Canada needs skilled tradespeople. The FSTP offers a direct Express Entry pathway for certified electricians, plumbers, welders, cooks, heavy equipment operators and more. No degree required.
The FSTP is designed specifically for qualified tradespeople who want to permanently immigrate to Canada. Unlike other skilled worker programs, a university degree is not required. Your trade certification or a qualifying Canadian job offer is the key credential.
At least 2 years of full-time paid work experience (or equivalent part-time: 3,120 hours) in a qualifying trade within the past 5 years. Experience can be inside or outside Canada.
Either: a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year, OR a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial/territorial authority (proof of passing a trade exam).
CLB 4 minimum for reading and writing. CLB 5 for listening and speaking. This is lower than the FSWP, making FSTP more accessible for many trades workers.
Clean criminal record. Medical examination. Must intend to reside outside Quebec.
| NOC Group | Occupations |
|---|---|
| Major Group 72 | Industrial, Electrical & Construction Trades (electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, sheet metal workers, boilermakers, ironworkers, refrigeration mechanics) |
| Major Group 73 | Maintenance, Equipment Operation & Related (heavy equipment operators, crane operators, drillers, well drillers, oil/gas well drillers) |
| Major Group 82 | Supervisors in Natural Resources, Agriculture & Related (underground mine supervisors, oil/gas drilling supervisors) |
| Major Group 92 | Processing, Manufacturing & Utilities Supervisors (supervisors in processing plants, manufacturing facilities) |
| Minor Group 632 | Chefs and Cooks (executive chefs, sous chefs, cooks) |
| Minor Group 633 | Butchers and Bakers |
The Interprovincial Standards (Red Seal) Program recognizes trade certifications across all Canadian provinces and territories. A Red Seal endorsement is highly valued by Canadian employers and can strengthen your FSTP application. It may also help you meet the certificate of qualification requirement without a job offer.
Check that your occupation falls within the NOC groups listed above. Confirm your NOC code matches your actual duties.
Obtain a full-time, 1-year job offer from a Canadian employer, OR apply for a certificate of qualification from a provincial trade authority.
Complete IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF/TCF (French) and achieve at least CLB 4 (reading/writing) and CLB 5 (listening/speaking).
Submit your profile, including your NOC code, language scores, work history, and job offer/certificate. Receive your CRS score.
Wait for an Invitation to Apply from a targeted trades draw or general draw. Submit complete PR application within 60 days.
No — you need one or the other. A full-time 1-year job offer from a Canadian employer, OR a certificate of qualification from a provincial/territorial authority. Having both is advantageous but not required.
Yes — cooks (NOC 63200, included in Minor Group 632) are explicitly listed as an eligible occupation for FSTP. This includes line cooks, sous chefs, and cooks in all settings.
Yes. 2 years of full-time experience equals 3,120 hours. You can accumulate this through part-time hours as long as the total reaches this threshold over the 5-year period.
Yes — since 2023, IRCC holds targeted category-based draws for trades occupations (NOC major groups 72, 73, 82, 92, and minor groups 632/633). These draws typically have lower CRS cutoffs than general draws, making FSTP more accessible.
Our RCIC team can confirm your trade qualifies, review your certificate options, and maximize your profile for FSTP and trades category draws.
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