If you’re a skilled tradesperson looking to make Canada your new home, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is your gateway to Canadian permanent residence. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about the FSTP.
Let’s explore the benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and additional considerations together!
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What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled trades workers seeking permanent residency in Canada based on their qualifications in a trade occupation.
It aims to meet the country’s labor market needs by attracting individuals with specific trade skills.
The program operates within the broader framework of the Express Entry system, which manages applications for various immigration programs.
Why choose the FSTP for skilled trades immigration?
Designed for Skilled Trades: The FSTP is specifically made for skilled trades workers in occupations that Canada needs.
Easy Process: The FSTP is part of the Express Entry system, which makes the immigration process simple and quick for skilled trades workers.
Permanent Residency and Benefits: If you qualify for the FSTP, you can become a permanent resident, get access to healthcare, social services, education, and even apply for Canadian citizenship later on.
Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
This program is for individuals with relevant skills and experience in specific trades. Let’s see the key eligibility criteria:
Language Proficiency:
- Score a minimum on language tests:
- Speaking and Listening: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5
- Reading and Writing: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4
- Your language test results must be less than two years old on the day of your permanent residence application.
Work Experience:
- Have a minimum of 2 years of paid, full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
- Volunteer work or unpaid internships do not qualify.
Job Requirements & Skills:
- Your experience must align with certain groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). Your duties must reflect those listed in the NOC.
- Inability to demonstrate that your experience aligns with the NOC can lead to application refusal.
Job Offer or Certification
- Hold a full-time job offer for at least a year or have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from a Canadian authority.
Education:
While there is no specific education requirement, having education credentials can boost your Express Entry rank.
- Canadian education: Points are available for a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution.
- Foreign education: Points are available for a completed credential equivalent to Canadian education if you have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Financial Requirements:
- You must provide proof of funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
- Exceptions are made if you can legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer.
Other Requirements:
- You must be admissible to Canada.
- You should plan to reside outside Quebec as the province has its own skilled worker selection system.
Application Process for FSTP
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Firstly, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Step 2: Language Test and Education Credential Assessment
If you’re eligible, take an English or French language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
If you’ve studied abroad, consider getting an Educational Credential Assessment for extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Step 3: Submit Express Entry Profile
Next, create and submit your Express Entry profile on the IRCC’s website at no cost.
Step 4: Track IRCC’s Express Entry Draws
Monitor IRCC’s Express Entry draws every two weeks to see if you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Stay updated with +1 News On the Latest Express Entry Draws
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence
If you receive an ITA, submit your full application for permanent residence to IRCC within the given deadline.
Most applicants can expect their permanent residence applications to be processed within six months or less by the IRCC.
Benefits of the FSTP
- Fast processing times: Get your Canadian permanent residence in as little as six months.
- Lower CRS scores: No need to prove your education level, making it easier to qualify.
- Program-specific draws: Increase your chances with dedicated FSTP draws.
- Boost from Provincial Nomination: A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your application, almost guaranteeing residency.
- Canadian Work Experience Counts: If you’ve worked or studied in Canada, the IRCC will award you extra points, increasing your chances.
Additional Opportunities and Considerations
- Category-based Express Entry draws: Increase your chances by meeting eligibility criteria for category-specific draws.
- Living and working in Quebec: Note that Quebec has its own immigration system with separate considerations.
Conclusion
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a simple way for skilled workers to become permanent residents in Canada. With fast processing times, lower CRS scores, and the advantage of Canadian work experience, the FSTP provides a great opportunity to build your future in Canada.
To boost your success, meet the eligibility requirements, follow the application steps, and actively participate in the Express Entry system. Begin your journey now and open up exciting new opportunities for your work and life in Canada!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is a job offer necessary for the FSTP?
No, you don’t necessarily need a job offer for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). But, if you don’t have a Canadian provincial or territorial certificate for your skilled trade, you’ll need a job offer instead.
Q: What is an eligible job offer under the FSTP?
An eligible job offer for the FSTP is full-time employment from one or two employers in Canada, lasting at least one year and requiring a minimum of 30 hours per week. Most job offers require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which verifies the impact on the Canadian job market, but there are exceptions.
Q: What occupations are considered skilled trades under the FST Program?
Skilled trades, according to Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, fall into the following occupation groups:
Major Group 72: industrial, electrical, and construction trades.
Major Group 73: maintenance and equipment operation trades.
Major Group 82: supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
Major Group 92: processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators.
Minor Group 632: chefs and cooks.
Minor Group 633: butchers and bakers.
Q: What if the province or territory where I plan to live and work does not offer Certificates of Qualification in my trade?
If your intended province or territory does not provide Certificates of Qualification in your trade, you can still qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) by obtaining a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer in your trade.
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