The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway to Canadian permanent residency specifically designed for skilled tradespersons who possess experience in a designated trade. The program is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, which aims to attract skilled workers to contribute to the country’s economy and address labor shortages in specific sectors.
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Federal Skilled Trades Program – Eligibility Criteria
Skilled Trade Experience:
- Candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the last five years prior to applying.
- The skilled trade experience must be in one of the eligible occupations listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
- The work experience should be in a skilled trade classified under Skill Level B, Skill Type 1, or Skill Type 2 in the NOC system.
Job Requirements:
- Candidates must meet the job requirements for their skilled trade as outlined in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- This includes possessing the necessary skills, qualifications, and certifications required for the specific trade.
- A certificate of qualification is not required, but candidates must demonstrate that they meet the job requirements for their skilled trade.
Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification:
- Candidates must have either a valid job offer of full-time employment in Canada for a minimum period of one year from a Canadian employer in their skilled trade OR
- Hold a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
Language Proficiency:
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a designated language test approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- The minimum language proficiency required is CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Settlement Funds:
- Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada, unless they are already legally working in Canada and have a valid work permit.
- The amount of settlement funds required depends on the size of the candidate’s family.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):
- If the candidate’s education was completed outside of Canada, they must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved agency.
- The ECA is used to verify that the candidate’s foreign educational credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.
Conclusion
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) provides a pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled tradespersons who meet the eligibility criteria. By fulfilling the requirements related to skilled trade experience, job requirements, language proficiency, and other factors, candidates can apply for permanent residency through the FSTP and contribute to Canada’s workforce and economy.
Currently, eligible trades occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system are organized under these groups. Click on any of the groups to see a full list:
1. Major Group 72 - Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades
- This group includes occupations such as Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Carpenters, Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics, and other skilled trades related to industrial, electrical, and construction sectors.
2. Major Group 73 - Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
- Occupations in this group involve the maintenance and operation of equipment and machinery. Examples include Aircraft Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operators, and Crane Operators.
3. Major Group 82 - Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production
- This group includes supervisory and technical occupations related to natural resources, agriculture, and production. Examples include Supervisors in Mining and Quarrying, Supervisors in Forestry, and Agricultural and Horticultural Supervisors.
4. Major Group 92 - Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
- Occupations in this group involve supervising and operating machinery and equipment in manufacturing, processing, and utilities industries. Examples include Manufacturing Supervisors, Central Control Operators, and Power System Operators.
5. Major Group 73 - Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades
- This group includes occupations such as Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Carpenters, Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics, and other skilled trades related to industrial, electrical, and construction sectors.
Each of these major groups contains specific occupations that are considered eligible trades under the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You can refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system for a detailed list of occupations within each group. If you need more information on any specific occupation, feel free to ask!
Settlement Funds Requirement
The settlement funds requirement is a criterion for immigration to Canada, including through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). It ensures that applicants have enough money to support themselves and their families when they arrive in Canada. Here’s an overview of the settlement funds requirement:
Purpose:
The settlement funds requirement is meant to ensure that newcomers to Canada have the financial means to support themselves and their families without relying on social assistance programs. It helps ensure that immigrants can successfully integrate into Canadian society and contribute positively to the economy.
Amount Required:
The amount of settlement funds required depends on the size of the applicant’s family. The Government of Canada updates the minimum necessary funds annually. As of 2022, the required settlement funds are as follows:
- For a single applicant: CAD $13,213
- For a couple (two members): CAD $16,449
- For a family of three (three members): CAD $20,868
- For a family of four (four members): CAD $25,145
Additional amounts are required for each additional family member. These funds must be readily available to the applicant and their accompanying family members upon arrival in Canada.
Exemptions:
There are some exemptions to the settlement funds requirement. For example:
- Applicants who have a valid job offer in Canada and are currently working in Canada are exempt from the settlement funds requirement.
- Candidates who are authorized to work in Canada and have received a nomination certificate from a province or territory are also exempt.
