Express Entry is an online application system managed by the immigration department of the Government of Canada i.e. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Through certain Economic Immigration Programs of Express Entry, IRCC selects and communicates with qualified and skilled workers and helps in fulfilling the labor market requirements of Canada.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the immigration programs managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) via the Express Entry System. This program is designed specifically for qualified skilled trade workers seeking permanent residence in Canada.
Note: Other Economic Immigration Programs Managed by Express Entry
To apply for this program skilled workers must meet the minimum eligibility criteria, which include work experience, language proficiency, and education.
Minimum Requirements
Work Experience
Before submitting an application to IRCC, skilled workers must have at least two years of full-time paid work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience) in a Skilled Trade Profile (TEER Level “0,” “1,”, "2" or “3”).
FULL TIME/ PART TIME EXPERIENCE
- Full-time Experience: 1 year of continuous work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week)
- Part-time Experience: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
Note: IRCC doesn’t count any hours above 30 hours/week, and it is mandatory for the Skilled workers to meet the job requirements of that skilled trade, as stated in National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification
It is mandatory for a skilled worker to have:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer (full-time and paid) for at least one year, or
- A certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a provincial, territorial, or federal authority in Canada.
Language Proficiency Requirements
When it comes to immigration, language proficiency is critical. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the minimum score requirements for Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) vary depending on the language module, i.e.,
- For Listening, and Speaking: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5
- For Reading and Writing: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4
Education Requirement
If earned within Canada
- If you earned education within Canada, you can get points for a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution
If earned outside Canada
- If the Skilled Workers attended qualification from school/ college outside of Canada, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report from one of the ECA Designated Authorities, for the purpose of immigration is required.
- ECA Report showing earned education is equal to a diploma/ degree from a Canadian secondary institution (high school) or post-secondary institution.
Proof of Funds
Many immigration programs require proof of funds to ensure that applicants have enough money to support themselves and their families when they arrive in Canada. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), however, has specific requirements for proof of funds that vary depending on certain circumstances.
When Proof of Funds Is Needed
- If an applicant does not have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, they must provide proof of funds. The funds must be readily accessible and cannot be borrowed from another person. The required amount depends on the number of family members, including the applicant, who are traveling to Canada.
When Proof of Funds Is Not Required
- Applicants are exempt from providing proof of funds if they have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
CEC/ FSWP/ FSTP: What are the differences?
| Criteria | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker Program | Federal Skilled Trades Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language skills |
English or French skills
|
English or French skills
|
English or French skills
|
| Type/Level of work experience |
Canadian work experience in:
|
Work experience in an occupation listed in:
|
Work experience in a skilled trade under key groups of:
|
| Amount of work experience | One year in Canada in the last 3 years (combination of full-time or part-time work) | One year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation) | Two years within last 5 years (combination of full-time or part-time work) |
| Job offer | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Education | Not required. | Secondary education required. | Not required. |
