Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)— what it is and how to apply
Feb 28, 2025
Trades professionals—welders, electricians, plumbers, chefs, and more—are in high demand across Canada. To address labor shortages in these fields, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) was introduced as part of the Express Entry system. This blog explains why Canada needs skilled tradespeople, what the FSTP is, detailed CRS components that affect your ranking, who qualifies for the program, how to apply, and strategies to boost your chances.
Why Canada Needs Skilled Trades
Canada’s economy depends on both blue-collar and specialized industrial sectors. Construction projects, manufacturing plants, energy resource sites, and commercial kitchens all seek experienced tradespeople to fulfill essential tasks that keep the country running. Key reasons behind this demand:
Aging Workforce: Many trades professionals are retiring, leaving gaps that younger workers have not fully filled.
Infrastructure Growth: Ongoing housing shortage require welders, carpenters, electricians, and more to build more homes and associated infrastructure.
Diverse Industries: Industries like oil and gas, automotive, and hospitality rely on skilled, hands-on expertise.
Essential Services: Electricians maintain power grids, plumbers handle water systems, and chefs serve an expanding culinary market—these core activities are vital to everyday life.
By attracting experienced tradespersons through the FSTP, Canada shores up these sectors, ensuring continuous economic expansion.
What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The FSTP is an Express Entry stream aimed at individuals with experience in specific skilled trades. Applicants can qualify if they meet certain prerequisites around work experience, language skills, and job offers or certifications.
Express Entry Stream
FSTP candidates create profiles in Express Entry. They receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines their competitiveness in the pool.
Focused on Practical Skills
Unlike some programs that emphasize formal education, the FSTP targets hands-on capabilities in trades recognized as essential to Canada’s labor market.
Examples of occupations eligible under the FSTP include industrial electricians, welders, carpenters, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, cooks, bakers, machinists, and more. IRCC publishes official lists of recognized trades for prospective applicants.
Who Is Eligible for the FSTP?
Eligibility hinges on five main criteria:
Skilled Trades Work Experience
Two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work in a recognized skilled trade within the last five years.
Must align with the leading statement and most job duties outlined in the NOC Code for that trade.
Language Proficiency
Meet at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Approved tests include IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
Valid Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
A valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year or
A certificate of qualification from a province or territory that certifies your trade skills.
Proof of Funds (if no Job Offer)
Provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds unless you have a valid job offer.
Admissibility
Pass medical and security checks. You should not have criminal convictions or health conditions that would bar admission.
By meeting these conditions, you can create an Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Trades category and receive a CRS score.
Example Professions
Major Group 72 - Industrial, electrical and construction trades
Contractors and supervisors in industrial, electrical, and construction trades
Machinists and metal forming trades
Electrical trades and power line workers
Plumbers, pipefitters, and gas fitters
Carpenters and cabinetmakers
Masonry and plastering trades
Other construction trades7
Major Group 73 - General trades
General construction trades (concrete finishers, tilesetters, plasterers, roofers, glaziers, painters, decorators, floor covering installers)
Building maintenance installers, servicers, and repairers
Transportation occupations (truck drivers, transit drivers, train crew)
Operators, drillers, and blasters2
Major Group 82 - Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production
Logging and forestry supervisors
Contractors and supervisors in mining, oil and gas
Underground miners, oil and gas drillers
Logging machinery operators
Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
Fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women8
Major Group 83 - Occupations in natural resources and related production
Underground miners
Oil and gas drillers and related occupations
Logging machinery operators
Fishing vessel masters and fishermen/women4
Major Group 92 - Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
Supervisors in mineral and metal processing
Supervisors in petroleum, gas, chemical processing, and utilities
Supervisors in food and beverage processing
Supervisors in various manufacturing sectors (plastics, rubber, forest products, electronics, furniture, etc.)
Central control and process operators in mineral, metal, petroleum, gas, and chemical processing
Power engineers and power systems operators
Water and waste treatment plant operators5
Major Group 93 - Central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors
This group includes central control and process operators in processing and manufacturing industries, as well as aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors6.
Minor Group 6320
Unit Group 62200
Chefs
Step-by-Step Overview of the FSTP Application Process
Below is a simplified roadmap for applying under FSTP via Express Entry:
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure two years of recent skilled trades work experience and meet language minimums. If you lack a valid job offer, investigate how to get a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification.
Gather Key Documents
Language test results showing CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Reference letters, paystubs, or other proof of your trades experience.
Certificate of qualification (if no job offer).
Create an Express Entry Profile
Answer questions about your personal details, trades experience, language results, and job offers/certifications. Receive your CRS score once submitted.
Enter the Pool
Wait among other Express Entry candidates. IRCC conducts draws periodically, each with a CRS cutoff. If your score meets or exceeds that cutoff, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Prepare Your Final Submission
After an ITA, gather updated documents (police certificates, proof of funds, medical exam, etc.) and pay the required fees. Accuracy is crucial to avoid delays or refusal.
Complete Biometrics and Medical Exam
Follow IRCC instructions for fingerprinting and medical tests.
Await Decision
IRCC aims for about six months of processing once an application is complete. Processing times may vary based on case complexities or volume.
Become a Permanent Resident
If approved, you get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). You can then legally reside and work in Canada with no time limit.
Tips to Succeed with the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Focus on Language Skills
Language benchmarks for speaking, listening, reading, and writing can greatly impact your CRS score. Improving from a borderline result to a higher CLB level raises your overall competitiveness.
Obtain a Provincial Nomination
Certain provinces run streams specifically seeking trades professionals. Earning a provincial nomination adds 600 points—often enough to guarantee an ITA.
Keep Thorough Work Records
Compile clear evidence (employer letters, pay statements) confirming your role, responsibilities, and duration in the trade. Ambiguous or incomplete records can lead to refusals.
Check for Certificate of Qualification Requirements
If you do not have a valid job offer, a certificate of qualification is mandatory. Research provincial/territorial trade authorities for exam or credentialing processes.
Stay Updated on Express Entry Draws
Some draws target specific occupations. If your trade is highlighted (for instance, a draw focusing on carpenters or cooks), you may have a better chance even with a moderate CRS.
FAQs About the FSTP
Q1: Can I apply without a high school diploma?
The FSTP does not have a strict educational threshold, unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program. However, a lack of formal education can lower your CRS.
Q2: Which trades are eligible under the FSTP?
Trades are grouped under categories like industrial, electrical, and construction, or as cooks, bakers, and butchers. The NOC Codes under FSTP are:
Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)
Minor Group 6320
Unit Group 62200
Q3: Do I need settlement funds if I have a job offer?
No. Proof of funds is waived for candidates with a valid job offer that meets FSTP requirements.
Q4: How long does the entire FSTP process take?
Creating a profile is quick once you have your documents. After receiving an ITA, the goal is about six months for many completed applications.
Final Thoughts on the Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program delivers an efficient pathway for professionals in high-demand trades to achieve Permanent Residency. Canada’s economy is consistently seeking hands-on experts—whether you’re a welder building critical infrastructure or a chef innovating in the culinary arts. By focusing on language test performance, securing either a valid job offer or certificate of qualification, and actively monitoring Express Entry draws, you can optimize your CRS score and expedite your invitation.
Candidates who organize their work records carefully, stay updated on provincial nominations, and meet eligibility conditions stand an excellent chance of success. The FSTP not only solves Canada’s labor shortages but also provides trades professionals a fresh start in a stable and rewarding environment.
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