FSTP · Canada PR
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is the Express Entry stream for qualified tradespeople. It recognises that trade competence is proven through certification and hands-on experience rather than academic credentials, and it applies lower language thresholds than the professional streams.
Managed under
Express Entry
Outcome
Permanent residence
Proof of skill
Certification or job offer
Education
Degree not required
Who this pathway suits
A realistic fit matters more than enthusiasm.
Qualified tradespeople in eligible NOC trade groups
Applicants holding, or able to obtain, a Canadian certificate of qualification
Candidates with a qualifying full-time offer of employment in Canada
Workers whose strength is demonstrated trade experience rather than formal study
Two ways to prove your trade
FSTP requires either a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority, or a qualifying full-time offer of employment in your trade. Provincial certification usually involves an assessment and, in many trades, a practical or written examination.
| Route | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Certificate of qualification | Assessment by the province or territory where you intend to work, often with an examination |
| Qualifying job offer | A full-time offer in your trade meeting IRCC's duration and conditions requirements |
Eligible trade groups
Eligibility is defined by NOC major groups covering industrial, electrical and construction trades; maintenance and equipment operation; natural resources and agriculture supervision; processing and manufacturing supervision; and certain chef, cook and butcher occupations. Confirm your specific NOC against IRCC's current list.
Provincial licensing is separate
Permanent residence and the right to practise a regulated trade are two different things. Licensing is administered provincially, and requirements — including examinations, experience hours and language evidence — differ by province. Start the licensing conversation early with the regulator in your intended province.
The process
Five stages, each one decision-ready.
Trade and NOC verification
Confirm your trade maps to an eligible NOC group and that your duties cover the essential elements of that occupation.
Certification or job offer route
Decide which route is realistic, and begin the provincial assessment or the employer conversation accordingly.
Language testing
Sit the approved test targeting the benchmark for this program, remembering that higher bands still improve CRS ranking.
Express Entry profile and PNP
Enter the pool and pursue provincial streams, which frequently target trades that are in local demand.
ITA to Confirmation of PR
Lodge the full application with certification evidence, medicals, police certificates and biometrics.
Costs & government fees
- IRCC processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee apply per adult, with a separate fee for dependent children.
- Provincial certificate-of-qualification assessments and any trade examinations are charged by the issuing authority.
- Language testing, translations, medicals and police certificates are billed by the relevant providers.
- Confirm all current amounts with IRCC and the relevant provincial regulator before you budget.
Timelines
- Provincial trade assessment and examination scheduling is the most common source of delay in this pathway.
- Express Entry processing follows IRCC's published service standard once you are invited.
- Time in the pool depends on your CRS score and on whether trades categories are targeted in current draws.
- We sequence certification early so it is not the step holding up your invitation.
Fees, processing times and occupation lists change. Always confirm the current position with the authority that makes the decision.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) →Common questions
Answered without hype.
You need either a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority or a qualifying full-time job offer in your trade. Certification is assessed by the province or territory where you intend to work.
No. Formal education is not a program requirement, although an assessed credential can still add CRS points.
At least two years of full-time skilled trade experience within the qualifying period, or the equivalent in part-time hours.
IRCC sets specific benchmarks for this program that are generally lower than those for the professional streams, with different minimums across the four abilities. Confirm the current benchmarks with IRCC.
Permanent residence gives you the right to work in Canada, but regulated trades also require provincial licensing. Those are separate processes and should run in parallel.
Related pathways
Explore your other options.
Talk this pathway through with a specialist.
Book a free assessment and a named consultant will review your occupation, qualifications and experience against current criteria.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the authoritative source for current fees, processing times and eligibility. Requirements change; always verify before making decisions.