Federal Skilled Trade Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration pathway offered by the Government of Canada for skilled tradespeople who wish to become permanent residents of Canada. Here are the key details about the Federal Skilled Trades Program:
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the FSTP, candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years preceding the application. They must also meet the language proficiency requirements in English or French and have an offer of full-time employment in Canada for a total period of at least one year, or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Skilled Trades: The FSTP is designed for individuals who work in occupations classified as skilled trades under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. These occupations typically require specialized training, apprenticeship, or certification and fall under NOC Skill Levels B, C, or D.
Application Process: Candidates interested in applying for permanent residence through the FSTP must create an online profile in the Express Entry system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They must then enter the Express Entry pool, where they will be ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Points are awarded for factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Invitations to Apply (ITA): Periodically, IRCC holds Express Entry draws, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence under various immigration programs, including the FSTP. Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have a specified timeframe to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Processing Times: Processing times for FSTP applications vary depending on the volume of applications and the specific circumstances of each case. IRCC aims to process applications as efficiently as possible to meet immigration targets and address labor market needs.
Impact on Permanent Residence Application: Successful candidates who receive an ITA and submit a complete application for permanent residence under the FSTP program are assessed based on their eligibility and admissibility to Canada. If approved, they and their eligible family members can become permanent residents of Canada.
Benefits of the FSTP: The FSTP offers several benefits to candidates, including the opportunity to immigrate to Canada permanently with their families, the ability to work and live in Canada without restrictions, and the chance to contribute to Canada’s economy and skilled labor force.
Overall, the Federal Skilled Trades Program provides skilled tradespeople with a pathway to obtain permanent residence in Canada and build a successful future for themselves and their families in the country. It plays a crucial role in addressing labor market needs and supporting economic growth in Canada’s skilled trades sectors.