Federal Skilled Trade (FST)

Federal Skilled Trade (FST) is also 1 of the 3 federal programs managed through the Express Entry system, and its main objective is to assist skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on the fact that they are qualified in a particular skilled trade needed by Canada.

To be eligible, one must meet all the minimum requirements mentioned below.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program Requirements:

Meet required levels in English or French (CLB: 5 speaking and listening, 4 reading and writing).
Have 2 years * of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in a skilled trade within 5 years before applying.
Meet all job requirements for skilled trade accordingly to the NOC (except for provincial certificate).
- Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and central control operators
- Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers
Have an offer (LMIA approved) of full-time employment from up to two employers for at least 1 year or a Certificate of Qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial body.
Work experience can be non-continuous and must be acquired after obtaining the qualification to perform such a job.
Proof of funds for the applicant and accompanying family.

Final process before being approved for Permanent Residency:

After being selected from the Express Entry Pool and awarded with an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the candidate and their dependents will have to take part in two screenings, a medical examination to prove that neither the candidate nor their dependants are medically inadmissible and a background check/security clearance to prove that neither the candidate nor their dependants are criminally inadmissible.