EXPRESS ENTRY: FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) provides an exceptional opportunity for skilled tradespersons across the globe to become permanent residents in Canada. The program is unique, prioritizing immigration for trades occupation workers in response to labour shortages across the nation. With the added benefit of the Express Entry system, FSTP applications are often processed within a few months.
Who is Eligible for the FSTP?
The FSTP is designed specifically for experienced tradespersons who aspire to immigrate to Canada. Upon expressing their interest in settling in Canada and creating an online Express Entry profile, eligible candidates are then evaluated and ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This pool of candidates includes individuals from the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as the FSTP.
Advantages and Potential Disadvantages of the FSTP
The FSTP offers distinct advantages. In the past, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has hosted program-specific draws solely for FSTP candidates, inviting candidates with CRS scores as low as 199, far below the typical thresholds for FSW and CEC candidates. This is coupled with the lower language ability criteria for FSTP candidates.
If a candidate secures a valid job offer in their trade from a Canadian employer, they not only increase their eligibility but also gain additional CRS points, which enhances the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply.
However, despite eligibility, an invitation to apply is not guaranteed. If a candidate’s CRS score falls short of the cut-off, steps can be taken to improve it.
KEY REQUIREMENT FOR FSTP
FSTP is a fast-track option for qualified tradespeople. To qualify, a candidate must have two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade, garnered within the previous five years post certification in their country of residence.
Additional eligibility criteria include:
Intention to Reside
Once these conditions are met, a candidate is eligible to submit an Express Entry profile for FSTP. However, candidates must also meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements, which include certain criminal and medical checks.
FSTP APPLICATION PROCEDURE
After meeting the requirements, a candidate can submit an Express Entry profile to the IRCC. Submitting a profile does not guarantee Canadian permanent residence, but assigns a CRS score that will be considered in future Express Entry draws for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.When creating an Express Entry profile, an FSTP candidate needs to submit certain documents, including:
Language Proficiency Test Results
Test results from an approved language test taken within the previous two years are mandatory.
Identification Documents
Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
Though not mandatory for FSTP, education documentation can help claim points:
Candidates are encouraged to improve their CRS score if it is below the lowest ranking FSTP candidate score, which since the launch of the Express Entry system in 2015, has been 199 points.
FAQs for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
What types of trades are eligible under the FSTP?
The FSTP caters to a variety of trades including, but not limited to, industrial, electrical, construction, and equipment operation trades. It’s best to consult the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to determine if your specific trade is eligible
Can I bring my family with me under the FSTP?
Yes, once approved under the FSTP, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, to Canada.
How does the FSTP differentiate from the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)?
While both are pathways to Canadian immigration, the FSTP is designed specifically for skilled tradespersons. It generally requires lesser language proficiency and emphasizes hands-on work experience in a specific trade, whereas FSWC is geared towards those with professional work experience in various fields.
What happens if I don't have a job offer or a certification from a Canadian province or territory?
Having a job offer or a provincial/territorial certification greatly improves your chances under the FSTP, but it’s not an absolute requirement. However, meeting one of these conditions is crucial for eligibility.
How important is it to improve my CRS score?
The CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If your score is below the typical cut-off, it’s beneficial to consider ways to enhance it.
Can I apply for the FSTP if I've previously been rejected for another immigration program?
Yes, a previous rejection from another immigration program does not prevent you from applying under the FSTP. However, it’s crucial to understand the reason for the previous refusal and ensure you meet all FSTP criteria before applying.
Are there any additional fees associated with the FSTP application?
The FSTP application, like other Express Entry programs, has associated fees. This includes the primary application fee, and if applicable, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. There may also be additional costs for medical exams, police certificates, and language testing.