FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Canada•North America

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FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

0 days – 6 months

Estimated Cost

CAD $1,675

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

A permanent residence pathway for qualified skilled tradespeople.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is Canada's permanent residence pathway for qualified tradespeople. Managed through Express Entry, it accepts up to 3,000 applications per year from workers in trades such as construction, manufacturing, and food service.

Applicants need 2 years of full-time trade experience within the last 5 years, plus a valid Canadian job offer (1+ year) or a provincial certificate of qualification. Language minimums are CLB 5 speaking/listening and CLB 4 reading/writing. Fees total CAD 1,675 and processing takes 6 months or less.

This visa is ideal for experienced tradespeople worldwide seeking Canadian permanent residence without a university degree requirement.

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Cost Breakdown

Processing feeCAD $990

Right of Permanent Residence FeeCAD $600

BiometricsCAD $85

TotalCAD $1,675

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Annual Cap & Quota

3,000 applications per year (with sub-caps of 100 for certain Category A occupations)

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years

Valid job offer (at least 1 year) OR a certificate of qualification in the trade

Language proficiency: CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing)

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

Min. Savings

15,263 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of work experience

Language test results

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Proof of funds

Police certificates

Medical exam

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Direct path to permanent residence
Fast processing times
No requirement for a degree (trade certification accepted)

Worth Knowing

Requires specific skilled trade experience
Competitive selection process
Inadmissibility due to security, human rights, or criminal reasons
Lack of required language scores

Application Process

Create Express Entry profile

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Submit complete PR application

Biometrics and background checks

Approval and landing

Application Forms

Express Entry Profile

Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Annual Allocation

3,000 applications per year (with sub-caps of 100 for certain Category A occupations)

canada.ca

Application Steps

Create Express Entry profile; Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA); Submit complete PR application; Bio…

canada.ca

Dependent Visa

Dependents can accompany and are included in the PR application

canada.ca

Fee Breakdown

Processing fee: 990 CAD; Right of Permanent Residence Fee: 600 CAD; Biometrics: 85 CAD

ircc.canada.ca

Fees

CAD 1,675 total: CAD 990 processing fee + CAD 600 Right of Permanent Residence Fee + CAD 85 biometri…

ircc.canada.ca

Forms

Express Entry Profile

canada.ca

Included Nationalities

—

canada.ca

Job Offer Required

false

canada.ca

Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

A permanent residence pathway for qualified skilled tradespeople.

This visa is ideal for experienced tradespeople worldwide seeking Canadian permanent residence without a university degree requirement.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years

Valid job offer (at least 1 year) OR a certificate of qualification in the trade

Language proficiency: CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing)

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

Min. Savings

15,263 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of work experience

Language test results

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Proof of funds

Police certificates

Medical exam

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Direct path to permanent residence
Fast processing times
No requirement for a degree (trade certification accepted)

Worth Knowing

Requires specific skilled trade experience
Competitive selection process
Inadmissibility due to security, human rights, or criminal reasons
Lack of required language scores