Canada has announced revised eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), an immigration pathway under the Express Entry system. These updates, effective March 2025, aim to streamline the process for skilled trades professionals seeking permanent residency while addressing labor shortages in key industries.
The FSTP is part of Canada's immigration strategy to attract tradespeople from around the world. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with expertise in eligible sectors such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, and natural resources.
The program is tailored to meet the needs of Canada’s labor market and offers opportunities for qualified workers to build a future in the country.
Under the updated requirements, applicants must demonstrate at least two years of full-time paid work experience within the last five years in a skilled trade. This experience must align with duties outlined in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, specifically within Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93, Minor Group 6320, and Unit Group 62200.
Additionally, candidates must prove they were qualified to practice their trade in the country where the experience was gained.
Applicants are required to provide either a valid job offer for full-time employment lasting at least one year from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification issued by a provincial, territorial, or federal authority in Canada. Certification processes vary across provinces and territories; some candidates may need to travel to Canada for assessments or additional training.
Language proficiency is another critical component. Candidates must pass an approved language test in English or French and meet minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores—CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
While formal education is not mandatory for FSTP applicants, possessing educational credentials can enhance ranking within the Express Entry pool. Proof of financial resources is also required unless applicants are already legally working in Canada or hold a valid job offer.
Furthermore, all candidates must meet admissibility standards under Canadian immigration laws, ensuring they pose no security risks and have no criminal records or medical conditions that could render them ineligible.
Lastly, applicants must intend to reside outside Quebec, as the province operates its own immigration program for skilled workers.
