Express Entry - Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 6 months from Invitation to Apply
- Fee
- CAD $1,525 (processing) + $575 (RPRF) = CAD $2,100 per principal applicant
- Validity
- Permanent residence
- Entry
- Single entry
Permanent residence pathway for skilled tradespeople. Must have work experience in an eligible skilled trade under specific NOC groups including industrial/mechanical/electrical trades, maintenance/equipment operations, supervisors/technical jobs in natural resources/agriculture, processing/manufacturing/utilities, chefs/cooks, butchers/bakers. No education requirement from IRCC but must meet requirements of trade.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have at least 2 years of full-time skilled trade work experience within last 5 years. Trade must be in an eligible NOC group. Must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year OR a certificate of qualification in the trade.
-
Criminal record
Must not be inadmissible to Canada. Police certificates required from all countries of residence.
-
Health
Must pass immigration medical examination by designated panel physician.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 0
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Police clearance
Countries required: All countries where applicant lived 6+ months since age 18; Validity months: 12
-
Professional license
Accepted licenses: Certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority, or valid job offer from up to 2 employers; Must be translated: No
-
Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes, must use IRCC-designated panel physician; Validity months: 12
-
Language test score
Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General (English); TEF Canada, TCF Canada (French); Minimum score: CLB 5 for speaking and listening; CLB 4 for reading and writing
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Take language tests, gather employment reference letters, obtain certificate of qualification or job offer letter, and collect identity documents.
-
Online application
Create Express Entry profile with skilled trade work experience and qualifications.
-
Document submission
Submit complete application within 60 days of ITA.
-
Fee payment
Pay CAD $1,525 processing fee plus CAD $575 RPRF per adult applicant.
-
Processing wait
Processing target is 6 months from complete application.