The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of the three federal immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system. FST utilizes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank interested candidates against each other, inviting only the most competitive candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Each year, over half of all immigrants to Canada are skilled workers who are welcomed through economic programs, including the Federal Skilled Trades Program. For qualified tradespeople, the FST program can be a fast option for obtaining Canadian permanent residence.
If a person meets these requirements, they can submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee Canadian permanent residence. Only after submitting an Express Entry profile will a candidate be assigned a CRS score and be considered in future Express Entry Draws for invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
This is the fast-track way to immigrate to Canada as a semi-skilled trade worker. There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades program. Applying through the Federal Skilled Trades program is one of many ways you can pursue immigration to Canada as a skilled trades professional. Other options include applying through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and applying to immigrate to Quebec.
The FST program is part of a major effort by federal and provincial governments to welcome more skilled trades workers to Canada in order to address labor shortages in trades occupations. Canada has an aging population and a low birth rate, which is why it is relying more on immigration to support its labor force and economic growth.
The combination of the knowledge, connections, experience, and skills you obtain while working in Canada will provide you with a labor market edge when you obtain permanent residence under the FST program.