Federal Skilled Trades Program
For skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
Last verified: March 1, 2026
Eligibility
Work Experience
- 2+ years of skilled trade experienceAt least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years. Must be in a TEER 2 or 3 skilled trade occupation.Source (opens in new tab)
Language
- CLB 5 for speaking and listeningMinimum Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in speaking and listening abilities.
- CLB 4 for reading and writingMinimum Canadian Language Benchmark 4 in reading and writing abilities.
Qualification
- Valid job offer or certificate of qualificationMust have either a valid full-time job offer for at least 1 year from up to 2 employers, or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.Source (opens in new tab)
- Meet requirements of the tradeYour job offer or certificate must be for an occupation listed under TEER 2 or 3 in the National Occupational Classification for skilled trades (NOC groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, except 726).
Education
- No minimum education requirementThere is no education requirement for FST eligibility. However, education can be assessed for additional CRS points.
Admissibility
- Must be admissible to CanadaMust pass medical, security, and criminal background checks.
Required Documents
Identity
- Valid passport or travel documentRequired
- Two passport-sized photosRequired
Education
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)OptionalSource (opens in new tab)
- Trade school diploma or apprenticeship recordsOptional
Language
- IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada resultsRequired
Work
- Reference letters from trade employersRequiredSource (opens in new tab)
- Certificate of qualification or job offer letterRequired
- Journeyperson certification (if applicable)Optional
Other
- Police clearance certificatesRequired
- Medical exam resultsRequired
- Proof of funds (if no valid job offer)Optional
Compare Programs
| Program | FSW | CEC | FST | AIP | RNIP | SUV | Self-Emp | Spouse | PGP | Child | Other Fam | Study | WP LMIA | OWP | Visitor | Super Visa | Citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Work experience, language ability, education | Canadian work experience, language ability | Trade qualification, work experience, language ability | Job offer from designated Atlantic employer, work experience | Job offer in participating community, work experience | Letter of support from designated organization, language ability, settlement funds | Relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, willingness to be self-employed | Canadian citizen or PR, genuine relationship | Meet minimum income requirement, Canadian citizen or PR | Canadian citizen or PR, child meets dependency criteria | No other sponsorable relatives, Canadian citizen or PR | Acceptance letter from DLI, proof of funds, no criminal record | Job offer, positive LMIA, qualifications for the job | Eligibility depends on category (PGWP, spousal, vulnerable worker) | Valid passport, ties to home country, sufficient funds | Child/grandchild in Canada, medical insurance, financial support letter | PR status, physical presence, language ability, tax filing |
| Processing Time | ~7 months | ~7 months | N/A | ~33 months | N/A | 10+ years | 10+ years | ~21 months | ~35 months | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ~14 months |
| Express Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Official Resources
Information on this page is for reference only. Always verify details on the official IRCC website before making immigration decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
FST applications are processed within the standard Express Entry 6-month service window. After receiving an Invitation to Apply, submit your complete application within 60 days. IRCC then processes it alongside other Express Entry applications.
FST has asymmetric language requirements: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing. These are lower than CEC and FSW requirements, reflecting the hands-on nature of skilled trades. Valid IRCC-approved test results are required.
Government fees for FST match other Express Entry programs: $1,365 (processing fee) + $575 (PR fee) + $85 (biometrics) = $2,025. You may also need a credential assessment (~$200) for foreign trade certifications, a language test (~$320), and a medical exam (~$250).