Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), was launched in 2013 by the IRCC and is a committed immigration pathway for skilled trades workers. This program is one of the three federal economic programs managed by the Express Entry system. Annually, around 100,000 immigration spots are allocated to Express Entry of the around 400,000 immigrants Canada welcomes.

 

FSTP Benefits

 

Due to factors such as the low birth rate and an aging population demographic, Canada relies on the immigration sector to support economic growth by welcoming skilled trade workers to help address labor shortages and support the labor force. Due to candidates not being required to prove their level of education, they receive lower CRS scores in comparison to other applicants. However, there are usually draws held that only invite FSTP applicants, which can lead to the candidates receiving provincial nominations. This leads to applicants having a better chance of receiving permanent residence as the provincial nomination is worth an extra 600 CRS points, which means you’ll most likely receive an ITA for permanent residency. If the candidate has previously worked and/or studied in Canada, it can lead to him/her receiving some extra CRS points. Having some sort of Canadian experience contributes majorly to a candidate receiving his/her permanent residency.

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FSTP Eligibility Criteria

 

Here are the following eligibility criteria requirements, Candidate must have jobs offers of paid, continuous, full-time employment (equivalent to thirty hours a week) for a year, by two employers in Canada or a Certificate of Qualification from a territorial or provincial body, which proves the candidate is qualified to work in the skilled trade occupation sector as they have passed a certification exam and met all the listed requirements: 

Have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 for listening and speaking, and a score of 7 for writing and reading, these are minimum score thresholds that the IRCC has set, to prove the language proficiency of the applicant demonstrate the capabilities and experience that they possess to perform the given tasks and duties related to the occupation. The candidate has gained at least two years of full-time work experience (or part-time work experience equivalent) within the five years before applying, to the skilled trades.

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