Tips to Immigrate to Canada Through the Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is an economic immigration pathway that is managed under the Express Entry system. It was started to overcome the labour shortages of skilled trades workers in Canada as a chunk of the Canadian population is reaching retirement age. This is due to Canada’s low birth rate resulting to not enough skilled trades workers in the country to fulfill the gap. Hence, immigration helps Canada to maintain the skilled trades workforce in the future.

Overview of Federal Skilled Trades Program

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a designated pathway for skilled workers to attain Canadian permanent residency status. The eligibility requirements are totally different from other Express Entry programs as they are specific to one NOC (National Occupation Classification), Skill level B education and language requirements are also different.

To Qualify for the FSTP, A Candidate Must Follow the Below Criteria:

• Minimum 2 years of skilled trades work experience within the 5 years before applying
• A minimum CLB of 5 for speaking and listening and 4 for reading and writing on their English or French language test
• Must demonstrate proof of funds (if applicable)

Skilled Worked Experience

To qualify, a candidate must exhibit minimum two years of paid, full-time work experience or equal amount of part time work experience within the five years before you apply in any of the following NOC occupational categories. All these majorly fall under NOC skill type B:

• Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
• Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
• Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
• Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
• Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers

Language Requirements

A candidate must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in either English or French. They must have a CLB score of five in speaking and listening and a CLB score of 4 in reading and writing.

Proof of funds

A candidate must be able to proof that they have enough funds to support themselves and their dependents. Proof of funds must come from the bank or financial institution and showcase account balances over the previous six months and any outstanding debts.

Get Evaluated by a Province or Territory

Skilled trades are controlled by provincial and territorial governments. A candidate for the FSTP will require a Canadian employer to offer some experience and training. The process can differ with every province and territory.

Education

A candidate is required to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment or have completed secondary or post-secondary education in Canada to boost their comprehensive ranking system score and improve their chances of attaining Canadian permanent residency.