Federal Skilled Trades Program: Apply for Canadian PR as a Skilled Tradesperson
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for people qualified in a skilled trade. You need 2 years of trade experience, a job offer or a certificate of qualification, and language scores of CLB 5 and CLB 4. We check your trade and your route before you pay for tests.
since 1991
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of three federal programs managed through Express Entry. It is for people qualified in a skilled trade who want to become permanent residents and live outside Quebec.
It has no education requirement and no points grid. You need either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification, and then your CRS (the ranking score IRCC uses) decides whether you are invited.
Do I need a job offer or a certificate?
You need one of the two, not both. That means a valid job offer of full-time work for at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian authority. A job offer no longer adds CRS points, but it still counts for FSTP eligibility.
Why tradespeople choose the FSTP
- No education requirement: your trade experience carries the case
- A lower language bar: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
- Two ways in: a job offer or a certificate of qualification
- Trades draws: IRCC has also run category-based draws for trades occupations
Is the FSTP right for you?
An honest check before you pay for tests or a trade assessment.
A good fit if you have
- 2 years of full-time paid work (3,120 hours) in one skilled trade in the last 5 years
- A trade in NOC Major Group 72, 73, 82, 83, 92 or 93, or a cook, butcher, baker or chef
- A valid job offer of 1 year or more, or a certificate of qualification
- CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing
Consider another route if
- Your trade is not on the eligible NOC list: the Federal Skilled Worker Program may fit
- You already have 1 year of skilled Canadian work: the Canadian Experience Class may fit
- You plan to live in Quebec, which selects its own skilled workers
Compare the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class or the trades occupations draws.
FSTP minimum requirements
You must meet every minimum before you create an Express Entry profile. After an invitation, you apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
Trade experience
At least 2 years of full-time paid work (3,120 hours) in the 5 years before you apply, all in one skilled trade NOC. You must have done the lead statement and most main duties, and met the NOC job requirements.
Offer or certificate
A valid job offer of full-time work for at least 1 year from up to 2 employers, or a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian authority.
Language
CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing, in English or French, from an approved test less than 2 years old.
Education
There is no education requirement. An ECA only matters if you want CRS points for education from outside Canada. See the ECA guide.
Proof of funds
You need enough money to settle your family, unless you can legally work in Canada and hold a valid job offer. You must also plan to live outside Quebec.
Not sure you qualify?
Answer 7 questions for an assessment based on IRCC’s recent draw data.
How the FSTP works with Express Entry
Eligible trades
NOC Major Groups 72 (not 726), 73, 82, 83, 92 and 93 (not 932), Minor Group 6320 (cooks, butchers and bakers) and Unit Group 62200 (chefs). Find your NOC code →
Certificate of qualification
A provincial, territorial or federal authority assesses your training and experience, and you pass an exam. The certificate proves you can work in your trade in Canada.
Job offer rules
An offer must be full time (30+ hours a week) for at least 1 year in an eligible trade. It needs a positive LMIA, or a work permit route that IRCC sets out.
Your CRS rank
The FSTP has no points grid. Express Entry ranks you with the CRS against everyone in the pool. Use our CRS calculator →
Draws
IRCC can run draws for FSTP candidates only, and category-based trades draws can include you too. Track every Express Entry draw →
Provincial nomination
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, and many provinces run trades streams. Open the skilled-worker PNP hub →
Compare other routes
FSTP not the right fit? These pages cover the other federal and provincial routes.
Your application package
Every document must be current and complete. A missing item can delay your file.
Language test results
An approved English or French test. Results are valid for 2 years and must still be valid on the day you apply.
Job offer or certificate
Your written job offer with its LMIA details, or your certificate of qualification.
Trade reference letters
Letters that show your duties, hours, pay and dates match the lead statement and main duties of your NOC.
Police certificates
Certificates from the countries where you lived for a long period, as your IRCC checklist lists them.
Proof of funds
Bank letters on letterhead for money you can access when you apply and when the visa is issued. Skip this if you can work in Canada and hold a valid job offer.
Want your profile reviewed?
We check your NOC match, your hours and your route before you create your Express Entry profile.
How the FSTP works, step by step
Six stages from your first check to your PR application.
Check your fit
We test your trade NOC, your 2 years of hours and your route, a job offer or a certificate, against the FSTP minimums.
Secure your offer or certificate
Line up an LMIA-backed job offer, or get assessed by the trades authority that can issue your certificate of qualification. Book an approved language test too.
Create your Express Entry profile
Enter your details and scores. IRCC ranks you with the CRS against everyone in the pool.
Receive an invitation
If your CRS rank is high enough in a round, IRCC invites you to apply. Your invitation is valid for 60 days only.
Submit your application
Upload your documents, pay the fees and submit through your IRCC account. A medical exam is part of the process.
Decision and PR
IRCC reviews your file. A bridging open work permit can keep you working while you wait. If IRCC approves you, you become a permanent resident.
Ways to raise your CRS rank
Meeting the FSTP minimums gets you into the pool. Your CRS rank decides whether you are invited.
Language
Higher language scores earn more CRS points directly, and they add bonus points when paired with education or work.
Education
Assess every credential. Two or more credentials can add CRS points, and at least one should be 3 or more years of study.
Your spouse
A spouse can add CRS points through language results and education. Their tests are valid for 2 years.
Provincial nomination
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. See the skilled-worker PNP pages for each province.
Your NOC
Choose the NOC that matches your real duties. A mismatch can delay or sink your file.
Want a second set of eyes?
We track your profile and your chances from your first test to your PR application.
Costs and timelines
Typical costs for a single applicant, confirmed during your consultation because government fees change.
Check your FSTP eligibility in 2 minutes
Answer 7 short questions. The tool checks the main FSTP minimums. It is general guidance, not a decision, and it does not calculate your CRS rank.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
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A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
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Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
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From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
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Federal Skilled Trades Program FAQs
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
It is a federal Express Entry program for people qualified in a skilled trade. You need 2 years of full-time trade work in the last 5 years, a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification, and CLB 5 and CLB 4 language scores. Your CRS score then decides whether you are invited.
How much trade experience do I need?
You need at least 2 years of full-time paid work, or 3,120 hours, in one skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply. Part-time hours add up to the same total, and you must have done the lead statement and most main duties of your NOC. See the full PR fee breakdown.
Do I need a job offer or a certificate of qualification?
You need one of them. A valid job offer must be full time for at least 1 year, from up to 2 employers, with a positive LMIA or an approved work permit route. A certificate of qualification comes from a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal trades authority after an assessment and an exam. Read our job offers guide.
What language level do I need?
You need CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing, in English or French. Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you create your profile and when you apply.
Which trades are eligible?
Skilled trades in NOC Major Groups 72 (excluding 726), 73, 82, 83, 92 and 93 (excluding 932), plus Minor Group 6320 (cooks, butchers and bakers) and Unit Group 62200 (chefs). All your experience must be in the same NOC.
Do I need an education credential or proof of funds?
No education credential is required. You do need proof of funds for your family size, unless you can legally work in Canada and hold a valid job offer. See the proof of funds amounts.
Will the program change?
IRCC has consulted on simplifying the three federal high skilled programs and the CRS. Until new rules take effect, the requirements on this page apply, and we update the page when they change.
How do I get started with Amir Ismail and Associates?
Book a Strategy Consultation with Amir Ismail, RCIC R412319. We confirm your trade NOC, your hours and your route before you pay for tests or a trade assessment.