The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program managed by the Express Entry system. FSTP uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank interested candidates against one another, only inviting the most qualified candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Each year, over half of all immigrants to Canada are skilled workers welcomed through economic programs, including the Federal Skilled Trades program. For qualified candidates, the FSTP is a fast option for obtaining Canadian permanent residence, and with it, the right to live and work in Canada permanently.
Having a deep knowledge of what the Express Entry System (EES) is Paramount when considering FSTP, so what’s Express Entry?
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry System permits Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to invite eligible candidates to make an application for permanent residence.
These applicants have all made a formal request to settle in Canada by creating an online Express Entry profile. Eligible applicants have their profiles accepted to the Express Entry pool where they are given a score and ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on the personal information they provided.
In addition to the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the pool contains candidates under the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). IRCC then invites candidates to apply during its Express Entry draws from the pool.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements
Now you have a clearer picture of how Express Entry works and how you enter the pool as an applicant under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, knowing the process from determining eligibility to getting your Permanent Resident (PR) card is crucial, and as you read on we’d be breaking them down.
Having an Express Entry profile
When submitting an Express Entry profile, FSTP applicants will be required to provide information from several documents
This step is carried out online on the IRCC website. You are required to provide some personal information such as work history, and some of which must be accompanied with documentation (such as your proof of language ability).
An Improved Profile and Ranking under the CRS
Due to a certificate of education level is not needed to enter the Express Entry system, FSTP applicants usually have lower CRS scores, so many ends up being awarded a lower CRS score than they might otherwise be able to achieve. By providing proof of education level, these candidates could receive a massive boost in their score of up to150 points for the education level itself, plus up to 100 more points in combination with Canadian work experience and/or language ability.
Applicants under the Express Entry program must provide results from an approved language test taken within the previous two years.
Though educational documents are not required for FSTP, an applicant must have certain documentation in order to claim points for education:
Taking a language test is necessary.
List of the approved language test
English or French is the required language applicants needs.
English language Applicants Requirement
English language applicants need to take the IELTS test.
French Language Applicants requirement
For French, the TEF is the only recognized test.
Added advantage
Applicants with some ability in English and French can be awarded points for ability in their second language.
You must be skilled in a specific sector
Your trade must be on the list
You’ve to ensure your trade is eligible under the FSTP, Check below for the list of recognized trades, or better still check the Canadian IRCC website for the comprehensive list.
The List of eligible Trades
- Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- Processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and central control operators
- Chefs and Cooks
- Butchers and Bakers
Working Experience
Have at least two years of relevant experience.
Federal skilled trades’ applicants are expected to prove two years of full-time work experience in their trade. You should prove your experience and determined that you have the required experience.
Ensure you meet other eligibility criteria
Applicants under the Express Entry program must meet certain essential criteria like:
Job offer
Having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province is required.
Valid Passport
Applicants will be required to provide details from identification documents. Ideally, an applicant and all accompanying family members should possess passports valid for travel.
Applicants who studied outside Canada may be awarded these points by obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). FSTP applicants should get an ECA or upload proof of their Canadian education experience in order to maximize their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.
Improved profile and Ranking in CRS can also be achieved by completing additional work experience, retaking a language test, and getting a better result.
Receive an invitation to apply
This step brings the most excitement, as it allows you and your family, if applicable, to submit an application for permanent residence. From this point, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application. ITAs are issued when IRCC conducts one of its draws from the Express Entry pool.
Attach all necessary supporting documents
Detailed medical reports, security background checks, and proof of funds are a few of the many supporting documents required by the Canadian IRCC.
Applicants are screened for detailed medical and criminal inadmissibility. With your application, you will need to show that you have completed a medical exam with an IRCC-recognized panel physician.
Police Background check
Police background checks from each country you have lived in for at least six months since the age of 18. The e-application must also include detailed work reference letters from previous employers.
Your e-application is reviewed
After the immigration officer from Canada will review the submitted e-application and inform y if anything else is required.
You will get the approval of permanent resident status and complete your landing
Over 60 percent of applications submitted through the Federal Skilled Trades Program are processed in less than six months. When a person is approved, he or she receives a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) document. An official at a Canadian port of entry signs and dates this document when Permanent Residence (PR) is given
Receive your Permanent Residence Card.
At this point accept my congratulatory message. Once you have your confirmation of status, you may then apply for your PR card. If you travel outside Canada, you may use this card as proof of your status in Canada.
