Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Guide
Apply for Canadian permanent residence from India through Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). A step-by-step guide to Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What is Federal Trades Worker Program (FSTP)?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is one of three immigration programs under the Express Entry system. This program offers an immigration pathway for Indian workers in specific skilled trades.
How to Obtain Canada PR through FSTP?
The Government of Canada first introduced the Federal Skilled Trades Program in 2013. Its purpose was to help the country meet its growing demand for skilled workers in various industries. This immigration program is well suited for Indian workers with work experience in a skilled trade.
Move to Canada from India through FSTP
Receive licensed professional advice and assistance on the FSTP Program.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Eligibility Requirements
Prospective Indian immigrants can apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program if they meet the minimum requirements set by the Government of Canada. This includes requirements related to:
1. Skilled Trade Type
Indian applicants must possess work experience in specific skilled trades to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Such occupations are listed under the National Occupation Code (NOC) TEER 2 and TEER 3 categories and are shown below:
- Unit Group 62200: chefs
- Minor Group 6320: cooks, butchers and bakers
- Major Group 93: central control and process operators (except Sub-Major Group 932)
- Major Group 92: supervisors, operators and controllers
- Major Group 72: construction, electrical, and industrial trades
- Major Group 73: Equipment operation and maintenance trades
- Major Group 82: technical and supervisor jobs in the agriculture, natural resources, and related production industries
- Major Group 83: occupations in natural resources and related production
Indian applicants must demonstrate that the duties they performed in their job match the responsibilities included in the lead statement for the corresponding occupation in the National Occupation Code.
2. Minimum Work Experience
Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants must possess a minimum of two years of work experience in one of the skilled trades mentioned above. Applicants can gain this work experience through full-time or part-time work in the five years preceding the application. The work must be paid, as unpaid internships and volunteer work do not count towards this work experience.
3. Language Ability
The Government of Canada requires Indian applicants to meet certain language ability requirements to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Applicants can demonstrate their language ability in English by taking a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) exam. They can demonstrate their language ability in French by taking the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC).
Both language tests assess applicants on the following language abilities:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
Indian applicants must score a minimum of CLB 5 in speaking and listening abilities and a minimum score of CLB 4 in reading and writing abilities. For French, applicants must achieve a minimum of NCLC 5 in speaking and listening abilities and a minimum score of NCLC 4 in reading and writing abilities.
4. Job Offer
Applicants must demonstrate that they possess enough funds to sustain themselves and any family members accompanying them to Canada. This requirement isn’t necessary if the applicant is already permitted to legally work in Canada or possesses a valid job offer from a recognized Canadian employer.
5. Proof of Funds
To be eligible for this Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants should ensure they are not inadmissible to Canada. Individuals may be considered inadmissible due to medical, security, or criminal reasons.
Applicants must demonstrate that they possess enough funds to sustain themselves and any family members accompanying them to Canada. This requirement isn’t necessary if the applicant is already permitted to legally work in Canada or possesses a valid job offer from a recognized Canadian employer.
The funds required for applicants and families are shown below:
| No. of Family Members | Minimum Funds Needed ( Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,213 |
| 2 | $16,449 |
| 3 | $20,222 |
| 4 | $24,553 |
| 5 | $27,847 |
| 6 | $31,407 |
| 7 | $34,967 |
| For each additional family member | $3,560 |
Applicants can provide proof of funds in the form of letters from financial institutions or banks. They may also be asked to declare how much money they are bringing into Canada with them at the border.
6. Admissibility
To be eligible for this Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants should ensure they are not inadmissible to Canada. Individuals may be considered inadmissible due to medical, security, or criminal reasons.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Occupation List
All the Federal Skilled Trades Program Occupations can be broadly classified under the following groups:
| Group | TEER Code | NOC Code | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Group 72 | 2 | 72010 | Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations |
| 2 | 72011 | Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations | |
| 2 | 72012 | Contractors and supervisors, pipefitting trades | |
| 2 | 72013 | Contractors and supervisors, carpentry trades | |
| 2 | 72014 | Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers | |
| 2 | 72020 | Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades | |
| 2 | 72021 | Contractors and supervisors, heavy equipment operator crews | |
| 2 | 72022 | Supervisors, printing and related occupations | |
| 2 | 72023 | Supervisors, railway transport operations | |
| 2 | 72024 | Supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators | |
| 2 | 72025 | Supervisors, mail and message distribution occupations | |
| Major Group 73 | 3 | 73100 | Concrete finishers |
| 3 | 73101 | Tilesetters | |
| 3 | 73102 | Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers | |
| 3 | 73110 | Roofers and shinglers | |
| 3 | 73111 | Glaziers | |
| 3 | 73112 | Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | |
| 3 | 73113 | Floor covering installers | |
| 3 | 73200 | Residential and commercial installers and servicers | |
| 3 | 73201 | General building maintenance workers and building superintendents | |
| 3 | 73202 | Pest controllers and fumigators | |
| 3 | 73209 | Other repairers and servicers | |
| 3 | 73300 | Transport truck drivers | |
| 3 | 73301 | Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators | |
| 3 | 73310 | Railway and yard locomotive engineers | |
| 3 | 73311 | Railway conductors and brakemen/women | |
