Move to Canada as a Skilled Tradesperson with the Federal Skilled Trades Program
By Canada Visa & PR Immigration Pathway Guides, , , ,

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is part of Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed for qualified tradespeople who want to become permanent residents. If you have experience working in a trade, this could be a great pathway to building your future in Canada.

🧾 What Type of Visa is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The FST program is a permanent residency pathway under Express Entry. It is specifically for skilled workers with training and experience in certain trades.

🏠 What You Get With the Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Permanent residency for you and your family
  • The right to live and work anywhere in Canada
  • Access to health care, education, and other benefits
  • A faster pathway to Canadian citizenship in the future

⏱️ Federal Skilled Trades Program Processing Time

Most complete applications are processed in under 6 months
You must first enter the Express Entry pool and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

💰 Federal Skilled Trades Program Costs and Fees

  • CAD $1,525 application fee per adult
  • CAD $260 per child
  • CAD $85 biometrics fee per person

Other costs may include language testing, document translation, medical exams, and proof of settlement funds

✅ Who is Eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

You must:

  • Have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years
  • Meet the job requirements for your trade as listed in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC)
  • Have a valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory
  • Meet the language requirements (usually CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing)
  • Plan to live outside the province of Quebec

📈 How Competitive is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

FST applications go through the Express Entry system. This means you are given a CRS score and ranked against other candidates. Your score is based on:

  • Age
  • Language ability
  • Work experience in your trade
  • Education (if any)
  • Whether you have a job offer or certificate of qualification

Although the competition is high, tradespeople often have a good chance if they meet the requirements and have a job offer or qualification in Canada.

👤 Who Should Apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

This program is ideal for:

  • Qualified tradespeople with recent work experience
  • People who already have a Canadian job offer in their trade
  • Those who have completed certification or training in a recognised trade
  • Applicants with strong English or French language skills

⚠️ Who Might Need to Consider Other Options?

You may need to look at other pathways if:

  • You do not have recent experience in a skilled trade
  • You do not have a job offer or certificate of qualification
  • Your CRS score is too low to receive an invitation
  • You want to live in Quebec (which has its own system)

📌 Next Steps for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Check if your trade is on Canada’s eligible occupations list
  • Take a language test such as IELTS or CELPIP
  • Create an Express Entry profile and select the FST program
  • Try to get a job offer or certificate of qualification to boost your score
  • Wait for an Invitation to Apply and prepare your documents for submission

💬 Got Questions About the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

Not sure if your trade is eligible or wondering how to boost your CRS score? Ask us in the comments below — we’re happy to help you figure out your best path to Canada.