The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

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The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program offered by the Government of Canada that allows skilled tradespersons from other countries to immigrate to Canada permanently. The FSTP is designed for individuals who have the necessary skills and experience in specific trades and are interested in becoming permanent residents of Canada.

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Work experience: 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. The work experience must be in an eligible occupation listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
  2. Job offer: Possess a valid job offer of full-time employment for a period of at least one year in Canada or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
  3. Language proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English or French by providing results of a language test recognized by the Canadian government. The test results should meet the minimum language requirements specified by the FSTP.
  4. Education: There is no minimum education requirement for the FSTP. However, having a Canadian educational credential or a completed foreign educational credential, along with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, can improve your chances of being selected.
  5. Financial stability: Show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family members in Canada, particularly during the initial stages of settlement.
  6. Intent to reside outside Quebec: Note that the province of Quebec has its own immigration programs, so if you plan to settle in Quebec, you should apply through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program instead of the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must meet certain requirements, including language proficiency, work experience, and an offer of employment or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years.

The FSTP uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to categorize skilled trade occupations. The NOC is a system used in Canada to classify and define occupations based on skill levels and job duties. It is composed of four digit codes that represent different occupational categories.

Here are some examples of NOC codes that fall under the Federal Skilled Trades Program:

  1. Major Group NOC 72: Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades.
    This NOC category includes occupations such as electricians , plumbers , carpenters , welders , heavy-duty equipment mechanics , and crane operators .
    • NOC 7241: Electricians (except industrial and power system)
    • NOC 7242: Industrial electricians
    • NOC 7251: Plumbers
    • NOC 7271: Carpenters
    NOC 7201: Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping, and erecting trades and related occupations.
    NOC 7202: Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations.
  2. Major Group NOC 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades: Trades.
    • NOC 7311: Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
    • NOC 7312: Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
    • NOC 7321: Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics
    • NOC 7371: Crane operators
    Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production:
    • NOC 7301: Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades
  3. Major Group NOC 82: Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production
    • Examples of occupations: Supervisors in mining and quarrying, forestry supervisors, oil and gas drilling supervisors, construction inspectors, agricultural service contractors, etc.
  4. Major Group NOC 92: Processing, Manufacturing, and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
    • Examples of occupations: Supervisors in manufacturing and processing industries, central control and process operators in manufacturing and utilities sectors, etc.
  5. Major Group NOC 632: Chefs and Cooks
    • Examples of occupations: Chefs, cooks, sous-chefs, pastry chefs, ethnic food cooks, etc.
  6. Major Group NOC 633: Butchers and Bakers
    • Examples of occupations: Butchers, bakers, pastry makers, confectionery makers, dough preparers, etc.

Please note that these are just a few examples, and there are several other NOC codes that may be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. It’s important to refer to the official IRCC website or consult with an immigration professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the program and its requirements.