The Federal Skilled Traders Program (FSTP) is one of the three federal immigration programs managed via Express Entry. The other two include the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FWSP).
The program allows qualified, skilled traders from around the world to immigrate to Canada.
Like all other programs, the FSTP is a merit-based point program and is assessed via the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Only the most qualified applicants received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent Residence in Canada.
Since its launch in 2013, the FSTP has allowed many skilled traders to immigrate and reside in Canada permanently. Due to the fact that it is managed under the Express entry, which is allowed an average of 110,000 immigration spots per year, the FSTP is among the easiest and quickest ways to immigrate to Canada. Quickest? Yes, because it only takes about six months to process your application once an ITA is received.
Why choose the FSTP?
Due to the low birth rate and ageing population in Canada, the federal government is taking the initiative of ensuring that the labour and economic need are met, hence the introduction of several Express Entry programs. Unlike the other programs, the FSTP does not require the applicant to prove their level of education, thus making it easier for most people to apply and the opportunity of being selected with low CRS scores.
Another significant advantage is that applicants receive Permanent residence in Canada, unlike regular work permits. With a certificate of qualification as a skilled trader, one does not require to have a job offer while applying for the program.
How can I apply for the program?
As stated earlier, the program is managed through Express Entry. Therefore, one must submit a profile on the Express Entry on the IRCC’s website. Once the profile is uploaded, you will receive a CRS score based on your qualifications like education, language proficiency and age. It is essential to upload proof of the capabilities you claim in your application. For example, evidence of language proficiency requires you to upload the results of the test you took in your chosen Language.
IRCC holds draws every two weeks, and once your application is submitted, it is vital to follow this to know whether you receive an ITA. Once the invitations are issued, the IRCC gives applicants deadlines for submitting their permanent residency application. IRCC takes about six months to process your permanent residency.
What qualifications do I need? | eligibility Criteria for FSTP.
Before applying for any program in the Express Entry, one must ensure that they meet the minimum requirements set for the program they are applying for. This will help increase your chances of selection and your CRS score, which is used to rank applicants.
FSTP minimum requirements:
- Language proficiency
- Skilled work experience
- Language proficiency.
Applicants must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 for speaking and listening and a CLB of 4 for reading and writing. Only approved language tests are accepted in the application. These are:
For English
- The Canadian English language proficiency index program (CELPIP)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is accepted.
For French
- The Test d’évaluation de français (TEF)
- The Test de connaissance du français (TCF) tests
One is required to enter their test results in their Express Entry profile, and proof of the results is needed.
- Skilled work experience
The applicant must have at least two years’ experience in the recognized skilled traders groups provided by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) to be eligible. All the occupational descriptions have duties in the lead statement, and the applicant must prove that they engaged in these duties. Similarly, they must prove that they also performed all the essential duties and most of the primary duties stated.
The NOC groups for skilled traders are:
Major group 72 | Industrial, construction traders and electricians |
Major group 73 | Maintenance and equipment operation traders (General trades) |
Major group 82 | supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production |
Major group 83 | natural resources and related production occupations |
Major group 92 | processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors, and utility operators and controllers |
Major group 93 | Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors (Sub-Major Group 932 is EXCLUDED) |
Minor group 6320 | Butchers, cooks and bakers |
Unit group 62200 | Chefs |
Note: When applying for the FSTP, one must either have a
- A valid job offer of at least 1-year full-employment
Or
- A Canadian certificate of qualification in their skilled trade.
Get assessed by the province or territory
You’ll likely have to go to the province or territory to be assessed for your trade. You may also need an employer in Canada to give you experience and training.
Other requirements
3. Education
Unlike the other Express entry programs, the FSTP has no education requirement, but prior education can help increase your CRS score. But, if you want to improve your rank in the Express Entry pool, there are 2 ways you can do this.
- A certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
- After the Education Credential Assessment (ECA) assessment, your foreign education credentials are equivalent to a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution certification. – rearrange this to make sense like it does in the highlighted section below.
- If you have foreign education, you can get points for a completed educational credential, if you have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes from a designated organization showing that your education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian:
- secondary institution (high school) or
- post-secondary institution
4. Do I need proof of funds?
Yes. The applicant must prove that they have sufficient money to help them or their family settle in Canada unless they have a valid job offer and are already legal workers in Canada.
How much money you’ll need
The amount of money you need to support your family depends on the size of your family.
This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada as of June 9, 2022. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application.
Number of | Funds required |
1 | $13,310 |
2 | $16,570 |
3 | $20,371 |
4 | $24,733 |
5 | $28,052 |
6 | $31,638 |
7 | $35,224 |
For each additional family member | $3,586 |
5. Admissibility
One must be admissible to Canada
6.Where can I live in Canada?
You must plan to settle outside the province of Quebec as this province selects its only skilled workers.
7. How can we help you?
If you’re interested in applying for this program, you can book a consultation with us, and we will conduct an eligibility test as well as help you process your application.
We are dedicated to helping you immigrate to Canada, Professionally, Authentically and Honestly