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FSTP — Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
CanadaCanada•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

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
Canada flag

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.

Canada

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Cost Breakdown

Processing feeCAD $990
Right of Permanent Residence FeeCAD $600
BiometricsCAD $85
TotalCAD $1,675

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / 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 CAD

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

1

Create Express Entry profile

2

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

3

Submit complete PR application

4

Biometrics and background checks

5

Approval and landing

Application Forms

Express Entry ProfileFill online

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