The FSTP is part of a significant effort by federal and provincial governments to attract more skilled trades workers to Canada, addressing labor shortages in various trades occupations. Given Canada’s aging population and low birth rate, the country increasingly relies on immigration to support its labor force and economic growth, especially in skilled trades.

Immigrating to Canada under the FSTP offers several benefits. Under Express Entry, successful FSTP candidates typically obtain permanent residence within six months. Additionally, FSTP candidates may have lower CRS scores compared to others in the Express Entry pool, as they are not required to demonstrate their educational level. IRCC occasionally holds program-specific Express Entry draws for FSTP candidates, increasing the likelihood of receiving a provincial nomination. A provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points, significantly enhancing your chances of receiving an invitation for permanent residence.

If you are a FSTP candidate with Canadian work experience, you are well-positioned for success in the Canadian labor market. IRCC awards more CRS points to candidates with Canadian work and study experience. Research indicates that having Canadian experience is a substantial advantage when obtaining permanent residence, as the knowledge, connections, and skills gained while working in Canada provide a competitive edge.

How the Immigration Process Works with the FSTP

IRCC uses Express Entry to manage skilled worker applications for three economic-class immigration programs, including the FSTP.

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the FSTP’s eligibility criteria or the criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2. Create Profile: If eligible, submit an Express Entry profile on IRCC’s website, where you will receive a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, language skills, work experience, and Canadian work and study experience.
3. Receive an ITA: IRCC holds Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. You will be given a deadline to submit your permanent residence application.
4. Application Processing: IRCC aims to process applications within six months.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pursue Immigration through the FSTP

1. Check Eligibility: Use the free eligibility tool from The Millennium Immigration.
2. Language Test: Complete an English and/or French language test recognized by IRCC. If you have studied abroad in an eligible program, consider obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment to claim additional CRS points.
3. Submit Profile: Submit your Express Entry profile on IRCC’s website at no cost.
4. Follow Draws: Keep track of IRCC’s Express Entry draws to see if you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
5. Submit Application: If you receive an ITA, submit your completed permanent residence application to IRCC within the specified deadline. IRCC aims for a processing standard of six months or less for most applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the FSTP, you must:

• Have valid job offers for continuous, paid, full-time employment (at least 30 hours a week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year OR hold a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial body.
• Provide proof of basic language proficiency from a designated language testing organization, meeting the minimum thresholds set by IRCC: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
• Have obtained two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in the skilled trade within the five years prior to applying.
• Demonstrate the skills and experience required to perform the essential duties of the occupation.

A certificate of qualification proves that a foreign national is qualified to work in a skilled trade in Canada. It confirms that the applicant has passed a certification exam or met all the requirements to practice their trade in a specific province or territory.

Eligible skilled work experience for the FSTP falls under the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories:

• Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
• Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
• Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs 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
• Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers

FSTP candidates must plan to reside outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec has its own immigration system for skilled workers. If you intend to immigrate to Quebec, please visit the Quebec Skilled Worker Program page for more information.

If you are eligible for the FSTP, you may also qualify for category-based Express Entry draws, providing additional opportunities to be invited for Canadian permanent residence.