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Express Entry Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canada needs skilled tradespeople. The FST program offers electricians, plumbers, welders, and other certified trades professionals a direct path to permanent residence with lower language requirements.
Processing
6 months or less
Recent Cutoff
388
Last Draw
500 ITAs
Max CRS
1,200 pts
Program Overview
About Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is designed for skilled tradespeople who want to immigrate to Canada. Unlike FSW, the FST has lower language requirements and does not require post-secondary education.
Canada has persistent labor shortages in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance trades. The FST recognizes that skilled trades are learned through apprenticeships and on-the-job training rather than formal education.
To qualify, you need either a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory. The program targets tradespeople in construction, industrial, and maintenance sectors.
Key Benefits
Lower language requirements
No formal education required
Trades-specific draws with lower cutoffs
High demand for skilled trades
Job offer or certification pathway
Path to Canadian citizenship
Free CRS Assessment
Find out your CRS score and chances of receiving an invitation for FST. Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your profile.
Book ConsultationCalculate CRS ScoreRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Meet these requirements to qualify for Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Work Experience
At least 2 years of full-time skilled trades work experience within the 5 years before applying. The work must be in an eligible skilled trade occupation.
Job Offer or Certification
You need either a valid full-time job offer for at least 1 year from up to 2 Canadian employers, OR a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from a Canadian province or territory.
Language Proficiency
CLB 5 for speaking and listening. CLB 4 for reading and writing. Lower than FSW requirements, recognizing trades workers' skills.
Eligible Trade
Your occupation must be in an eligible NOC group. Major groups include industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, and supervisory trades.
Meet Trade Requirements
Meet the job requirements for the trade as described in the NOC. Trades often require licensing or certification.
CRS Scoring
Comprehensive Ranking System
Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Work Experience
80 pointsCanadian and foreign skilled trades experience contributes to CRS.
Age
110 pointsMaximum points at ages 20-29. Points decrease after 30.
Language (First)
136 pointsFST has lower minimums, but higher scores boost CRS significantly.
Education
150 pointsWhile not required, education adds CRS points. Trades certifications count.
Valid Job Offer
200 pointsLMIA-supported job offer in skilled trade adds significant points.
Draw History
Recent Express Entry Draws
Track recent CRS cutoffs to understand your chances.
January 2026Trades-specific
388
CRS Cutoff
500 invitations
November 2025Trades-specific
380
CRS Cutoff
600 invitations
September 2025Trades-specific
385
CRS Cutoff
500 invitations
How to Apply
Application Process
Step-by-step guide to applying for Federal Skilled Trades Program.
1
Verify Trade Eligibility
Confirm your occupation is in an eligible NOC group for FST. Gather evidence of your trade qualifications and experience.
2
Obtain Job Offer or Certification
Secure a valid Canadian job offer or get your trade credentials assessed and certified by a Canadian province.
3
Take Language Test
Complete IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF. FST requires CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing.
4
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile with trade experience, job offer or certification, and language scores.
5
Receive ITA
Trades-specific draws often have lower CRS cutoffs. When invited, you have 60 days to submit your PR application.
6
Submit Application
Complete your PR application with all supporting documents, medical exam, and biometrics.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Federal Skilled Trades Program
What trades are eligible for FST?
Eligible trades include electricians, plumbers, welders, pipefitters, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, industrial mechanics, and more. The trades must be in NOC groups for industrial, electrical, construction, or maintenance.
Do I need Canadian certification?
You need either a valid Canadian job offer OR a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province. If you have a job offer, you do not need prior Canadian certification.
Are FST CRS scores lower?
Yes, trades-specific draws typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws. Recent trades draws have had cutoffs in the 380-400 range.
Can I apply without a job offer?
Yes, if you have a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory in your trade. This requires getting your credentials assessed and recognized.
Is education required for FST?
No, formal education is not required for FST eligibility. The program recognizes that trades skills come from apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Ready to Apply for FST?
Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants. We'll assess your profile and create a strategy to maximize your CRS score.