Shaping Futures with
The Skill
Trades Program
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Managed Under the Express Entry System
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is suitable for foreign trade workers with work experience in eligible trade occupations to immigrate to Canada (except Quebec) as permanent residents. The FST program is managed under the Express Entry System.
The Essentials
The general requirements to qualify for the FST program are the following:
Solid Job Offer or Certification
Your Launchpad:
Kick off your Canadian adventure with a solid job offer for full-time work lasting at least a year, or get your hands on a certificate of qualification for your trade from a Canadian province or territory. It’s your first step towards making your mark.
Work Experience
Show Your Skills:
Got two years of full-time work experience in your trade within the last five years? Great! It’s time to show off that expertise and how it’s prepared you for the Canadian workforce.
Meet the Job Requirements
Fit the Bill Perfectly:
Ensure you tick all the boxes for what your skilled trade job entails. It’s all about proving you’re the right tool for the job!
Language Proficiency
Chat and Chisel Away:
Brush up on your English or French, aiming for Level 4 in reading and writing, and Level 5 in speaking and listening. Communicating your way through work and daily life is key.
Skill groups
A skilled trade occupation falls under the below listed skill groups of the National Occupational Classification matrix:
The Builders & Makers
(General Trades)
Carpenters, plumbers, and construction marvels, your ability to create and repair structures from the ground up shapes the world. Canada is ready for your talent.
Resource Production
Specialists
For those hands-on with natural resources, including logging, farming, and mining workers, your day-to-day dedication ensures the rhythm of industries and the heartbeat of environments.
Production
Powerhouses
If you oversee or operate in processing, manufacturing, or utilities, your role ensures the gears of society turn smoothly, from water treatment to power generation.
Technical Trades
& Beyond
If you're skilled in technical trades, especially in overseeing the operation of machinery and tech systems (but not directly in transportation control - Major Group 726), your expertise is in demand. Think electricians, welders, and industrial mechanics – you're the backbone of innovation!
Precision
Processors
"Control & Precision Experts": This is for the central controllers, process operators, and precision assemblers (aside from those in aircraft assembly - Major 932 ). Your meticulous work in monitoring and managing operations is what perfection looks like.
Natural Resources & Agriculture Leaders
Supervisors in agriculture, forestry, mining, and fishing – your leadership in harnessing natural resources and steering agricultural production is crucial. You cultivate the wealth of the land.
Culinary
Crafters
If you're passionate about creating culinary masterpieces and have the skills to bring flavors to life, this group is for you. Bakers, pastry chefs, and other culinary experts, your artistry in the kitchen is what delights taste buds and nourishes people.
The Culinary Leaders
(Chefs)
With a dash of leadership and a pinch of creativity, chefs are the heart of culinary experiences, crafting dishes that tell stories and bring people together.
Ready to Hammer Home Your Canadian Dream?
If you’re all geared up with the experience, skills, and language ability, let’s not wait any longer.
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Express Entry
Embark on the quickest path to Canadian residency with Express Entry, a streamlined system for skilled individuals.
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FAQs
Everything You Need to Know
About Federal Skilled Worker Program
Do I need a job offer to apply for the FST program?
Yes, a valid job offer for a full-year’s work or a qualification certificate from a Canadian authority is essential. It's what sets your application in motion.
What if my job isn’t in Canada yet?
That’s okay! Your job offer or certification can be the bridge that brings your skill to Canadian soil. It’s about where you can go, not just where you’ve been.
How much work experience do I need?
You’ll need two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount part-time) in your trade, all within the last five years. It’s about proving your hands have been busy crafting your skill.
How important is language proficiency?
Pretty important! Being able to communicate at a certain level in English or French ensures you can thrive both at work and in your community in Canada. It’s about fitting in and standing out.