Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
A Permanent Residence Pathway for Qualified Tradespeople
What Is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed under Express Entry. It is designed for qualified tradespeople with hands-on experience in eligible skilled trade occupations who want to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
Unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, FST does not use a 100-point grid. Instead, eligibility is based on meeting specific work experience, language, and job offer or certification requirements, then ranking in the Express Entry pool through the Comprehensive Ranking System.
At Immisa Immigration, we help tradespeople confirm whether their occupation and experience meet FST requirements, obtain any needed certificate of qualification, and build a competitive Express Entry profile.
Understanding FST Eligibility
Skilled Trade Experience Requirement
To qualify under FST, an applicant generally needs at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time totaling 3,120 hours) work experience within the five years before applying, in an eligible skilled trade occupation.
Eligible trades fall under specific NOC groups, including major groups 72 (excluding sub-major group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, and 93 (excluding sub-major group 932), along with minor group 6320 and unit group 62200, and the experience must involve the core duties described in the occupation’s lead statement.
Who Typically Qualifies Under FST
FST is most commonly used by tradespeople such as electricians, welders, plumbers, chefs, and heavy equipment technicians who have hands-on experience but may not meet the education-heavy scoring of FSW.
Common candidates include:
- Construction and industrial trades workers
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Chefs, cooks, and food service trades
- Trades with a valid job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification
Confirming that a specific trade occupation, along with its NOC and TEER classification, meets FST requirements often requires a detailed review of job duties and licensing.
Who Can Apply For Federal Skilled Trades
Tradespeople With Qualifying Work Experience
Applicants with at least two years of hands-on experience in an eligible skilled trade occupation within the last five years may qualify, provided the role matches the required NOC.
Holders of a Certificate of Qualification
Tradespeople who hold a valid certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province, territory, or federal body can use it to meet the program's certification requirement.
Workers With a Valid Trade Job Offer
A full-time job offer of at least one year in an eligible skilled trade occupation can satisfy the job offer requirement in place of a certificate of qualification.
Step-by-Step Federal Skilled Trades Process
Confirm Your FST Eligibility
We review your trade occupation, NOC classification, and work history to confirm your experience meets FST's two-year requirement.
Secure a Certificate of Qualification or Job Offer
We help you determine whether you need a provincial certificate of qualification or a qualifying job offer, and guide you through the process.
Create Your Express Entry Profile
Once eligibility is confirmed, we help prepare an accurate Express Entry profile reflecting your trade experience, language results, and certification.
Receive Your CRS Ranking
Your profile is entered into the Express Entry pool and ranked against other candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Submit Your PR Application
Once invited, we help prepare and submit a complete permanent residence application within the required deadline.
WHY CHOOSE IMMISA For FST ?
Trade Occupation & NOC Verification
We carefully review your job duties and NOC classification to confirm your trade experience genuinely meets FST requirements.
Certification & Job Offer Guidance
We help you navigate provincial certification processes or evaluate qualifying job offers to meet program requirements.
CRS Score Optimization
We identify realistic ways to strengthen your CRS profile, including language retesting or additional credentials.
Application Accuracy & Compliance
We ensure your Express Entry profile and PR application are accurate, consistent, and compliant with IRCC requirements.
Our Approach to Federal Skilled Trades Applications
Trade Experience & NOC Review
We assess your job duties against the correct NOC code to confirm your trade experience is eligible before you invest time in an application.
Certification & Job Offer Strategy
We evaluate whether a certificate of qualification or a job offer is the better path for your situation and help you pursue it.
Application Accuracy & Compliance
We prepare your Express Entry profile and PR application with attention to consistency and compliance, reducing the risk of refusal or delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
FST is a federal economic immigration program under Express Entry for qualified tradespeople with hands-on experience in eligible skilled trade occupations.
How much work experience do I need for FST?
At least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time totaling 3,120 hours) work experience within the five years before applying.
Do I need a job offer or certificate of qualification for FST?
Yes. You need either a valid full-time job offer of at least one year, or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian province, territory, or federal authority.
What language level do I need for FST?
You generally need a minimum of CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Do I need a formal education credential for FST?
No. FST has no minimum formal education requirement, though your work experience and NOC classification must still be confirmed.
Which occupations qualify under FST?
Eligible trades fall under specific NOC major, minor, and unit groups covering construction, industrial, maintenance, and related skilled trades. Confirming your exact occupation code is an important first step.
How is my FST profile ranked in Express Entry?
Once eligibility is confirmed, your profile is entered into the Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), the same as other Express Entry programs.
Is professional help required for an FST application?
It is not required, but working with a licensed RCIC helps ensure your trade experience and certification are properly assessed and your application is filed accurately.
Ready To Take that First Step ?
If you work in a skilled trade and believe you may qualify for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Trades Program, an early eligibility review can help you plan your next steps with confidence.