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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
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Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

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1Question 1 of 4 — Do you have 2+ years of full-time skilled trade experience?
2Question 2 of 4 — Do you have a valid Canadian job offer or provincial trade certification?
3Question 3 of 4 — Do you meet CLB 5 / CLB 4 reading & writing thresholds?
4Question 4 of 4 — Do you intend to live outside Quebec?

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Pass mark

1200 points

Minimum to be eligible; recent invitation cut-offs can be higher by occupation.

Typical timeline

6 months

Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.

Job offer

Independent

Not required

No employer sponsorship is needed.

Points breakdown

Guide
Max possible: 100 ptsPass mark: 1200 pts
Pass mark line shows how the minimum sits against the theoretical maximum.
Age
12 pts

Points based on applicant's age.

Education
25 pts

Higher education earns more points.

Language Skills
28 pts

Points for English/French proficiency.

Skilled Work Experience
15 pts

More skilled experience, more points.

Arranged Employment
10 pts

Points for valid job offer.

Adaptability
10 pts

Points for factors aiding settlement.

Language requirements

Language requirements

Accepted tests
IELTS/CELPIP (or TEF/TCF equivalents)

Higher language scores can improve competitiveness in points-based or invitation-driven pathways.

Occupation lists

Eligible occupations(4/4)

  • 1Common eligible trades (examples)(4)
    Electrician (NOC 7241)Carpenter (NOC 7271)Chef (NOC 6322)Industrial Mechanic (NOC 7311)

Program overview

Overview

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canada Express Entry stream designed for skilled trade professionals.
It recognizes practical trade experience and certification, providing a clear pathway to Canadian permanent residency for in-demand trades.

Official

Government fees

Total (CAD): CA$1,365
  • FSTP — PR Application (principal applicant)

    —

    CA$1,365
  • Additional applicant charges (spouse / child)

    —

    —

Eligibility

  • Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within last 5 years.
  • Occupation must be an eligible trade under Canadian NOC/TEER rules.
  • Either a valid job offer for at least 1 year in Canada OR a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
  • Meet language thresholds (CLB 5 speaking/listening; CLB 4 reading/writing).
  • Intend to live outside Quebec and meet health and character checks.

Key benefits

  • Permanent Residency pathway tailored for skilled tradespeople.
  • No formal degree required — emphasis on practical trade experience.
  • Faster processing once ITA is received (around 6 months).
  • PNP nomination can add 600 CRS points for priority selection.
  • Work and settle anywhere in Canada (except Quebec).
Checklist

Document checklist

7 total items

Documents vary by profile; we’ll tailor your list.

Identity & Civil
2 items
  • Passport and national ID
  • Birth/marriage certificates
Trade Credentials
2 items
  • Certificate of Qualification or provincial trade licence
  • Employer references, work logs and payslips
Language & Tests
1 item
  • IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF results
Health & Character
2 items
  • Medical examination
  • Police certificates for all countries lived in 12+ months
Snapshot

Eligible dependents

4 of 4 categories included

4 of 4 categories eligible. Children up to 22. Parents from 0+ years. Spouse included. Siblings included.

IncludedNot included
Spouse
Included
Yes
Children
Up to 22 years22
Yes
Parents
From 0+ years0+
Yes
Siblings
Included
Yes

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Confirm trade, experience and language eligibility.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Language Test

    Take IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF and meet CLB thresholds.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Obtain Certification or Job Offer

    Secure provincial certificate or valid full-time job offer.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Create Express Entry Profile

    Enter the pool under the FSTP stream.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Receive ITA & Apply

    Submit a complete PR application within 60 days of ITA.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Who this program is NOT for

  • Lack of required trade certification or valid job offer (when applicable).
  • Insufficient or unverifiable work experience.
  • Not meeting required language thresholds.

Not a match? Explore other programs in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Yes — either a valid job offer of at least 1 year OR a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification.

No formal degree is required, but an ECA can still boost CRS points.

Processing typically completes in around 6 months after ITA.

Yes, unless you have a valid job offer and authorization to work in Canada.

Client testimonials

“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2Auto

Why work with us

A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.

  1. Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
  2. Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
  3. End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
  4. Confidential handling and white-glove concierge for families.
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