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🇨🇦 Federal Skilled Trade Program

Skilled trades? Canada needs you.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is Canada's dedicated pathway for qualified tradespeople — welders, electricians, plumbers, chefs, and more. No degree required, just your trade certification and work experience.

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Quick Snapshot

FSTP at a Glance

Managed underExpress Entry (CRS)

Min. work experience2 years (last 5)

Trade certificationRequired

Job offer required?Yes (or CoC)

Language (speak/listen)CLB 5

Typical consultancy fee₹50K – ₹1.5L

Program Overview

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

FSTP is one of three federal streams managed through Express Entry (alongside FSWP and CEC). It's designed specifically for skilled tradespeople who have work experience in a qualifying trade, a valid job offer or certificate of qualification, and meet the language requirements — even without a Canadian degree.

Trade-Focused Pathway

FSTP is tailored for certified tradespeople — electricians, welders, plumbers, chefs, mechanics, and more.

No Degree Required

Unlike FSWP, FSTP doesn't require a bachelor's degree — your trade certification is what matters.

Same CRS Pool

Once eligible, your profile competes in the same Express Entry pool as FSWP and CEC candidates for an Invitation to Apply.

Stackable with PNP

A provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points on top of your FSTP-based profile.

Why Choose FSTP

Benefits of the Federal Skilled Trades Program

FSTP offers a unique pathway for tradespeople to build a new life in Canada with lower barriers than other immigration streams.

No Degree Needed

Unlike many other immigration programs, FSTP doesn't require a university degree — your trade skills and certification are enough.

Lower Language Requirements

FSTP has lower language thresholds than FSWP — CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing.

Faster Processing

Express Entry applications, including FSTP, typically process within 6 months once you receive an Invitation to Apply.

Family Included

Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application and receive PR status alongside you.

Eligibility Requirements

Do you qualify for FSTP?

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet the following minimum requirements.

Requirement 1

Work Experience

At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years before applying.

Must be in a qualifying trade (NOC TEER 2 or 3)
Can be gained in any country
Must match your primary NOC occupation duties
Work must be paid — unpaid or volunteer roles don't count

Requirement 2

Trade Certification

You must have either:

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year, OR
A Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian provincial/territorial authority

A Certificate of Qualification proves you're qualified to practice your trade in that province/territory.

Requirement 3

Language Ability

Minimum language requirements:

Speaking & Listening: CLB 5 (IELTS 4.0 / 4.0)
Reading & Writing: CLB 4 (IELTS 3.5 / 3.5)
Test results must be under 2 years old
Can be in English or French

Program Comparison

FSTP vs FSWP — What's the Difference?

Both are Express Entry streams, but they serve different types of skilled workers.

Criteria	FSTP (Skilled Trades)	FSWP (Skilled Workers)
Work Experience	2 years in last 5	1 year in last 10
Education	No degree required	Bachelor's degree typically needed
Language (speak/listen)	CLB 5 (IELTS 4.0)	CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0)
Language (read/write)	CLB 4 (IELTS 3.5)	CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0)
Job Offer Required	Yes (or CoC)	Not mandatory
Points Grid	No 67-point test	67-point test required

Both programs share the same CRS pool — you compete for Invitations to Apply based on your CRS score.

Qualifying Trades

Which trades qualify under FSTP?

FSTP covers a wide range of skilled trades across several major groups. Here are some of the most common eligible trades.

Electricians

Welders

Plumbers

Chefs / Cooks

Mechanics

Carpenters

HVAC Technicians

Bricklayers

This is not an exhaustive list. Get a free trade assessment to check if your specific trade qualifies.

NOC Classification

Understanding TEER Levels for FSTP

Your trade must fall under TEER 2 or 3 in Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.

TEER 2

Skilled Trades

Occupations that require a college diploma (2+ years)
Apprenticeship training (2+ years)
Supervisory roles
Example: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters

TEER 3

Technical Trades

Occupations that require a college diploma (under 2 years)
Apprenticeship training (under 2 years)
On-the-job training
Example: Welders, Chefs, Bakers

Get Application-Ready

Documents you'll need for FSTP

We verify every one of these before filing, so nothing holds up your profile at the IRCC stage.

Valid passport

IELTS / CELPIP results

Trade Certificate / Qualification

Work experience & reference letters

Police clearance certificate(s)

Medical examination report

Proof of settlement funds

Job offer (if applicable)

Investment

How Much Does FSTP Cost?

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Here's a breakdown of expected costs.

Consultation

₹5K – ₹15K

Profile assessment & strategy session

Documentation

₹15K – ₹35K

Document verification & filing support

Application Filing

₹30K – ₹60K

Express Entry profile & ITA submission

Government Fees

₹35K – ₹50K

IRCC application & processing fees

Fees vary based on your specific profile, family size, and additional services required. Get a custom quote for your case.

Common Questions

FSTP — Frequently Asked

FSTP covers major trade groups including electrical, welding, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, HVAC, cooking, and more. Your occupation must be classified under NOC TEER 2 or 3.

Yes — you need either a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year, OR a Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian provincial/territorial authority.

You need CLB 5 for speaking and listening (IELTS 4.0 each), and CLB 4 for reading and writing (IELTS 3.5 each).

No. Unlike FSWP, FSTP does not require a bachelor's degree. Your trade certification and work experience are the primary qualifications.

You need at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years before applying.

Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner's language ability, education and Canadian work or study experience can add points under the adaptability factor in CRS.

FSTP is for certified tradespeople, FSWP is for skilled professionals with foreign work experience, and CEC is for candidates who already have skilled work experience inside Canada. All share the same CRS ranking pool.

Fees depend on your specific profile and are confirmed in writing before you pay anything — ask for the full breakdown of consultation, documentation, filing and government fees at your first meeting.