Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)

One of the federal economic immigration categories for qualified, seasoned tradespeople from all over the world who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently is the Federal Skilled Trades class.

Applications for Federal Skilled Trades were handled on a first-come, first-served basis prior to 2015. But as of 2015, the Express Entry system is used to process applications.

In order to qualify under Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must:
• have at least 2 years of full-time work experience or an equal amount of part-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years;
• have a valid full-time LMIA approved offer of employment for a period of at least 1 year or hold a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority;
• meet the required English and/or French language proficiency level for each language ability (speaking, reading, listening, and writing). The required minimum English proficiency levels are Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing; whereas the required minimum French proficiency levels are Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) 5 for Speaking and listening and NCLC 4 for Reading and writing; and
• meet the job requirements for eligible skilled trade occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC), except for needing a certificate of qualification

Step 1: Ensure you fulfill all eligibility criteria
Step 2: Create an Express Entry profile
Step 3: Receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence
Step 4: Complete a medical exam with an IRCC-recognized panel physician & provide police clearance certificate and submit an e-application
Step 5: Receive confirmation of permanent resident status and reach Canada