Express Entry Stream
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Express Entry stream for tradespeople — electricians, welders, chefs, mechanics, plumbers, machinists, heavy-equipment operators, and more.
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is the Express Entry stream built specifically for journeypersons and skilled tradespeople. Where the Federal Skilled Worker Program rewards education and language, FSTP rewards hands-on qualification: years on the tools, a certificate of qualification, and an employer who values you enough to put a job offer in writing.
Canada has a structural shortage of skilled trades, and FSTP reflects that. Language requirements are lower than the other streams, and education is not required. The bar is real-world qualification — and that's where most foreign-trained tradespeople hit a wall.
FSTP requires either a Canadian provincial or territorial certificate of qualification in your trade — typically earned by passing the Red Seal exam — or a valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer. Our work is usually making one of those two paths real.
Eligibility
Do you qualify?
FSTP has a few core requirements — meet them all and you're eligible to enter the Express Entry pool. Exact thresholds are set by IRCC and can change, so treat this as a starting point rather than a final checklist.
- Paid, full-time skilled-trades work experience within the qualifying recent period — Canada or abroad — gained after you became qualified in your trade
- Work experience in an eligible skilled trade under the relevant NOC major groups
- Either a Canadian certificate of qualification in your trade, or a valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer
- An approved language test result in English or French at the levels FSTP requires
- Settlement funds appropriate for your family size (with some exemptions, such as a valid job offer and authorization to work in Canada)
- Plans to live outside Quebec, and no inadmissibility
The Process
How it works
From foreign-trained tradesperson to Canadian permanent resident, here's what the journey looks like.
- 1
Trade & eligibility check
We map your trade to the correct NOC code, confirm your experience, and identify whether the certificate-of-qualification route or the job-offer route is realistic for you.
- 2
Certificate of qualification or job offer
For the certificate route, we coordinate with the provincial trade authority and prep you for the Red Seal exam. For the job-offer route, we work with the employer on the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer.
- 3
Language test
FSTP language requirements are lower than the other streams. We help you choose between IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF and prepare strategically.
- 4
Express Entry profile & ITA
We submit your profile under FSTP. Trades-category draws often clear at a lower CRS than general draws, so your odds may be better than they look.
- 5
PR application & biometrics
On ITA, we file the full PR application within the deadline — reference letters, employer documentation, language results, medical, biometrics, and personal history.
- 6
COPR & landing
Once approved, you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and (if required) a PR visa, then complete landing in Canada.
Frequently Asked
FSTP FAQs
Which trades qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
FSTP eligible occupations are in NOC Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, and 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932). This covers most industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, transportation, agricultural, processing, and manufacturing trades — plus chefs, cooks, butchers, and bakers.
What language level do I need for FSTP?
FSTP language requirements are lower than other Express Entry streams. You need CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing — in either English or French. This recognizes that trades work depends more on hands-on communication than written reports.
Do I need a Canadian certificate of qualification, or will my foreign training do?
Foreign training alone is not enough. You need either a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial trade authority (which usually requires passing the Red Seal exam or equivalent) OR a valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year from a Canadian employer in your trade.
How much skilled trades work experience do I need?
You need at least 2 years of full-time skilled trades work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time work) within the 5 years before you apply — that's 3,120 hours total. The work must be paid and after you became qualified to work in your trade.
My province doesn't issue certificates in my trade — what then?
If your destination province doesn't regulate your trade, your only FSTP route is a valid 1-year job offer from a Canadian employer. We can also assess whether a different province (where the trade is regulated) is feasible, or whether the Federal Skilled Worker Program is a better fit.
Tradesperson? Canada wants you.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. We'll map your trade to the right NOC, identify your strongest qualification path, and tell you what your application will need.
Book a Free ConsultationDisclaimer
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal or immigration advice. Express Entry and Federal Skilled Trades Program requirements, eligible occupations and NOC codes, language levels, CRS scoring, draw cut-offs, processing times, deadlines, settlement-fund amounts, and government fees change frequently and without notice. Details described here may be out of date by the time you read them. Always confirm current requirements on the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca) and book a consultation for advice specific to your situation. Nothing here guarantees an invitation, approval, or any particular outcome.