Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program

Thinking About Moving to Canada but Not Sure If Your Trade Skills Count?

You’re not alone. If you’re a plumber, electrician, chef, or work in any skilled trade, you might be wondering:
“Will my experience really matter in Canada?” The answer is: Absolutely.

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program was created for hardworking people just like you, those who’ve built a career through hands-on work, not university degrees.

You don’t need to be fluent in English.
You don’t need a fancy diploma.
What you do need is skill, experience, and the courage to take that first step toward a better life.

Let’s walk through how the FSTP works and how it can help you and your family start fresh in Canada.

💡 Feeling hopeful but still a bit unsure? That’s completely normal. Start with our assessment form, it’s quick, easy, and could open doors you didn’t know existed.

Overview

Key Point	Details
Program Name	Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Target Applicants	Skilled trades workers (plumbers, electricians, welders, chefs, etc.)
Education Required	No college or university degree needed
Work Experience	Minimum 2 years full-time paid work in a skilled trade in the last 5 years
Language Requirements	Basic English or French: CLB 5 (speaking, listening), CLB 4 (reading, writing)
Job Offer or Certificate	Must have a full-time job offer for at least 1 year, OR a Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian province
Settlement Funds	Proof of funds required (unless already working in Canada)
Residence	For all of Canada except Quebec
Application Process	Through the Express Entry system
Processing Time	About 6 months after the invitation to apply
Family Inclusion	Spouse and dependent children can be included

What Exactly Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is part of Canada’s Express Entry immigration system, a system designed to attract people with the skills Canada really needs.

This program is specifically for people in hands-on, technical, or manual jobs. Not office jobs. Not academic careers. Just real, practical work.

Here are some trades that commonly qualify:

• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Welders
• Carpenters
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
• Chefs, bakers, and butchers
• Industrial and construction trades

Sounds like your kind of work? You might already be on the right path.

What makes the FSTP stand out?

• You don’t need a college degree
• You don’t need advanced English skills
• You can apply based on your work experience and trade skills

This program exists to fill genuine labor shortages in Canada, so your skills aren’t just appreciated, they’re needed.

Who Can Apply?

To apply through the FSTP, you’ll need to meet 5 basic requirements. We’ll explain each in plain language:

1. Work Experience

You must have:

• At least 2 years of full-time paid work (or part-time equivalent)
• In the last 5 years
• In a skilled trade (like plumbing, carpentry, or cooking)

This experience must be paid, volunteer work doesn’t count.

2. Job Offer or Certificate

You need one of the following:

• A full-time job offer in Canada (for at least 1 year), or
• A Certificate of Qualification (COQ) from a Canadian province or territory

❓ What’s a Certificate of Qualification? It’s a document that proves you’re qualified to work in your trade in Canada. You usually get it by passing a test or showing your experience.

3. Language Skills

You’ll need to take an approved language test like IELTS or CELPIP (for English) or TEF/TCF (for French).

Here are the minimum scores:

• Speaking: CLB 5
• Listening: CLB 5
• Reading: CLB 4
• Writing: CLB 4

That’s considered basic-level communication, not advanced.

4. Settlement Funds

Unless you’re already working in Canada, you’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself (and your family).

Example (2025):

• 1 person: approx. CAD 13,310
• 2 people: approx. CAD 16,570
• More for each additional family member

5. Live Outside Quebec

This program covers all provinces and territories except Quebec, which has its own system.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Through FSTP

Applying might seem complicated, but we’ll break it down into clear, simple steps:

Step 1: Check If Your Job Qualifies

Make sure your occupation is on Canada’s eligible list of skilled trades. These usually include:

• Construction
• Electrical
• Mechanics
• Maintenance
• Cooking or baking

Step 2: Take a Language Test

Show that you have basic communication skills in English or French:

• English: IELTS or CELPIP
• French: TEF or TCF

✅ You only need basic-level scores, don’t let this part scare you.

Step 3: Get a Job Offer or Certificate

You’ll need:

• A job offer for at least 1 year, OR
• A Certificate of Qualification (CoQ)

Getting a CoQ might involve a skills test or proving your work history.

Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile

This is where you enter:

• Your work history
• Language test results
• Job offer or certificate
• Other personal details

You’ll then get a CRS score, a number that ranks your application.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply

If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

You’ll have 60 days to complete and submit your full application. From that point, most applications are processed in about 6 months.

Why FSTP Might Be Your Best Option

There are several immigration pathways to Canada, but if you work in a trade, the FSTP has big advantages:

• No Degree Needed: Your hands-on experience is what counts most.
• Low Language Requirements: Basic-level English or French is enough.
• Lower CRS Scores Accepted: FSTP applicants sometimes get invitations with lower scores.
• High Demand for Your Skills: Canada really needs tradespeople.
• Fast Processing Time: Most complete applications are processed in around 6 months.

What to Watch Out For: Common Challenges

Every program has its hurdles. Here’s what to be prepared for:

• Getting a Job Offer or Certificate: These can take time and effort, especially from outside Canada.
• Language Test: Even if it’s basic, taking a test can feel stressful if it’s your first time.
• Settlement Funds: You’ll need proof of savings to support your move.
• Paperwork: Expect to gather documents, fill out forms, and wait for updates.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Move for You?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program could be your gateway to a new life in Canada. It’s for people with real experience, practical skills, and the determination to take action, even when it feels uncertain. You might feel overwhelmed right now. That’s okay. The key is to start.

✨ Let’s take that first step together. Fill out our assessment form and find out if the FSTP is right for you. A better future could be closer than you think.

FAQs