EXPRESS ENTRY: FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM
What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is an immigration pathway to Canada for foreign skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled trades workers in one of the following sectors: (a) industrial, electrical and construction trades; (b) maintenance and equipment operation trades; (c) supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production; (d) processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators; (e) chefs and cooks; and (f) butchers and bakers.
Who is a federal skilled trades worker?
You qualify as a federal skilled trades worker if you meet the following requirements:
- Work experience – at least 2 years in the last 5 years, in a skilled trade
- Language – at least CLB 5 in English/French Speaking and Listening, and at least CLB 4 in English/French Reading and Writing
- Job Offer – have a valid job offer for full-time employment from up to 2 employers for at least 1 year, OR a Canadian certificate of qualification
- Education – not required, but can boost your eligibility
- Proof of funds – the amount depends on the number of dependents accompanying you
What is a certificate of qualification under the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The certificate of qualification proves that you are qualified to work in a certain skilled trade in Canada. You must have either passed a certification exam or met all the requirements to practice your trade in the province or territory you are applying under. The certificate of qualification is issued by the body that governs trades in a Canadian province or territory, or by a federal authority.
Can family members accompany the principal applicant?
Yes, you can bring family members that you declared in your application. These include:
- your spouse or common-law partner
- your dependent child (<22 years old)
- your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child
- a dependent child of a dependent child
How long is the processing time and what are the processing fees?
Assuming your application is complete and accurate, Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can process applications within 6 months.
Processing fees depend on the number of applicants included in the application. You can view the complete and updated list of IRCC fees here.
What are the key considerations in submitting an application?
The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for the Federal Skilled Trades program:
- Does your work experience qualify?
- Is your job offer considered valid for the program?
- How do you make certain that your application is strong, accurate and complete?
- Do you understand how one requirement impacts another, for a cohesive application?
LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN.
We firmly believe that your success is our success. We’ll strategize on your immigration plan, identify the right pathway for you, and ensure you take the fastest route to Canadian citizenship.
We commit to ensuring that your application package will be accurate, complete, and at its strongest to avoid delays and errors that waste your time and resources. Our goal is to be able to say to you, “Welcome to Canada!”
