Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of the three federal immigration programs operated through the Express Entry system.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of the three federal immigration programs operated through the Express Entry system.
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canada is not just famous for inviting STEM professionals, but skilled trades workers too. And the number rises every year, surpassing the previous year’s thousands of invitations. 2025 is going to be a great year for the trades workers, wishing to work and live in Canada.
Listed as one of the three programs of the Express Entry system, the Canadian Experience Class employs the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess candidates.
This program is specifically designed for the skilled trade workers who want to become Canadian Permanent Residents. Federal Skilled Trades is one of the fastest options for people from qualified trades to obtain Canadian PR via Express Entry.
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Candidates qualifying for the following programs are eligible to apply under the Express Entry Program:
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Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements
The candidates must score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on FSTP’s eligibility point grid. This doesn’t mean the candidate would get the Invitation to Apply for the Canadian PR, rather these 100 points determine the candidate’s eligibility to just enter the FSWP pool of the Express Entry program.
The Federal Trades Worker program assesses the profile of candidates based on six selection factors:
- Age
- Language skills
- Education
- Experience
- Arranged employment in Canada
- Adaptability
To qualify for the Federal Trades Worker program, a candidate must meet the minimum requirements in each scoring category:
| Factors | Points |
|---|---|
| Education | 25 |
| Language Proficiency | 28 |
| Age | 12 |
| Work Experience | 15 |
| Arranged Employment | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Minimum Passing Score | 67 |
Work Experience
If you want to apply for the Canadian PR under the Express Entry stream, you must be eligible for one of its economic immigration programs. The basic eligibility criteria is that you have to score at least 67 points out of the 100 eligibility points, based on six selection factors.
The following occupation groups are considered as skilled trades by Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:
| NOC Code | Occupation Group |
|---|---|
| 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 92 | processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and central control operators |
| Major Group 632 | chefs and cooks |
| Major Group 633 | butchers and bakers |
Need more information or have questions about Federal Skilled Trades Visa?
Universal Adviser is here to answer your questions and guide you through the Federal Skilled Trades Program application process.
Canadian Employment
The candidate must have a valid offer of full-time employment for a position lasting at least 12-months or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade, issued by a provincial or territorial authority of Canada.
Language
Candidates are required to score a minimum CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 4 in English or French.
Residence in Canada
The candidate must intend to reside outside the province of Quebec
Documents required for FSTP in 2025
When submitting your Express Entry profile under the FST program, you need to provide the following documents:
- Language Test Results
Candidates applying under Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Trades program need to provide valid English/French language test results.
- Identification Documents
This part requires information from identification documents. Candidates should make sure that they and all accompanying family members (if any) possess valid passports for travel.
- Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
To claim points for study attained outside of Canada, an FST candidate needs to provide a valid ECA report. You do not require an ECA report for education obtained in Canada.
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Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Application Procedure in 2025
Eligible candidates need to create & submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After submitting your profile, you will be assigned a CRS score and ranked in the Express Entry pool for future Express Entry draws.
- Step 1: Assess Eligibility for FSTP
To apply for the FSTP Express Entry, you must fulfill the Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements. Begin your evaluation here to verify your eligibility.
- Step 2: Education Evaluation (ECA)
If you’ve undergone an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) with one of the authorized organizations, you can claim FSTP CRS points for your education. One of the reputable organizations authorized to conduct ECAs is WES.
- Step 3: Language Proficiency Examination (IELTS or Equivalent)
To garner FSTP CRS points based on your Language Skills, you’re required to take examinations such as IELTS, CELPIP, or equivalent French language tests.
- Step 4: Creation of Express Entry Profile
Upon completing your ECA and Language tests, you’ll accumulate adequate FSTP points to craft an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Step 5: Receipt of ITA
Only candidates meeting the cut-off score requirements in the Latest FSTP Draw receive an invitation to apply. Upon successful reception of an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates are granted a two-month period to prepare and submit the Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
- Step 6: Medical Examination and Police Clearance (PCC)
Following this, Federal Skilled Trades candidates must undergo a medical examination and police clearance stage to progress to the subsequent process phase.
- Step 7: Processing Phase
IRCC handles your application at this stage. A visa officer will inform you if additional documentation is needed to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Step 8: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)
Your FSTP application is ultimately approved by IRCC, and you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR).
- Step 9: Relocation to Canada
Subsequently, you can relocate to Canada as a skilled trades worker.
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