Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

Overview

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of Canada's three federal economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. It allows eligible skilled tradespersons to immigrate to Canada permanently based on their qualifications in a skilled trade.

The FST program is designed for individuals who have experience in a skilled trade and wish to become permanent residents of Canada. Unlike some other economic programs, a specific level of education is not necessarily a primary requirement, though trade certifications can be beneficial.

How it works

Candidates interested in the FST program first need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria. If eligible, they create an Express Entry profile. This profile is then assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and Canadian connections. Candidates with competitive CRS scores are then invited to apply for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws.

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates have a limited timeframe to submit a complete application with all supporting documents. The application is then processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which includes security checks and medical examinations.

Who it's for

The FST program is suitable for skilled tradespersons who have substantial experience in one of the eligible skilled trades. This includes individuals who have secured a valid job offer in Canada or possess a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial body. It is particularly well-suited for those who may not have extensive higher education but have built significant expertise in a recognized trade.

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, candidates must meet several key criteria:

• Skilled Trade Work Experience: Candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying. This experience must have been obtained after qualifying to practice the trade.

• Valid Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Applicants must have either:

  • A valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year (from up to two employers) in a skilled trade; OR
  • A certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial body.

• Language Proficiency: Candidates must meet the minimum language requirements in English or French. This involves achieving a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing. Official language test results from an approved agency (such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French) are required.

• No Inadmissibility: Applicants must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as serious criminality, misrepresentation, or medical issues. A medical examination and police background checks are mandatory for all applicants and their accompanying family members.

• Intention to Reside Outside Quebec: Candidates must intend to live anywhere in Canada except the province of Quebec. The FST program is a federal program, and Quebec has its own distinct immigration programs.

The following documents are typically required for a Federal Skilled Trades (FST) application:

• Identity and Civil Status Documents: Valid passport or travel document, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce certificate and separation agreement (if applicable), and national identity cards.

• Language Test Results: Official results from an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada) obtained within the last two years.

• Work Experience Documentation: Letters of employment from previous employers detailing duties, hours worked, and duration of employment. Pay stubs, tax documents, and reference letters may also be required to corroborate work experience.

• Job Offer (if applicable): A copy of the valid job offer from a Canadian employer, including details of the position, salary, and employment conditions. The employer may also need to provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), although some LMIA-exempt job offers are also valid.

• Certificate of Qualification (if applicable): A copy of the certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority in the skilled trade.

• Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer.

• Educational Documents: While not a primary requirement, any educational certificates, diplomas, or degrees you possess should be included. If obtained outside Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report may be beneficial for CRS points.

• Police Certificates: Criminal record checks from every country or territory where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

• Medical Examination Confirmation: Proof of having undergone a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

The application process for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is managed through the Express Entry system and generally follows these steps:

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements for the FST program, including work experience, language proficiency, and job offer/certificate of qualification.

2. Language Testing: Take an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF Canada, TCF Canada for French) and achieve the minimum required CLB levels.

3. Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an online Express Entry profile, providing information about your skills, education, work experience, language abilities, and other factors. This profile will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

4. Register with Job Bank (Optional, if no LMIA-exempt job offer): If you do not have a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer, or a provincial nomination, you will need to register with Canada's Job Bank. This is automatically done for you if you indicated in your Express Entry profile that you need to register.

5. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough in an Express Entry draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. ITAs are issued periodically by IRCC.

6. Prepare and Submit Application: Once an ITA is received, you have 60 days to prepare and submit your complete electronic application for permanent residence (e-APR), along with all required supporting documents and fees.

7. Biometrics: After submitting your application, you will receive instructions to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated service point.

8. Medical Examination and Police Certificates: Undergo a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician and obtain police certificates from all countries where you have lived.

9. Application Processing: IRCC will review your application, conduct background checks, and assess your eligibility.

10. Decision: If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if you are from a visa-required country). You can then finalize your landing in Canada.

Under the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, applicants can include their family members in their permanent residence application. Eligible family members typically include:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner: Your legally married spouse or common-law partner (a person who has been living with you in a conjugal relationship for at least one year).
• Dependent Children: Your biological or adopted children, or those of your spouse/common-law partner, who are under the age of 22 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner of their own. Children over the age of 22 may still be considered dependants if they have been unable to financially support themselves due to a mental or physical condition and have been continuously dependent on a parent since before the age of 22.

All accompanying family members must also undergo medical examinations and police background checks as part of the application process.

Upon receiving permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, individuals and their accompanying family members (spouses/common-law partners) obtain the right to live and work anywhere in Canada. There are no restrictions on the type of employment they can pursue, other than those inherent to professional licensure for regulated occupations. This means FST program principal applicants and their spouses/common-law partners can seek employment in any field across Canada without the need for a specific work permit tied to an employer or occupation.

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residence. Successful applicants are granted permanent resident status upon landing in Canada. As permanent residents, they gain the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. After accumulating the necessary physical presence in Canada, permanent residents may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, subject to meeting the residency and other requirements under the Citizenship Act.

Common reasons for refusal of Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applications often include:

• Incomplete Application: Missing documents, forms, or information can lead to the refusal of an application.
• Failure to Meet Minimum Requirements: Not meeting the required work experience, language proficiency levels, or job offer/certificate of qualification criteria.
• Misrepresentation: Providing false information or concealing material facts can result in refusal and a ban from reapplying for a period of five years.
• Insufficient Proof of Funds: Failing to demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, unless exempt due to a valid Canadian job offer.
• Inadmissibility: Medical inadmissibility (e.g., posing a danger to public health or safety, or excessive demand on health services) or criminal inadmissibility (serious criminal convictions).
• Expired Documents: Submitting documents that have expired, such as language test results or passports.
• Lack of Genuine Job Offer: If the job offer is not deemed genuine or does not meet IRCC's requirements (e.g., not full-time, not in a skilled trade, or not from a legitimate employer).