The eligibility requirements for Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), which allows talented tradespeople all around the world to obtain permanent status based on their expertise, have been updated. To ascertain your eligibility and submit a successful application, it is essential for tradespeople wishing to move to Canada to comprehend these revised requirements.
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What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a component of Canada’s Express Entry program, which is for people who wish to become permanent residents and who meet the requirements for skilled trades. The program offers a simple route for those with practical trade knowledge to support Canada’s expanding labor force.
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8 New Updates to FSTP Eligibility Terms
The FSTP policy was amended in February/March 2025 to include the following eight eligibility terms for 2025:
#1. Skilled trade sectors
Skilled trades need specialized knowledge and hands-on work. You’ll need an apprenticeship for most trades.
Skilled tradespeople may work in sectors such as:
- construction
- transportation
- manufacturing and industrial
- natural resources and agriculture
#2. Skilled trades work experience
First, find out the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for your job. Then check if it meets the requirements for skilled work experience.
Your skilled work experience must:
- all be in the same NOC and be in 1 of these NOC groups:
- Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)
- Minor Group 6320
- Unit Group 62200
- show that you performed:
- the actions in the lead statement of the NOC job description, and
- most of the main duties listed
- meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC
- be paid work
- You must have been paid wages or earned commission (volunteer work or unpaid internships don’t count).
- have been obtained in a country where you were qualified to practice
- be at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or 3,120 hours total) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply
Note that your skilled work experience must meet all the requirements to be eligible.
#3. Job offer or certificate of qualification
You must have either:
- a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or
- a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
Certificate of qualification
A certificate of qualification (or a qualification certificate) proves you’re qualified to work in a certain skilled trade in Canada. This means you:
- passed a certification exam
- meet all the requirements to practice your trade in the province or territory that issued your certificate
This certificate is issued by:
- the provincial or territorial body that governs trades in their province or territory, or
- a federal authority
To get a certificate, the provincial, territorial or federal authority must assess your training, trade experience and skills to decide if you’re eligible to write a certification exam.
#4. Language ability
You must:
- take approved language tests in English or French.
- meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities:
- writing
- reading
- listening
- speaking
#5. Education
There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
#6. Proof of funds
You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada.
You don’t need proof of funds if you:
- are currently able to legally work in Canada, and
- have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada
#7. Admissibility
You must be admissible to Canada.
Some people aren’t allowed to come to Canada. There are different reasons we may not let you into Canada, such as security, criminal or medical reasons.
#8. Where you can live in Canada
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, see Quebec-selected skilled workers for more information.
When you fill out your profile, we’ll ask you where you plan to live in Canada. You don’t have to settle in that province or territory.
If you’re a Provincial Nominee, you must settle in the province or territory that nominated you.
How to Apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
- Verify Your Eligibility: Make sure you fulfill the most recent requirements for qualified tradespeople.
- Have Your Credentials Evaluated: Obtain a legitimate job offer or proof of certification.
- Enroll in an authorized English or French language test to take a language test.
- Obtain Proof of Funds: Prepare financial records to demonstrate settlement funds if necessary.
- Fill out the Express Entry Profile form. To join the pool, register on Canada’s Express Entry website.
- Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA); if chosen, submit an application for permanent residence by the deadline.
