The Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is one of the three immigration pathways under the Express Entry System. The other two under Canada Express Entry System being Federal Skilled Workers i.e, FSW and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). FST program, just like the other entry programs, ranks immigration candidates on the basis of merit. Better the merit, higher are the chances of being considered for immigration. Candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade to be eligible. This experience should be obtained in the last 5 years. Minimum age requirement is 30 years for an international candidate. Candidates are divided in working class or groups and scored accordingly. If a candidate have a question What is Federal Skilled Trades Program, this article will help them undertsnd the topic.

Federal Skilled Trades Program Division

As per the National Occupation Classification (NOC), the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program are divided among the 6 major occupation groups. All the groups are eligible for Canada PR. The list of skilled trades in Canada are:
 

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Eligibility Criteria for Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Canada Federal Skilled Workers Program provides a fast-paced route to Canadian Citizenship and work permit in Canada to skilled individuals meeting all the following eligibility criteria:

  • The applicant must have at least two years of part-time (ideally full-time) work experience in a skilled trade.
  • The relevant work experience must have been obtained in the past five years in their respective country of residence.

Eligibility Criteria as per Work Experience

If candidate has the work experience, the Canadian government also checks the below eligibility for Canada PNP:

  • Canada Employment Connection: The Candidate must be having a full-time offer of valid employment lasting for at least a year. Else they must possess a certificate of their respective skilled trade issued by the Canadian territorial authorities.
  • Language requirements: Meeting Federal Skilled Trades Program demands satisfactory scores on the English and/or French language proficiency tests. A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark of level 4 is required in an approved language test. The tests considered as "approved" for Federal Skilled Worker Program in Canada are:
    - IELTS exam; consisting of four "abilities" or units - Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing.
    - Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) also tests individuals on the four abilities
    - Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) tests the French proficiency. This test is applicable for all provinces and territories except Québec.
    - Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) French proficiency of a candidate wanting to immigrate to any territory except Québec using a Test Score Equivalency system in the four abilities.
  • The candidate must intend to live outside of Québec - For Candidates willing to stay in Québec, they must provide proof of French Language Proficiency and other relevant exams required to study in Canada by attempting one of the tests such as:
    - TEFAQ: Test d’évaluation du français adapté pour le Québec
    - TCF: Test de connaissance du français pour le Québec
    - TEF: Test d’évaluation du français pour le Canada
    - DELF: Diplôme d’études en langue française
    - DALF: Diplôme approfondi de langue française

Eligibility for Conviction Status

Conviction record against the individual in the country of residence, for a crime equivalent to criminal proceedings in Canada, a person may be disqualified from being considered for Canadian Federal Skilled Trades Program. Similarly, certain medical posing risk of serious problems to Canada's native population can also affect chances for a Canadian residency. Under these circumstances, person can seek Temporary Residence Permit and are required to pay the Canada student visa fees. This is by proving that the reason for his immigration to Canada far outweighs the threat he/she poses to the country.

Cost of Immigration Through Express Entry

There are no application fees for Canada Skilled Trades Program and one needs to pay only when invited to apply for permanent residence.

  • The cost of immigration is about CAD 2,300 (INR 139755) for single applicants applying to Canada Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker
  • CAD 4,500 (INR 273434) is the approximate cost for a couple.

This is valid unless one already has a valid employment offer from a Canadian employer. All candidates must be able to demonstrate possession of adequate "settlement funds", needed to assist in cost of living in Canada.

Application Procedure for Federal Skilled Trades Program

After satisfying minimum requirements, a person can apply with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by submitting an Express Entry profile. Submission doesn't guarantee being considered for permanent residence in Canada. Candidates must meet Canada PR requirements. Only after application, one will be assigned a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score and be considered for Express Entry draws. Candidates are also offered Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. The CRS score is assigned out of a total of 1200 points. Some information to be provided along with Express Entry application are:

  • Language Proficiency results: All applicants must submit the results of the English and/or French "approved tests" they have taken within the past two years.
  • Identification Documents: Candidates are required to submit identification documents such as passports and visas for travel.
  • Educational Documents: Though not mandatory, one must submit educational details for documentation to claim points for education and consdier the Canada visa processing time.
  • For claiming points for education, one is required to submit a valid Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) report.

