Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program details

The Federal Skilled Trades Program or FSTP is one of the three programs in the Express Entry System which helps international skilled workers to secure a job and permanent residence in Canada.

Skilled workers in various occupations can submit their profiles to the FSTP and get a chance to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.  The selection is based on a lottery system, but the chances of selection are high because Canada has a labor shortage in different occupations.

The government of Canada releases a list of skilled trades that are facing a shortage of labor on a regular basis. Based on this list international workers and those on a temporary work permit can apply in the FSTP to see if they have a chance to be selected.

The list of skilled trades is based on Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) list. If you get your Canadian permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you will be eligible to live and work in Canada and can become a Canadian citizen after a few years.

Eligibility Requirements: Canada Federal Skilled Trades

• Must have an employment offer in Canada (with an employment term of at least one year) or you must have a Certificate of Qualification from a provincial or territorial body
• Must have work experience in a skilled trade for at least two years in a full-time or part-time job
• Must meet or exceed the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) ranking or required language levels in English or French needed for the job by taking the relevant tests
• Applicant must demonstrate his ability to meet the job requirements of the skilled trade as per NOC requirements

Documents requirements

• Current passport and travel history
• Proof of language proficiency
• Police clearance certificate

The FSTP has no educational requirement.