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Inmigration
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of Canada’s most popular immigration programs, specifically designed for foreign workers who have already gained work experience in the country and wish to obtain permanent residency. This program, part of the Express Entry system, is ideal for those with recent Canadian experience who are well-integrated into the Canadian job market. Through the CEC, workers who have already demonstrated their ability to adapt to life in Canada can apply for permanent residency quickly and efficiently.
Who is the FSTP for?
The FSTP is designed for individuals who:
- Have experience in skilled trades that are in demand in Canada.
- Wish to settle permanently in any Canadian province or territory, with the exception of Quebec, which has its own immigration programs.
The skilled trades under this program are categorized into specific groups according to the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Some examples include:
- Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades (electricians, plumbers, carpenters).
- Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades (mechanics, welders).
- Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
- Major Group 92: Supervisors in processing, manufacturing, and utilities, central control operators.
- Minor Group 632: Cooks and chefs.
- Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers.
- Skilled Work Experience
- Have at least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
- The experience must be paid; volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count.
- The experience must correspond to the duties described in the NOC for the trade in question.
- Job Offer or Certification
- Option A: Have a valid job offer from up to two Canadian employers for full-time work (at least 30 hours per week), for a minimum period of 1 year.
- Option B: Obtain a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority that demonstrates you are qualified to practice your trade in Canada.
- Language Proficiency
- Take a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Achieve at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in speaking and listening.
- Achieve at least a CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Residency in Canada
- Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
- Proof of Funds
- Demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependent family members upon arrival in Canada, unless you already have a valid job offer or are authorized to work in Canada.
- Obtain a Job Offer or Certification
- Valid Job Offer: You must obtain a written job offer from one or two Canadian employers for full-time, continuous employment for at least one year. The offer must meet the labor standards of the province or territory where you will work.
- Certificate of Qualification: If you do not have a job offer, you can obtain a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by the competent authority in a Canadian province or territory. This typically requires passing exams and demonstrating your experience and skills in the trade.
- Take Language Tests
- Register and take an approved language test, such as:
- English: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).
- French: TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) or TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français).
- Ensure you achieve the minimum required scores in all abilities (speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
- Register and take an approved language test, such as:
- Create an Express Entry Profile
- Complete the online profile providing information on:
- Personal details.
- Skilled trades work experience.
- Language test results.
- Job offer or certificate of qualification.
- Education (although not a mandatory requirement for the FSTP, including your education can increase your score in the ranking system).
- Once completed, you will enter the Express Entry pool of candidates and receive a score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- Complete the online profile providing information on:
- Improve Your CRS Score (optional)
- You can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by:
- Improving your language skills and updating your results.
- Gaining additional work experience.
- Obtaining a valid job offer if you didn’t have one.
- Getting a provincial nomination (this adds 600 points to your CRS score).
- You can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by:
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- IRCC conducts invitation rounds regularly, usually every two weeks.
- Candidates with the highest scores in the pool receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit the Permanent Residence Application
- After receiving the ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete online application.
- You will need to provide documents to support your profile information, such as:
- Passports and identity documents.
- Language test results.
- Proof of work experience, such as reference letters from previous employers.
- Police certificates from all countries where you have lived for more than 6 months since age 18.
- Medical examinations performed by an IRCC-authorized panel physician.
- Proof of funds, if applicable.
- Job offer or certificate of qualification.
- Application Processing
- The average processing time is 6 months from the date IRCC receives your complete application.
- During this period, the authenticity of your documents will be verified, and security and health assessments will be conducted.
- Final Decision and Arrival in Canada
- If your application is approved, you will receive:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- Permanent Resident Visa (if required).
- You will be able to travel to Canada and, upon arrival, become a permanent resident.
- If your application is approved, you will receive:
Additional Considerations
- Education: Although not mandatory for the FSTP, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can increase your CRS score.
- Provincial Nomination: Some provinces and territories have programs aligned with the FSTP. Obtaining a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score.
- Validity of Tests and Documents:
- Language tests and ECAs are valid for two years.
- Ensure they are valid at the time you receive the ITA.
- Accompanying Family Members:
- You can include your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children in your application.
- You will need to provide additional documents for them, such as birth certificates and proof of relationship.
- Proof of Funds:
- The required amounts vary depending on the size of your family.
- Proof of funds is not required if you have a valid job offer in Canada or are authorized to work and have a valid offer.
Advantages of the FSTP
- Fast Processing: Through Express Entry, the process is more efficient and quicker than other programs, with an average processing time of 6 months.
- High Demand: Canada needs skilled workers in specialized trades, which increases employment opportunities.
- Flexibility: A high level of formal education is not required; experience and skills in the trade are key.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers looking to settle in Canada. If you meet the requirements and carefully prepare your application, this program can be your path to a new life full of opportunities in a country with a high quality of life and economic stability.
