GTR Worldwide
Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program, often called FSTP, sits under Express Entry, but it works a bit differently. It is mainly used by people who already work in skilled trades and have practical, hands-on experience rather than purely academic backgrounds. This program focuses less on academic background and more on real trade skills. For many tradespeople, FSTP becomes a practical way to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency. It is direct, and in many cases, faster than other programs, especially for those whose work does not fit traditional professional categories.
Eligible Criteria
Minimum Eligibility Criteria: FSTP
To qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet certain basic eligibility requirements related to your trade experience, language ability, and either a job offer or trade certification. Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, there is no separate 67-point requirement here. Meeting the conditions below is enough to enter the Express Entry pool.
Work Experience
To qualify, most applicants need around two years of full-time experience in a skilled trade, or the same amount when counted as part-time hours. The work should be recent, usually falling within the last five years before the application is submitted.
Skilled Trade Definition
Your work experience must fall under a skilled trade classified as NOC TEER 2 or TEER 3 under Canada’s National Occupational Classification system.
CRS
FSTP has lower language requirements compared to other Express Entry programs. This reflects the practical and technical nature of skilled trades.Language Ability – Speaking & Listening: Minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in listening and speaking; Language Ability – Reading & Writing: Minimum CLB/NCLC 4 in reading and writing
Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
Applicants must prove they are legally qualified to work in their trade. This can be done in one of two ways. Option 1: Valid Job OfferHave a valid full-time job offer for at least 1 year from a Canadian employer. The offer can come from a maximum of two employers. Option 2: Canadian Certificate of QualificationHold a Certificate of Qualification in your skilled trade, issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
Job Requirements
You must meet the job requirements listed in the official NOC description for your trade, including the main duties. Titles alone are not enough.
Program Benefits andResidency
The Federal Skilled Trades Program offers a clear route to Canadian Permanent Residency for people working in trades.
No Prior Canadian Connection Required
Applicants do not need to be living in Canada at the time of application. Previous Canadian work or study experience is also not required.
Direct Path to Residency
FSTP falls under a federal permanent residence category. Once approved, applicants can settle in most parts of Canada outside Quebec, and their family members are included as well. The ability to work and study comes with that status.
Express Entry
Meeting the basic requirements is only the starting point.
In practice, Express Entry selections depend on CRS scores, and not everyone moves forward at the same pace. The points below usually play a role. Express Entry still works on CRS points. The factors below often improve outcomes.
Provincial Nomination (PNP)
A provincial nomination makes a major difference, as it adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score. Many provinces run trade-focused PNP streams that align well with FSTP candidates. In most cases, this leads to an ITA.
French Language Advantage - Bonus Points
Having French language ability, along with English, can add extra CRS points to a profile. Not everyone focuses on this at first, but it can matter. In some cases, candidates with French skills are also considered in French-language category draws, where the score cut-offs may be lower than usual. It depends on the draw and the year.
Targeted Invitations
Some Express Entry draws do not invite everyone together. Instead, they focus on specific occupations. When a trade falls under one of these category-based draws, candidates from that field may receive invitations earlier, depending on Canada’s current labour demand.
Language Proficiency and Skills Transfer
Strong language scores, combined with solid foreign work experience, help improve CRS points under skill transferability factors.
Federal Skilled Trades: Common Skilled Trades
Under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the range of eligible work is fairly wide. It does not sit in just one industry. Construction, mechanical trades, electrical work, and even food-related roles all appear here. What matters most is what kind of work you actually do, not how your job title sounds on paper. Because of that, many applicants fall under FSTP without realizing it at first. Below are examples of trades that are commonly seen under this program. This list is not limited, but it gives a general idea.
This usually includes people who spend their time working with wiring, power systems, and electrical installations. Maintenance and repair work is common here.
Work related to water lines, drainage, and piping systems across homes, buildings, or industrial sites generally fits under this trade.
Those who work with metal on a daily basis, cutting or joining parts using welding tools and methods, often fall into this category.
Carpentry work often involves building or repairing structures made of wood. Renovation work also counts in many cases.
This trade usually covers people who operate machines to produce or shape parts that need precision, especially in industrial settings.
Some roles focus less on hands-on work and more on supervision. Managing sites, coordinating teams, and handling schedules can place a person here.
Repairing and maintaining large machines used in construction or transport is common under this trade. The equipment itself matters more than the workplace.
People working with vehicles, diagnosing problems, and handling repairs—mechanical or electrical—often fit this category.
Operating cranes or similar heavy lifting machinery at worksites is generally considered a skilled trade role under FSTP.
Food-related trades are also included. This can involve cooking, meat processing, or baking work done in commercial or production environments.
Factors that increase your chance to receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Express Entry Program
Through Express Entry, candidates and their family can participate and compete for points to receive an ITA – Invitation to Apply from the Canadian government to immigrate and work in the country.
Immigrate to Canada
Many people choose Canada for stability, safety, and long-term opportunities. We help narrow down the most realistic options.
Learn More →Work in Canada
Canada offers work options across multiple sectors for skilled and temporary workers.
Learn More →Business in Canada
Business programs allow eligible applicants to start or expand operations while settling with family.
Learn More →Study in Canada
Studying in Canada often opens doors to future work and settlement opportunities.
Learn More →Sponsor family to Canada
Family sponsorship programs help bring eligible relatives to Canada under approved immigration categories.
Learn More →