Are you a skilled tradesperson looking forward to moving to Canada? Do you have that dream job in Canada? Then the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an ideal migration pathway for making your wish of working and living in Canada come through. FSTP represents one of the economic programs of immigration by the nation of Canada within the express entry system, targeting skilled workers in almost all trade occupations. This program offers qualified applicants the chance to live and work in Canada as permanent residents.
Still, before you apply, you should know some eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program that will help you determine if you qualify and how to apply successfully. We’re here with guidance on key eligibility criteria, how to apply and useful information that may ensure greater chances for getting in within this very competitive program. This program from Federal Skilled Trades targets highly-skilled workers selected across several sectors which involve construction, transportation, and manufacturing.
This program is best suited for those who have proven experience and qualifications in specific trades and wish to contribute their skills to Canada’s growing economy. The main goal of the FSTP is to address labor shortages across the country by attracting foreign workers who possess the skills that Canadian employers need. If you want to apply, understanding the eligibility requirements is your first step.
Main Eligibility Criteria to the FSTP
1. Experience at work: An individual must be in a skilled trade to apply to the FSTP, which involves a minimum two years full time or any equivalent of the same time at part time work experience. It is in an NOC published eligible trades. The experience must have been gained within the last five years preceding application. You should be in a position to show that you qualify to receive necessary working experience within the skilled trade using supporting documentation. This is one of the crucial qualification requirements for this program from the Federal Government.
2. Job Offer or Certification: A second condition is possessing a valid job offer, or a certificate issued by a Canadian authority within your trade. In case you possess a job from a Canadian employer, such an offer should be for a full time and not seasonal job position. Moreover, such an offer must be in any of the skilled trades deemed eligible for FSTP. If you do not have a job offer, you may still be eligible if you have a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian province or territory. This certificate proves that you have the skills and qualifications to perform the trade in Canada.
3. Language Proficiency: The Federal Skilled Trades Program requires applicants to prove their language proficiency in either English or French. You must take an approved language test to prove that you have the minimum required language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The minimum score requirements are determined by the Canadian Language Benchmark. For English, you must achieve a minimum CLB level 5 for speaking and listening and CLB level 4 for reading and writing. For French, the levels demanded may differ according to the profession. You must ensure your language test results are within the last two years to be valid for the FSTP.
4. Education Requirements: Although not as highly emphasized in the FSTP as in other programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you must satisfy some educational requirements. The minimum requirement is a secondary school diploma, which is high school education, or its equivalent in Canada. However, there may be additional trade-specific qualifications required, especially if your trade is regulated in Canada. Education plays a secondary role in the Federal Skilled Trades Program, but having higher qualifications can still strengthen your application.
5. Ability to support yourself and your family: While applying through the FSTP, you have to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon your arrival in Canada. However, if you are already in Canada and hold a valid job offer, then you may not require any proof of funds. But if you are applying to enter Canada from outside the country or you do not already have a job, you will need to have enough financial resources to maintain yourself and your dependents in Canada. The specific dollar amount is dependent on the size of your family.
6. Admissible to Canada: Applicants to the FSTP must be admissible to Canada. This implies that you have no criminal record and do not pose a danger to the safety and security of the country. Moreover, applicants should not have any medical conditions that would be a hindrance to stay and work in Canada. In case of inadmissibility in Canada, your application would be rejected. Therefore, you need to ensure whether you meet the admissibility criteria for the program.
How to Apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Once you are certain that you qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you can then apply. The FSTP falls under the Express Entry system, which is online. Here’s how you should go about it:
1. Create an Express Entry Profile: The first step in your application for the Federal Skilled Trades Program is to create an Express Entry profile. This is where you will provide your personal details, work experience, language test results, and education history. Based on this profile, you will receive a CRS score, which will be the determinant of your prospects of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): For permanent residency if your CRS score is high enough and you meet the requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application with all the required supporting documents.
3. Submit Your Application and Documents: After receiving the ITA, you will need to provide documents such as your language test results, proof of work experience, job offer or certification, proof of funds, and police clearance certificates. Make sure all documents are accurate and up to date, as errors or missing documents can delay your application.
4. Wait for a Decision: Once the application is submitted, the process of processing will begin under Canadian immigration authorities. This is bound to take some time, and as soon as it gets approved, you and all of your family members would have been provided permanent residence in Canada.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is one great opportunity for skilled workers who can build a new life in Canada. You can increase your chances of being accepted into the program by meeting the eligibility requirements, which include having relevant work experience, a valid job offer or certification, proof of language proficiency, and sufficient financial resources. If you are looking for a way to live and work in Canada as a skilled tradesperson, the FSTP may be the ideal pathway for you. Good luck with your application; remember, the right preparation would guarantee a good outcome on the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
