in specific NOC groups. These generally fall into the following categories:

Major Group 72: Industrial, Electrical, and Construction Trades

• Electricians (NOC 72200)
• Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Pipefitters and steamfitters (NOC 72301)
• Carpenters and cabinetmakers (NOC 72310)
• Bricklayers (NOC 72320)
• Ironworkers (NOC 72401)
• Crane operators (NOC 72400)
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72410)

Major Group 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades

• Automotive service technicians (NOC 72410)
• Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400)
• Welders (NOC 72106)

Major Group 82: Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources and Agriculture

• Certain supervisory positions in mining, oil and gas, forestry, and agriculture

Major Group 92: Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Supervisors

• Supervisors in manufacturing and processing industries

Other trade groups:

• Chefs and cooks (NOC 63200, 63201)
• Butchers and bakers (NOC 63201, 63202)

For the complete list of qualifying NOC codes, check the IRCC website or search the NOC database at NOC 2021.

Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

You must have at least one of the following:

Option A: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer

• The job offer must be for full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week)
• It must be for a period of at least one year from the date you become a permanent resident
• The job must be in the skilled trade you are claiming
• You need job offers from up to two employers, totaling at least 30 hours per week

Option B: A certificate of qualification in your skilled trade

• The certificate must be issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority
• This certificate confirms that you have passed a certification exam and meet all requirements to practice your trade in that province or territory
• Obtaining a certificate often requires an assessment of your qualifications and may require additional training or examinations

Note that a certificate of qualification is different from a job offer. You need only one of these two options, not both.

Language Requirements

FST has the lowest language requirements of the three Express Entry programs:

| Ability | Minimum CLB Level | |---------|------------------| | Speaking | CLB 5 | | Listening | CLB 5 | | Reading | CLB 4 | | Writing | CLB 4 |

Approved language tests:

• English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP General
• French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada

While the minimums are lower than FSW requirements, higher language scores will significantly improve your CRS score and your chances of receiving an ITA.

Education

There is no minimum education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You do not need a degree, diploma, or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to qualify.

However, if you have educational credentials and want them to count toward your CRS score, you will need an ECA for foreign education or proof of Canadian education.

Proof of Funds

If you do not have a valid job offer in Canada and are not currently legally authorized to work in Canada, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient settlement funds. The amounts are the same as for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and are based on family size.

If you have a valid job offer or are already working in Canada with authorization, you are exempt from the proof of funds requirement.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Qualification

Getting a Canadian certificate of qualification from outside Canada can be challenging, as each province and territory has its own certification process. Here is the general approach:

1. Research provincial requirements. Each province and territory has a trades certification body. For example, Ontario uses the Ontario College of Trades (now Skilled Trades Ontario), while British Columbia has the Skilled Trades BC (formerly Industry Training Authority).

2. Apply for a trade assessment. Contact the relevant provincial body and submit your credentials, trade qualifications, and work experience documentation for assessment.

3. Complete any required examinations. Many provinces require you to pass a certification exam. Some exams can be taken from outside Canada, while others require you to be present in the province.

4. Obtain your certificate. Once you meet all requirements, the provincial authority issues a certificate of qualification.

Provincial trade certification bodies:

• Ontario: Skilled Trades Ontario
• British Columbia: Skilled Trades BC
• Alberta: Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training

For a national overview: Red Seal Program

The Red Seal endorsement is recognized across Canada and can make it easier to work in multiple provinces. If your trade is a Red Seal trade, passing the Red Seal exam gives you an interprovincial certification.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Identify Your NOC Code

Search the NOC database to find the code that matches your trade. Read the full description including the lead statement, main duties, and employment requirements to confirm your work experience aligns.

Search NOC codes

Step 2: Confirm You Have a Job Offer or Certificate

Ensure you have either a valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer in your trade, or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.

If you have a job offer, your employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your application. Some job offers are LMIA-exempt depending on the type of work permit and trade.

Step 3: Take an Approved Language Test

Register for and complete an IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada test. While the minimum requirements are lower than FSW, aim for higher scores to improve your CRS ranking.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare the following:

• Valid passport
• Language test results
• Proof of work experience (reference letters detailing duties, hours, dates, and employer information)
• Job offer letter or certificate of qualification
• Proof of funds (if applicable)
• Educational credentials (optional but helpful for CRS)

Step 5: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Log in to your IRCC account and complete the Express Entry online profile. Enter all information accurately, including your NOC code, work experience details, and language scores.

The system will assess your eligibility for FST (and potentially other programs) and calculate your CRS score.

Step 6: Enter the Pool and Wait for a Draw

Your profile enters the Express Entry pool. Watch for draws, including category-based draws that sometimes target trades occupations specifically.

Step 7: Receive an ITA and Apply

If your CRS score meets the cutoff in a draw, you receive an Invitation to Apply. You then have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with all required documents including police certificates and medical exam results.

CRS Score Considerations for FST Applicants

FST applicants sometimes face challenges with CRS scores because:

• Language minimums are lower, which can mean fewer CRS points from language if you score at or near the minimum
• Many tradespeople may not have post-secondary education, which reduces education points
• Trades work experience may be harder to document in the format IRCC requires

To maximize your CRS score as a trades applicant:

1. Invest in language preparation. Moving from CLB 5 to CLB 7 or higher can add significant CRS points. Consider an intensive language course before your test.

2. Get an ECA if you have education credentials. Even a secondary school diploma or trade school certificate, when assessed through an ECA, adds CRS points.

3. Explore Provincial Nominee Programs. Several provinces have PNP streams specifically targeting skilled trades. A nomination adds 600 CRS points. Provinces with trades-focused streams include British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Atlantic provinces.

4. Watch for category-based draws. IRCC has introduced category-based draws that may specifically target trades occupations, which can mean lower CRS cutoffs for qualified tradespeople.

Trades in Demand Across Canada

Canada's demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow. Key sectors include:

• Construction: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, and welders are consistently in demand due to ongoing infrastructure and housing projects across the country
• Manufacturing: Industrial mechanics, machinists, and tool and die makers are needed in manufacturing hubs
• Transportation: Heavy-duty mechanics and diesel engine mechanics are in demand, especially in western Canada
• Food services: Chefs and cooks qualify under specific NOC codes and are needed across the country

The demand varies by province, so researching provincial labour market needs can help you identify where your skills are most valued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for FST without a job offer?

Only if you have a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory. You need at least one of these two: a valid job offer or a certificate.

Do I need Red Seal certification?

Red Seal is not required, but it is recognized across all provinces and can strengthen your application. If your trade is Red Seal eligible, it is worth pursuing.

Can I gain my two years of experience outside Canada?

Yes. Unlike CEC, FST accepts work experience gained in any country, as long as it is in a qualifying skilled trade.

What if my trade is not on the qualifying list?

If your trade does not fall under the qualifying NOC codes, you cannot apply through FST. However, you may be eligible under FSW or CEC if your occupation qualifies under those programs.

How long does FST processing take?

IRCC aims to process FST applications within approximately six months after you submit your complete permanent residence application.

Useful Resources

• FST eligibility
• NOC classification
• Red Seal Program
• Express Entry draws
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• CRS calculator