Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

For skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents based on their trade qualifications.

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Overview

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Like FSW and CEC, it is managed through Express Entry. FST requires a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. This program recognizes the value of skilled trades to the Canadian economy.

Who This Is For

  • Qualified tradespeople in eligible skilled trades
  • Those with a job offer in a skilled trade in Canada
  • Workers with a Canadian certificate of qualification
  • Trades professionals in construction, electrical, plumbing, etc.

Eligibility Highlights

  • At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (last 5 years)
  • Meet job requirements for the trade as set out in the NOC
  • Valid job offer for at least 1 year OR certificate of qualification
  • CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing

Required Documents

Application Process

How we help you through this application

Step 1

Trade Assessment

We verify your trade qualifies and you meet FST requirements.

Step 2

Express Entry Profile

We create your profile with proper trade classification.

Step 3

PR Application

We submit your complete application upon receiving an ITA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' experiences to strengthen your application

Ineligible Trade

Applying with a trade that's not in the eligible NOC list for FST.

Insufficient Experience

Not having the full 2 years of required work experience.

No Job Offer or Certificate

Not having either a valid job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about federal skilled trades (fst)