The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration pathway within Canada’s Express Entry system, catering specifically to skilled trades workers seeking permanent residency.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the FSTP:
- Eligibility: Applicants must possess at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the preceding five years. Additionally, they must meet language proficiency standards in either English or French.
- Occupational Focus: The FSTP targets individuals engaged in various skilled trades occupations, encompassing areas such as industrial work, electrical installations, construction, equipment operation, and supervisory roles.
- Certification Requirements: Depending on the trade, applicants might need to furnish evidence of trade certification or licensing issued by the appropriate provincial or territorial authority in Canada.
- Job Offer or Certification: While some occupations mandate a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a Certificate of Qualification from a provincial or territorial authority, it’s not a universal requirement across all trades.
- Express Entry Integration: Participation in the FSTP involves creating an online profile within the Express Entry system. Candidates are then ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Top-scoring candidates are periodically invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency through draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In essence, the Federal Skilled Trades Program serves as a pathway for skilled trades professionals to secure permanent residency in Canada, provided they fulfill the program’s criteria and adhere to its requirement