What to know about Canada’s new Federal Skilled Trades Program offering permanent residency
Canada has introduced new eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), an immigration pathway under the Express Entry system.
The updated criteria outline essential conditions that skilled trades workers must meet to qualify for permanent residency in Canada.
Overview of Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program
The FSTP is designed to attract skilled trades professionals from around the world to fill labor shortages in various industries.
This immigration stream allows tradespeople to apply for permanent residency based on their experience in eligible sectors.
Updated Eligibility Criteria for 2025
Starting in March 2025, applicants must meet the following eight eligibility requirements:
1. Eligible Skilled Trade Sectors
Candidates must have work experience in one of the following sectors:
Construction (e.g., electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters)
Transportation (e.g., truck drivers, mechanics)
Manufacturing & Industrial Trades (e.g., machine operators, tool and die makers)
Natural Resources & Agriculture (e.g., forestry, oil and gas trades)
2. Skilled Trades Work Experience
Applicants must:
Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or 3,120 hours in total) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
Perform duties listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC), specifically Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Groups 726 and 932), Minor Group 6320, and Unit Group 62200.
Meet all job requirements specified under the NOC.
Have been paid for their work (unpaid or volunteer experience is not considered).
Be qualified to practice in the country where they gained their experience.
3. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
Applicants must provide one of the following:
A valid, full-time job offer (for at least one year) from a Canadian employer, or
A certificate of qualification issued by a provincial, territorial, or federal authority in Canada.
Note: Certification requirements vary by province and territory. Some applicants may need to travel to Canada for assessment or secure an employer for additional training. It is advisable to check trade certification details on the governing body’s website of the intended province or territory.
4. Language Proficiency
Candidates must take an approved language test in English or French and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
5. Education Requirements
While no formal education is required to apply for FSTP, having an educational credential can improve an applicant’s ranking in the Express Entry pool.
6. Proof of Funds
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to settle in Canada unless:
They are already legally working in Canada, or
They have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
7. Admissibility Criteria
Applicants must meet Canadian immigration laws, ensuring they:
Do not have a criminal record or pose security risks.
Do not have medical conditions that could render them ineligible.
8. Residency Requirement
Applicants must intend to live outside Quebec, as the province of Quebec selects its skilled workers through a separate immigration program.
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