Improving the CRS Score

Since its beginning in 2015, the lowest CRS score to be considered for FST is 199 points. Hence, Candidates with an CRS score below this are strongly advised to try improving score. Some ways by which one can do this are:

  • Retaking the IELTS: A good IELTS score can itself account for 160 CRS points. A good CRS score and post-secondary education can contribute another 50 CRS points, whereas at least three years of work experience can add another 50 to the tally. Interestingly, scoring 9 bands in all the abilities of an English/French Language test equates to 260 Express Entry points on its own. 
  • Work experience: The Express Entry system assigns point to every individual on the basis of the NOC matrix. Hence, choosing the right NOC code is important. One also needs to prove that the code he/she has chosen is appropriate or not. It would be wise to consult an expert while selecting the appropriate NOC code.
  • Spousal points: In instances when one is having a common-law partner, one may choose to apply singly, i.e. by listing their spouse as non-accompanying (this will increase the CRS). They can then sponsor their partner's immigration (dependent Visa Canada) following their permanent residence approval in Canada. Alternatively, if both the individual and their spouse apply individually listing each other as accompanying, the chances of consideration are increased.
  • A job offer from a Canadian employer can fetch you 50-200 CRS points, a Provincial nomination can get up to an additional 600 points. A postsecondary degree contributes about 120 CRS points; an additional one-year certificate program can add another 8 points.

To sum up, an ideal Express Entry candidate under the FST program must be below 30 years of age. Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's/Master's degree program and should be fluent in English/French language proficiency.

FAQs

Ques: What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

Ans: The FSTP is a federal immigration program that allows skilled trades workers to immigrate to Canada. To be eligible, you must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade, meet the language requirements, and have a valid job offer or a Canadian qualification in your trade.

Ques: What are the eligibility requirements for the FSTP?

Ans: The eligibility requirements for the FSTP are:

At least two years of full-time work experience
Meet the language requirements for English or French.
Have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year, or a Canadian qualification
Must meet the other requirements of the Express Entry system, such as having a minimum education level and being able to financially support yourself and your family.

Ques: What are the skilled trades that are eligible for the FSTP?

Ans: The skilled trades that are eligible for the FSTP are listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). The NOC is a list of all occupations in Canada, and it is used by the government to classify occupations by skill level and type.

Ques: How do I apply for the FSTP?

Ans: You can apply for the FSTP through the Express Entry system. To do this, you will need to create an Express Entry profile and submit your application. You will also need to provide information about your education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.

Ques: What are the benefits of immigrating to Canada through the FSTP?

Ans: There are many benefits to immigrating to Canada through the FSTP. These benefits include:

The opportunity to live and work in a stable and prosperous country.
Access to high-quality education and healthcare.
The right to sponsor family members to join you in Canada.
The possibility of becoming a Canadian citizen.

Ques: What are the costs associated with immigrating to Canada through the FSTP?

Ans: There are some costs associated with immigrating to Canada through the FSTP. These costs include:

The application fee for the Express Entry system.
The cost of language tests.
The cost of medical examinations.
The cost of travel to Canada.
The cost of living in Canada.

Ques: How long does it take to immigrate to Canada through the FSTP?

Ans: The processing time for immigration applications through the FSTP varies. However, it typically takes between six and twelve months to receive a decision on your application.

Ques: What are the challenges of immigrating to Canada through the FSTP?

Ans: There are some challenges that you may face when immigrating to Canada through the FSTP. These challenges include The language barrier, The cost of living, The adjustment to a new culture, Finding a job in your field.

Ques: Where can I get more information about the FSTP?

Ans: You can get more information about the FSTP on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The IRCC website has a wealth of information about immigration to Canada, including the FSTP.

Ques: Can I get help with my application for the FSTP?

Ans: Yes, you can get help with your application for the FSTP. There are many organizations that can help you with your application, including immigration lawyers and consultants. You can also find information and resources on the website of the IRCC.