Federal Skilled Trades

The Federal Skilled Trade (FST) Program is managed by the Express Entry system along with the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class Program.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has published a list of eligible trades under the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

1. Major groups:
   • • 72 – industrial, electrical and construction trades,
     • 73 – maintenance and equipment operation trades
     • 82 – supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
     • 92 – processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
2. Minor groups:
   • • 632 – chefs and cooks
     • 633 – butchers and bakers

If you wish to immigrate to Canada under this program having a valid job offer of full-time employment is mandatory. 

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one-year OR a certificate of qualification* from a provincial body
• Language proficiency in English or French measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark 

• English: CLB 4 for writing and reading and CLB 5 for listening and speaking
• French: NCLC 4 for writing and reading and NCLC 5 for listening and speaking

• At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past 5 years before applying

*This certificate must be obtained from transference of qualifications exam written in Canada or your original qualification must be valid for practice in Canada.

Along with the above documents and achievements, the Federal government requires you to show evidence of sufficient funds for you and your family to settle in Canada. From here you’re ready to apply for the program through the Express Entry system by creating your online profile with the attached documents.