Overview of the Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway for foreign workers with experience in certain skilled trades to become permanent residents of Canada. The FSTP is part of the Express Entry system, which manages applications for permanent residency from skilled workers.
The purpose of the FSTP is to help meet Canada’s labor market needs by attracting foreign workers with skills and experience in in-demand trades. It also helps address the shortage of skilled workers in certain regions of Canada.
To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must meet certain requirements related to education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
Overview of requirements
To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in a skilled trade in the past five years
- Meet the language requirements for the trade (English or French)
- Have a valid job offer in Canada (or a certificate of qualification in the trade)
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Education and Training
In addition to the general requirements, applicants must also have:
- Completed a minimum level of education (usually a high school diploma or equivalent)
- Completed any required training or apprenticeship programs for the trade
Work Experience
To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in one of the eligible trades. The work experience must be within the past five years and must be paid and performed at a journeyman level (or equivalent).
Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, depending on the requirements of their trade. They must take a language test from an approved agency and score at least the minimum level for their trade.
Other eligibility requirements
Applicants must also meet other eligibility requirements, such as:
- Admissibility requirements (e.g. no criminal record, good health)
- Sufficient funds to settle in Canada
- Other specific requirements for their trade (e.g. licenses, certifications)
Application Process
To apply for the FSTP, applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Express Entry system. The EOI is a brief online form that includes basic information about the applicant’s education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
After submitting an EOI, applicants may be invited to apply for permanent residency through the FSTP if they meet the eligibility requirements and have a high enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. CRS scores are based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
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If an applicant receives an invitation to apply, they must submit a complete application within 60 days. The application includes detailed information about the applicant’s education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors, as well as supporting documents.
Document Checklist
Applicants must provide a range of documents to support their application, such as:
- Passport or travel documents
- Language test results
- Educational credentials
- Proof of work experience
- Job offer or certificate of qualification
Processing Time
Processing times for FSTP applications vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the complexity of the case. However, the government of Canada aims to process most applications within six months.
Fees
Applicants must pay various fees as part of the FSTP application process, including:
- Processing fee: CAD 1,325
- Right of Permanent Residence fee: CAD 500 (if applicable)
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (if applicable)
Occupation List
The FSTP occupation list includes skilled trades in a range of industries, such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and others. The list is designed to reflect the current labor market needs in Canada.
Eligible trades
The eligible trades for the FSTP are divided into five categories:
- Major Group 72: Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades
- Major Group 73: Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
- Major Group 82: Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production
- Major Group 92: Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
- Minor Group 632: Chefs and Cooks
National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes
Each trade on the FSTP occupation list is assigned a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, which is used to assess an applicant’s eligibility and ranking in the Express Entry system.
Each trade on the FSTP occupation list has specific job requirements, such as experience with certain tools or equipment, knowledge of specific materials or processes, and other skills or abilities.
Comprehensive Ranking System
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to assess and rank applicants in the Express Entry system. The CRS assigns points based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
Selection Factors
The selection factors for the FSTP include:
- Language proficiency (English or French)
- Education
- Work experience
- Job offer or certificate of qualification
- Age
- Adaptability (e.g. previous work or study in Canada, family connections)
Point system
Applicants are assigned points for each of the selection factors, based on their level of proficiency or experience. The total points determine the applicant’s ranking in the Express Entry system.
Minimum score required
The minimum CRS score required to be invited to apply for permanent residency through the FSTP varies depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the labor market needs in Canada.
Benefits of the FSTP
- Permanent Residency: One of the main benefits of the FSTP is that it provides a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. This allows applicants to live and work in Canada indefinitely, and eventually apply for citizenship.
- Family Sponsorship: As permanent residents, FSTP applicants can sponsor their family members to come to Canada as well, including spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents.
- Access to Social Services: Permanent residents in Canada have access to a range of social services, such as healthcare, education, and social security programs.
- Employment Opportunities: FSTP applicants with a valid job offer in Canada may also be able to apply for a work permit to start working in Canada before their permanent residency application is processed.
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Conclusion
The Canada Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway for foreign workers with experience in certain skilled trades to become permanent residents of Canada. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements related to education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
The FSTP is expected to continue to be an important pathway for skilled workers to come to Canada, as the demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to remain high.
Applicants can find more information about the FSTP and the Express Entry system on the Government of Canada’s official website. There are also several organizations that provide resources and support for FSTP applicants, such as settlement agencies, language schools, and professional associations.
The FSTP is a great opportunity for skilled tradespeople from around the world to start a new life in Canada. With its strong economy, high standard of living, and diverse population, Canada offers a welcoming and supportive environment for newcomers.
As with any immigration process, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and assessment criteria before applying. By doing thorough research and seeking guidance from trusted sources, applicants can increase their chances of success in the FSTP and realize their dream of becoming permanent residents of Canada.
Frequently asked questions
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