The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a key immigration pathway under Canada’s Express Entry system. It targets skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a key immigration pathway under Canada’s Express Entry system. It targets skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents. Whether you’re a welder, plumber, or electrician, this program offers a chance to immigrate based on your work experience—not just academic qualifications.
In this guide, you’ll discover what the federal skilled trades program is, how it works, who qualifies, and what to expect from future draws.
What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Canadian Federal Skilled Trades Program is part of the Express Entry system. It’s designed for individuals with experience in skilled manual jobs. Unlike other streams, it focuses on work experience and trade certification instead of education.
Candidates can apply if they meet requirements in specific federal skilled trades program jobs, which include:
- Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Chefs, butchers, and bakers
- Supervisors in manufacturing sectors
This makes the federal skilled trade program ideal for practical, hands-on workers.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under the federal skilled trades program, you must:
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years
- Meet the job requirements outlined in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- Score at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing
- Have a valid job offer (for at least one year) or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian authority
- Intend to live outside Quebec
These requirements ensure only skilled and certified tradespeople enter through this stream.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Points Calculator
While the program itself doesn’t have a standalone points system, candidates are ranked in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in Express Entry.
Here’s how points are typically calculated:
- Age
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency
- Education
- Canadian work experience (if any)
- Additional factors (e.g., provincial nomination, job offer, spouse’s profile)
You can use the federal skilled trade program points calculator to get an estimate of your CRS score. A higher score boosts your chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during the draws.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Draw
The Canadian government occasionally holds federal skilled trade program draws separate from general Express Entry rounds. These targeted draws focus only on candidates under this stream.
Recent Draw Trends:
- Lower CRS cut-off scores compared to other programs
- Fewer but highly specialized invitations
- Draws may occur every few months, not biweekly like other categories
While some draws are paused occasionally, the next federal skilled trade program draw could bring exciting opportunities for eligible candidates.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Jobs in Demand
Canada faces labor shortages in many trades. If you specialize in any of the following roles, your chances are even better:
- Welders
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Chefs and bakers
Employers across provinces are looking for such talent—making the federal skilled trade program an effective immigration route.
How Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services Can Help
At Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services, we specialize in helping tradespeople turn their Canadian dreams into reality. Our team is well-versed in the federal skilled trade program and knows exactly how to optimize your application.
Here’s what we offer:
- Ere-assessment of eligibility
- CRS score evaluation using the official points calculator
- Help in getting trade certification in Canada
- Guidance through the Express Entry profile setup
- Timely alerts for program-specific draws and job matches
Don’t navigate the system alone—let Black Bear guide your path to permanent residency.
FAQs
1. What is the federal skilled trade program?
It’s a Canadian immigration stream under Express Entry for tradespeople with at least 2 years of recent experience in specific skilled trades.
2. How can I calculate points for the federal skilled trade program?
Use a CRS points calculator. It considers age, work experience, language skills, and other factors to rank candidates.
3. Do I need a job offer for the FSTP?
Yes, unless you have a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory in your trade.
4. What types of jobs qualify for the federal skilled trade program?
Jobs in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and food services such as chefs, bakers, electricians, and plumbers qualify.
5. When is the next federal skilled trade program draw?
Draws don’t follow a fixed schedule. However, based on past trends, the government may announce one every few months.
Conclusion
The federal skilled trade program is one of the most direct and practical immigration pathways to Canadian permanent residency. It’s especially ideal for tradespeople who have real-world experience and a desire to live and work in Canada. With lower language requirements and job-focused eligibility, this program opens doors to individuals often overlooked by traditional education-based pathways.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Black Bear Canadian Immigration Services today and let us help you start your skilled future in Canada.
