Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): permanent residence for tradespeople
Electricians, welders, heavy-duty mechanics, cooks and other tradespeople can apply for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades Program in Express Entry, with lower language requirements than FSW. Star Immigration confirms your trade is eligible, proves your experience and secures the job offer or certificate of qualification FST requires.
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
FST is a federal economic program for qualified tradespeople, managed through Express Entry. It has lower language requirements than FSW and no education requirement, but requires either a Canadian job offer or a provincial certificate of qualification in your trade.
Lower language minimum
CLB 5 speaking and listening, CLB 4 reading and writing.
No education requirement
Trade training can still add CRS points with an ECA.
Trades-specific draws
IRCC has held category-based rounds for trade occupations.
Experience-focused
Two years of hands-on trade work is the core requirement.
Eligible trades for FST
Your duties, not your job title, decide your NOC group.
| NOC group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Technical trades and transportation officers (72) | Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, machinists |
| General trades (73) | Bricklayers, roofers, heavy equipment operators |
| Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and production (82) | Supervisors in mining, logging, farming |
| Natural resources and related production (83) | Underground miners, oil and gas drillers |
| Processing, manufacturing and utilities (92) | Power engineers, plant operators |
| Central control and process operators (93) | Central control operators |
| Cooks, butchers and bakers (632) | Cooks, butchers, bakers |
Federal Skilled Trades eligibility requirements
Trade experience
At least two years of full-time (or equal part-time) paid work in an eligible skilled trade within the last five years, after qualifying to work independently.
Job requirements
You meet the employment requirements of your trade as set out in the NOC, except for needing a certificate.
Language
CLB 5 in speaking and listening, CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Job offer or certificate
A valid full-time job offer for at least one year, or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
Settlement funds
Required unless you're authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer.
Job offer or certificate of qualification
- A valid job offer of full-time work for at least one year, from up to two Canadian employers, usually supported by an LMIA unless you already work in Canada on an eligible permit
- A certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province or territory after assessing your training, experience and, often, a trade exam
In Ontario, certificates come from Skilled Trades Ontario.
FST document checklist
- Reference letters describing your hands-on trade duties
- Pay records showing two years of full-time work
- Apprenticeship records, trade certificates or licences
- Certificate of qualification or job offer documents
- Language test results
- Proof of settlement funds, if required
- Police certificates and medical exam after the ITA
How to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program
Confirm your trade
Match your duties to an eligible NOC group.
Secure an offer or certificate
Job offer or certificate of qualification.
Language test
Meet CLB 5/4.
Create your profile
Enter the Express Entry pool.
ITA and eAPR
Submit within 60 days of invitation.
Is your trade eligible?
Tell us what you do and where you've worked, and we'll confirm your FST eligibility.
Our FST service: what Star Immigration does
- Trade eligibility checkDuties matched to an eligible NOC group.
- Experience evidenceLetters and records proving two years of trade work.
- Offer or certificate routeGuidance on the job offer, LMIA or certificate.
- CRS strategy and eAPRTrades draws, PNP options and the complete PR application.
Federal Skilled Trades FAQs
Do I need a degree for FST?
No. There's no education requirement.
Are there trades-specific Express Entry draws?
IRCC has held trade-occupation rounds; categories are reviewed yearly. See Express Entry draws.
Does Canadian trade experience count?
Yes, and one year of it may also qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class.
Turn your trade into Canadian PR
Book a walk-in at our Brampton office or a phone consultation.