The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canada immigration program for skilled trades workers who want to immigrate to Canada. The program was launched in 2015 with an objective of attracting more skilled workers from around the world. Under this program, an applicant can work in Canada as a permanent resident without applying for a work permit and later can apply for citizenship of Canada.
The candidates who qualify the FSTP are permitted to live and work in any province or territory of Canada according to their choice . The program is open to skilled trades workers in over 200 different occupations. The program also includes a two-year work experience requirement, but it is waived for certain occupations such as engineers and nurses. In order to qualify, applicants must be able to demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canada immigration program for skilled trades workers who want to immigrate to Canada. Under this program, an applicant can work in Canada as a permanent resident without applying for a work permit and later can apply for the citizenship of Canada.
The main goal of this program is to help people who have skills that are relevant in our economy or industries such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry, architecture, engineering and manufacturing.
The FSTP allows you to immigrate by providing your skills across various trades including carpentry/construction trades including carpenters/construction workers; electrical engineers; industrial electricians; mechanical engineers; plumbers; sanitary technicians (licenced).
Under this program, an applicant can work in Canada as a permanent resident without applying for a work permit and later can apply for the citizenship of Canada. The candidate must meet certain criteria to be eligible to apply for this program:
- The candidate must have lived in Canada for at least 3 years.
- The candidate must be able to speak English or French fluently.
Who is Eligible for the Federal Skilled Trade Program?
The program offers a pathway to permanent residence for skilled tradespersons and their families. The candidate must be qualified in one of the following trades: carpenters/construction workers; electrical engineers; industrial electricians; mechanical engineers; plumbers; sanitary technicians (licenced). Under this program, an applicant can work in Canada as a permanent resident without applying for a work permit and later can apply for the citizenship of Canada.
An applicant needs to meet some basic requirements like proving his/her suitability, passing a language test and having sufficient funds.
To be qualified for practicing that specific occupation or trade in Canada at the time of application submission either through Apprenticeship training or Certification from provinces/territories or foreign education credential assessment.
The applicant must have a certificate of qualification (CoQ), including apprenticeship training completed within the last five years.
Candidates must have 2 years of full-time paid experience within last 5 years in a specific occupation from NOC Group B. This experience should be non-seasonal and continuous within the last 5 years.
The candidate must also:
- Have at least one year of full-time paid experience in their current occupation as a certified trade, craft or skilled tradesperson from NOC Group B; or
- Have at least three months’ work experience as an apprentice
- Be registered with the Apprenticeship Training Authority under the Canadian Apprenticeship Program or another approved apprenticeship program recognized by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
- The candidate must pass at least level B1 of English or French language or prove that he or she has specialized skills in either English or French language.
- The candidate must have a valid Canadian passport that allows him or her to enter and leave Canada without restriction. The candidate must also meet all other Canadian immigration requirements, such as health and security screenings.
How to Apply for This Program Step by Step
Step 1: Go to the Government of Canada website and click on the “Apply Online” button.
Step 2: Read the information about who can apply for this program, which includes an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under the age of 18, who must also meet all eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Complete the application form, which includes questions about your personal information, education, work experience and skills.
Step 4: Upload your documents to be assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for eligibility requirements. These include proof of financial support, a police certificate from your home country confirming that you have no criminal record and a passport photo.
Step 5: Pay the fees for your application using a Visa Debit, Interac Online or Credit Card.
Step 6: Submit your application online and wait for an email from IRCC with confirmation that it has been received.
Step 7: Wait for your application to be assessed.
Step 8: Receive a letter of invitation from IRCC and book travel to Canada if you’ve been granted an open work permit.
Conclusion
The FSTP is a great opportunity for skilled trades workers who want to live and work in Canada. It’s also a great opportunity for those who want to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis as well. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder why so many people are interested in this program!
