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Federal Skilled Trades (FST): All You Need To Know
By : Lifeincan   |   Jul 30, 2024

Federal Skilled Trades (FST): All You Need To Know

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is part of Canada's Express Entry system and allows foreign workers with experience in eligible trades to immigrate to Canada. Although it's a pathway for skilled workers, there are other ways for unskilled workers to immigrate, but they are not part of the fast-track Express Entry system.


The main goal is to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in all Canadian provinces except Québec unless you have a provincial nomination. If nominated, you must settle in that endorsing province or territory.

FST Advantages and Disadvantages 

Here are the potential advantages and disadvantages of the FST program:


Advantages

Potential Disadvantage

Speedy Processing Times

No guaranteed invitation to apply, despite the possible prioritization of FST candidates by IRCC.

Draws for FST candidates have lower CRS cut-off scores, as low as 199 compared to 413 for others.

Draws specifically for FST candidates occur at least once a year since 2017.

A valid job offer in a trade can not only make you eligible but also boost CRS points.

Language criteria for entry are less stringent for FST than for FSW and CEC candidates.



Eligibility Criteria


Eligibility Criteria

Details

Skilled Trades Work Experience

Minimum of 2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) within the last 5 years.

Must meet job requirements for the trade as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Duties performed must include all essential duties and most main duties of the NOC description.

NOC Groups for Experience

Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, excluding specific sub-major groups.

Minor Group 6320 and Unit Group 62200.

Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

Must have a valid job offer for full-time employment for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification.

Certificate of Qualification

Must have passed a certification exam and meet the requirements to practice the trade in the issuing province or territory.

Issued by provincial, territorial, or federal authorities.

Assessment Process

Must be assessed by the relevant provincial or territorial body.

May require physical presence in the province or territory for assessment.

Language Ability

Must take approved tests in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Must meet the minimum required scores and include results in the Express Entry profile.

Test results must be valid for 2 years and valid on the day of applying for permanent residence.


Apart from all this, you also need some proof of funds to show you can support yourself and your dependents in Canada. You don’t need to show proof of settlement funds if:

  • You can currently work legally in Canada.

  • You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Here are the details of the funds you need based on the number of family members: 


Number of family members

Funds required

1

$13,310

2

$16,570

3

$20,371

4

$24,733

5

$28,052

6

$31,638

7

$35,224

For each additional family member

$3,586

Do You Need Any Specific Education?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program does not require any specific educational qualifications.


To improve your ranking in the Express Entry pool, you can earn points through education in two ways:


  • If you have studied in Canada, you can earn points for holding a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution.

  • If you have an education from outside Canada, you can earn points by having both:

    • A completed educational credential.

    • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes, from a designated organization, confirming that your education is equivalent to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian institution.

Step-by-Step Application For FST 

Once you are confirmed you fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the process. Here is a guide to apply:

Step 1: Verify Work Experience

Ensure you have at least two years of full-time work experience in your trade. Part-time experience counts too, but you may need more to meet the two-year requirement.

Step 2: Confirm Your Trade is Eligible

Check to make sure your trade is on the eligible trades list.

Step 3: Meet Other Eligibility Criteria

Complete your language tests (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF or TCF for French). Also, you should have either a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a qualification certificate from a Canadian province or territory.

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

Fill out your profile online, including personal information and relevant documents.

Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score

Enhance your profile to increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, possibly by proving your education level, gaining additional work experience, or retaking language tests.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you get an ITA, you can apply for permanent residence. You have 60 days to submit your application.

Step 7: Complete Health and Security Checks

Undergo a medical exam and provide police background checks from every country you’ve lived in for six months or more since turning 18.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

Your e-application will be reviewed by Canadian immigration officers.

Step 9: Get Your Permanent Resident Status

If approved, you will receive a document confirming your permanent resident status.

Step 10: Obtain Your PR Card

Apply for your PR card, which you can use as proof of your status in Canada.

Application Fee For The Program

The application fee is divided into three parts:


Fee Type

Cost (CAD)

Processing Fee (Main Applicant)

$950 (includes spouse)

Processing Fee (Dependent Child)

$260 per child

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (Per Adult)

$575 per adult

Tips On Improving Your CRS Score

There are several ways of improving your CRS score:

  • Increase work experience or qualifications in your field and update your profile accordingly before the draw.

  • Gather all necessary documents early to make your profile competitive from the start.

  • Secure a Provincial Nomination by expressing interest to a province or waiting for a Notification of Interest, ensuring you meet their criteria and are on their in-demand skills list.

  • Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) align with Express Entry and offer a smoother path for skilled workers. A successful provincial nomination adds 600 points to your score, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply, as the scores required have historically not exceeded 500 points.

Conclusion

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers a vital pathway for skilled tradespeople to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system. While providing faster processing times and the potential for high CRS scores, especially with a provincial nomination, it is essential to meet the program’s specific requirements and prepare thoroughly to maximize your chances of success.