Canadian Visa App - Federal Skilled Trades | Experience Living in Canada!

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of Canada’s immigration programs that allow an “economic immigrant” (i.e., skilled foreign worker) to become a Canadian Permanent Resident, along with his or her eligible family members.

However, not just anyone can apply – a person needs to meet the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian government.

This includes having the relevant and necessary skills in a qualifying high-demand trade in a business sector such as processing and manufacturing, agriculture, equipment operation, construction, etc.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the other immigration programs established by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – the Canadian immigration agency – were created to meet the ever-increasing demand for skilled workers as Canada’s economy continues to grow and develop.

By taking in skilled foreign workers, Canada can continue to maintain its growth and satisfy the needs of its citizens while providing Canadian job opportunities and other benefits to skilled individuals who are interested in becoming long-term residents.

Criteria for Eligibility

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), an applicant must satisfy the requirements set by the Canadian government such as:

• Having a job offer in an eligible skilled trade from an employer based in Canada that’s valid for at least a year OR receiving a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial body;
• Achieving the required score on an approved evaluation exam for language proficiency in English or French as measured by the necessary Canadian Language Benchmark;
• Demonstrating the relevant skills and experience in an eligible skilled trade;
• Having a minimum of two years of paid full-time work experience during the previous five years in an eligible high-demand trade.

An applicant must also have proof of sufficient funds to be able to settle down in Canada and take care of oneself and accompanying family members.

Of course, the applicant will also need to have all the required documents needed to apply through the Express Entry Canadian immigration system.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) only accepts applicants with eligible occupations from the following trades:

Major Group 72: Electrical, Industrial, and Construction

Major Group 73: Equipment Operation and Maintenance

Major Group 82: Agriculture and Supervisors and Technicians in Natural Resources

Major Group 92: Utility Supervisors, Processing and Manufacturing, and Central Control Operations

Minor Group 632: Cooks and Chefs

Minor Group 633: Bakers and Butchers

To find out if your skilled trade qualifies for the FSTP, click here!

Application Process

Those who want to become a Canadian Permanent Resident through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) may apply to the program through Canada’s Express Entry system.

If they meet the aforementioned criteria and have been deemed eligible for application, then they may continue to the following steps:

1.Create an online profile on the Express Entry system
If the applicant is eligible for the FSWP, the next step would be creating their online Express Entry profile. The foreign worker will enter his or her relevant details and they will receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which will further determine their eligibility. This system gives points for factors like an applicant’s age, work experience both in and out of Canada, level of education, language proficiency, and more. All who are deemed eligible by the system will then be placed into the Express Entry pool of eligible candidates.

2.Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If they receive a high enough score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), a nomination from their province of choice (if they applied through the Provincial Nominee Program), or a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, they will receive their Invitation to Apply (ITA). With this, they can apply for Canadian Permanent Residency and they will have 60 days to do so.

3.Apply for a Canadian visa
As mentioned, upon receipt of their ITA, an applicant will have 60 days to submit a completed application form, along with all of the documents and fees. After this, they will have to wait for the Canadian immigration officials’ decision regarding their application. A decision is usually made within six months after an applicant’s submission through the Express Entry system.

4.Permanent Residency in Canada
If their application is approved by the Canadian immigration agency, they will receive their COPR or Confirmation of Permanent Residence. With this, they are now permanent residents of Canada and their valid passport will be stamped with a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa. Both their COPR and stamped passport must be shown to the Canadian immigration officers at the point of entry once they arrive. These documents serve as proof that they are indeed permanent Canadian residents. Once the immigrant has an address in Canada, they will pay a small fee to receive the wallet-sized plastic Permanent Resident Card which they will carry as proof of Canadian Permanent Resident status and also use as a form of identification while living in Canada.

DISCLAIMER: This information is not and should not be considered as expert or professional advice.