The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is another immigration pathway under Canada’s Express Entry system, aimed at skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents in Canada. This program is designed for individuals who have experience in certain skilled trades and want to settle and work in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

1. Work Experience:
   • Applicants must have at least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years before applying.
   • The work experience must be in one of the trades listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 7201 to 73401. These trades generally fall under NOC Skill Level B, which includes construction, industrial, electrical, and mechanical trades, as well as chefs and bakers.
   • The skilled trade experience must be paid (not voluntary work) and must be obtained in a skilled trade. The experience can be gained inside or outside Canada.
2. Offer of Employment or Certificate of Qualification:
   • Job Offer: You must have a valid, full-time job offer for at least 1 year from a Canadian employer in the skilled trade you’re applying for. The job offer must be for full-time, permanent employment.
   • Certificate of Qualification: Alternatively, you can have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory. The certificate of qualification shows that you meet the standards for working in that trade in Canada.
3. Language Proficiency:
   • You must prove your proficiency in either English or French by taking an approved language test.
     • A minimum of CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing is required for the FSTP.
     • The language test must be taken within the last two years.
4. Admissibility:
   • Like other immigration programs, you must not have a criminal record or pose any security risk to Canada.
   • Applicants must also be medically admissible.
5. Education:
   • Education is not a major requirement for the FSTP, unlike other immigration streams. However, applicants must have a high school diploma (or its equivalent) in Canada or abroad. In some cases, a post-secondary education may be beneficial to your application but is not a mandatory requirement.
6. Proof of Funds:
   • You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arriving in Canada, unless you are already able to legally work in Canada (e.g., if you already have a valid job offer or work permit).

NOC Trades Eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program:

Eligible occupations for the FSTP are categorized under NOC Skill Level B, which generally includes the following types of jobs:

• Industrial and electrical trades: Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, construction millwrights, etc.
• Construction trades: Carpenters, bricklayers, masons, drywall installers, etc.
• Manufacturing trades: Tool and die makers, welders, machinists, etc.
• Chef and baker: If you have experience in culinary or baking trades.

You can find the full list of eligible trades on the Government of Canada’s website under the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Points System (Express Entry CRS):

The FSTP operates within the Express Entry system, and applicants are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS awards points based on:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Job offer in Canada (if applicable)
• Adaptability factors, like previous Canadian work experience or a spouse’s language skills

The FSTP applicants must score high enough to be invited to apply (ITA) through the Express Entry system.

How to Apply:

1. Create an Express Entry Profile:
   • You need to create an online profile in the Express Entry system, where you’ll be ranked against other candidates based on the CRS score.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
   • If you have enough CRS points, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
3. Submit Your Application:
   • After receiving an ITA, you must submit your application for permanent residence within 60 days.
4. Decision on Application:
   • The IRCC will process your application and issue a decision.

Steps in Detail:

1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the basic requirements for work experience, language skills, and education.
2. Create an Express Entry Profile: Fill out your profile and submit it to the Express Entry pool.
3. Wait for ITA: If your CRS score is high enough, you may get an ITA.
4. Submit Application: Complete and submit the necessary documents within the timeframe.
5. Permanent Residency: Once approved, you’ll receive permanent residency and be able to live and work in Canada.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is ideal for people with strong experience in skilled trades who want to make Canada their home. If you want more specific information on any part of the process or help with the next steps, feel free to ask!