Verification:
Applicants are required to declare their intent to settle in any province or territory in Canada except for Quebec. They must provide proof of funds when submitting their application for permanent residence. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, investment statements, and other financial documents demonstrating the availability of the required funds.
Conclusion:
The settlement funds requirement is an important aspect of the immigration process to Canada, including through the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It ensures that newcomers have the financial means to support themselves and their families as they settle and integrate into Canadian society. By demonstrating that they meet the settlement funds requirement, applicants can enhance their chances of successfully immigrating to Canada as permanent residents.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program process
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) process is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, designed to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers who have experience in specific trades and occupations. Here’s a detailed overview of the FSTP process:
1. Determine Eligibility:
Before applying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which include having at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade, meeting the job requirements for their trade, having a job offer or certificate of qualification, demonstrating language proficiency, and having sufficient settlement funds if required.
2. Create an Express Entry Profile:
Candidates eligible for the FSTP must create an online profile through the Express Entry system. The profile includes information about the candidate’s skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant details. Once the profile is completed, candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool.
3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score:
Candidates in the Express Entry pool are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other additional factors. The CRS score determines a candidate’s ranking within the pool.
4. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA):
Regular draws are conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) from the Express Entry pool. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Those who receive an ITA have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residency.
5. Submit Permanent Residence Application:
Upon receiving an ITA, candidates must submit a complete application for permanent residency within the specified timeframe. This involves providing supporting documents such as police clearance certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, and any other required documentation. Candidates must also pay the application fees at this stage.
6. Application Processing:
IRCC reviews the submitted applications to ensure that all requirements are met. This process may involve additional requests for information or documents. Medical and security checks are conducted as part of the application processing. IRCC aims to process complete applications within a reasonable timeframe.
7. Decision:
Once the application is processed, IRCC makes a decision on whether to approve or refuse the application for permanent residency. If approved, the candidate and their accompanying family members are granted permanent resident status in Canada. They receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents and can then make plans to move to Canada.
8. Landing in Canada:
Upon receiving COPR documents, candidates and their families can make arrangements to travel to Canada. At the port of entry, they present their COPR documents to Canadian immigration officials and undergo final processing before officially becoming permanent residents of Canada.
Conclusion:
The Federal Skilled Trades Program provides skilled workers in specific trades with a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. By successfully navigating the FSTP process, candidates can immigrate to Canada, contribute to the Canadian economy, and build a new life for themselves and their families in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration pathway under Canada’s Express Entry system designed for skilled workers who have experience in specific trades. It allows eligible candidates to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Who is eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
To be eligible for the FSTP, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years, meet the job requirements for their trade, have a job offer or certificate of qualification, demonstrate language proficiency, and have sufficient settlement funds if required.
What are the eligible trades under the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Eligible trades are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system and include various occupations such as electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and more.
How do I apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Candidates must create an online profile through the Express Entry system, where they provide information about their skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant details. If selected, candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency and must submit a complete application within the specified timeframe.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
The CRS score is a ranking system used to assess candidates in the Express Entry pool. It assigns points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other additional factors. Candidates with higher CRS scores have better chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Is a job offer required for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
While a job offer can enhance a candidate’s CRS score, it is not always required for the FSTP. Candidates can also qualify with a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.
How long does the application process take?
The processing time for applications under the Federal Skilled Trades Program can vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications, completeness of documentation, and individual circumstances. Generally, IRCC aims to process complete applications within a reasonable timeframe.
What are the benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Benefits of the FSTP include the opportunity to live and work in Canada as a permanent resident, access to social services such as healthcare and education, eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship, and the ability to sponsor family members for permanent residency.
Can I include my family in my application?
Yes, candidates applying for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Trades Program can include their spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, in their application.
Where can I find more information about the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
More information about the Federal Skilled Trades Program, including eligibility criteria, application process, and required documentation, can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