| 3 | 73400 | Heavy equipment operators | |
| 3 | 73401 | Printing press operators | |
| 3 | 73402 | Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction | |
| Major Group 82 | 2 | 82010 | Supervisors, logging and forestry |
| 2 | 82020 | Supervisors, mining and quarrying | |
| 2 | 82021 | Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services | |
| 2 | 82030 | Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors | |
| 2 | 82031 | Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services | |
| Major Group 92 | 2 | 92010 | Supervisors, mineral and metal processing |
| 2 | 92011 | Supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities | |
| 2 | 92012 | Supervisors, food and beverage processing | |
| 2 | 92013 | Supervisors, plastic and rubber products manufacturing | |
| 2 | 92014 | Supervisors, forest products processing | |
| 2 | 92015 | Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing | |
| 2 | 92020 | Supervisors, motor vehicle assembling | |
| 2 | 92021 | Supervisors, electronics and electrical products manufacturing | |
| 2 | 92022 | Supervisors, furniture and fixtures manufacturing | |
| 2 | 92023 | Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing | |
| 2 | 92024 | Supervisors, other products manufacturing and assembly | |
| 2 | 92100 | Power engineers and power systems operators | |
| 2 | 92101 | Water and waste treatment plant operators | |
| Major Group 93 | 3 | 93100 | Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing |
| 3 | 93101 | Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing | |
| 3 | 93102 | Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators | |
| Minor Group 6320 | 3 | 63200 | Cooks |
| 3 | 63201 | Butchers - retail and wholesale | |
| 3 | 63202 | Bakers | |
| Unit Group 62200 | 2 | 62200 | Chefs |
Step-by-Step Process for Federal Skilled Trades Program
Here is how you can apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program step-by-step.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Applicants must first check to see if they meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program.. Start your assessment here if you want to check if you’re eligible.
Step 2: Education Assessment (ECA)
If you have completed an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) through one of the authorized organizations, you are eligible to claim FSTP CRS points for your education. One of the most well-known organizations permitted to issue ECA is WES.
Step 3: Language Proficiency Test (IELTS or Equivalent)
To obtain CRS points based on your Language Skills, you need to take authorized language tests like IELTS and CELPIP.
Step 4: Express Entry Profile Creation
Next, applicants must create and submit an Express Entry Profile on the Government of Canada website. This profile includes personal details and the applicant’s NOC code and requires documents such as language test results. Applicants must complete this profile to the best of their ability before submitting it.
Step 5: Receive ITA
Successful Indian applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply from the Government of Canada. This invitation is valid for only 60 days, so applicants must fill out a permanent residence application as soon as possible.
Step 6: Medical Exam and Police Verification (PCC)
Indian applicants are then required to complete a medical exam from a physician recognized by the Canadian Immigration department. Applicants must also complete a police background check and obtain a clearance certificate.
Step 7: Application Review
A Canadian Immigration officer will then assess the permanent residence application and inform the applicant if any additional documents or details are required.
Step 8: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)
Successful applicants will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Step 9: Fly to Canada
Applicants can then apply for a permanent residence card that shows their new status in Canada. If they are outside Canada, they can now move to the country as a permanent resident.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Processing Time
The processing times for Express Entry are the shortest of all Canadian immigration programs. The processing time for the Federal Skilled Trades Program ranges from 6 to 8 months, but because of the Covid-19 crisis, it can take up to 26 months. The most recent processing time for the Federal Skilled Worker program can be found here.
Federal Skilled Trades Program Proof of Funds
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) must show that they can support themselves and their families after immigrating to Canada. The number of family members you specified on your application will determine the amount of money required for settlement. For the amount required, dependent on the size of your family, please see the table below.
| No. of Family Members | Minimum Funds Needed ( Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,213 |
| 2 | $16,449 |
| 3 | $20,222 |
| 4 | $24,553 |
| 5 | $27,847 |
| 6 | $31,407 |
| 7 | $34,967 |
| For each additional family member |
$3,560 |
Federal Skilled Trades Application Fees
The application processing fee for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is as follows:
- Application processing fee – $850
- Right of Permanent Residence fee – $515
- With Spouse or partner – $850
- With a dependent child – $230 (per child)
How ELAAR can help you?
Indian applicants who wish to apply for immigration using the Federal Skilled Trades program should Book a Consultation. Our team of immigration consultants understands the requirements for this program and can guide prospective Indian applicants through the application process. Please contact Elaar Immigration to learn more about the FSTP and its requirements.
FAQS: Federal Skilled Trades Program
These are some frequently asked questions about the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What is the difference between FSTP and FSWP?
In FSTP, you can immigrate to Canada without any degree or education but it is not possible in FSW. You need a job offer in case of FSTP, while FSW candidates can immigrate without one. Source: FSTP vs FSWP
Where can I find Federal Skilled Trades Program Occupation List?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program eligible jobs come under the TEER 2 and TEER 3 of the NOC 2021. Refer to the occupation list mentioned above.
How many CRS points are required for FSTP in Canada?
You typically require a minimum of 67 points out of 100 if you wish to be eligible under the Express Entry System.
What is the general processing time for FSTP in 2022?
It takes around 6 months for Federal Skilled Trades Program Express Entry applications to be processed.
Move to Canada through Federal Skilled Trades Program
Get Canadian PR as a skilled worker, or international student through Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program.
