1. Obtain a Job Offer or Certification

• Valid Job Offer: You need a written job offer from one or two Canadian employers for full-time, continuous employment for at least one year. This offer must meet the labor standards of the province or territory where you’ll work.
• Certificate of Qualification: If you don’t have a job offer, you can get a certificate of qualification for your trade from the relevant authority in a Canadian province or territory. This usually means passing exams and proving your experience and skills in the trade.

2. Take Language Tests
Register for and complete 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).

Make sure you achieve the minimum required scores in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing..

3. Create an Express Entry Profile

Complete the online profile with information about your:

• Personal details.
• Skilled trades work experience.
• Language test results
• Job offer or certificate of qualification.
• Education (while not mandatory for FSTP, including your education can boost your ranking score).

Once complete, you’ll enter the Express Entry pool and receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

4. Improve Your CRS Score (Optional)

You can increase your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by:

• Improving your language skills and updating your test results.
• Gaining additional work experience.
• Securing a valid job offer if you didn’t have one previously.
• Getting a Provincial Nomination (this adds a significant 600 points to your CRS score).

5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• IRCC conducts regular invitation rounds, typically every two weeks.
• Candidates with the highest scores in the pool receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence..

6. Submit Your Permanent Residence Application

• After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete online application.
• You’ll need to provide supporting documents for your profile information, including:
• Passports and identity documents.
• Language test results.
• Proof of work experience (e.g., reference letters from previous employers)..
• Police certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for more than 6 months since age 18.
• Medical exams performed by an IRCC-authorized doctor.
• Proof of funds, if applicable.
• Job offer or certificate of qualification.

7. Application Processing

The average processing time is 6 months from the date IRCC receives your complete application.

During this time, your documents will be verified, and security and health assessments will be conducted.

8. Final Decision and Arrival in Canada

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a:

Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Permanent Resident Visa (if required).

You can then travel to Canada and, upon arrival, become a permanent resident.

Additional Considerations

• Education: While not mandatory for the FSTP, getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) can increase your CRS score.
• Provincial Nomination: Some provinces and territories have programs that align with the FSTP. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your CRS score, greatly improving your chances.

Validity of Tests and Documents:

• Language tests and ECAs are valid for two years.
• Make sure they are still valid when you receive your ITA.

Accompanying Family Members:

• You can include your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children in your application.
• You’ll need to provide additional documents for them, such as birth certificates and proof of relationship.

Proof of Funds:

• The required amounts vary based on your family size.

Proof of funds is not required if you have a valid job offer in Canada or are already authorized to work in Canada with a valid offer.