New Eligibility Policy for Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 2025

Canada has revised the eligibility terms for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), an immigration pathway that allows skilled trades workers worldwide to gain permanent residency based on their expertise. If you are a tradesperson looking to immigrate to Canada, it is crucial to understand these updated requirements to determine your eligibility and successfully apply.

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

The FSTP is part of Canada’s Express Entry system, designed for individuals skilled in trades who wish to become permanent residents. The program provides a streamlined pathway for those with hands-on experience in trades to contribute to Canada’s growing workforce.

New Updates to Canada’s FSTP Eligibility Terms

As of March 2025, the FSTP policy has been revised with eight key eligibility criteria:

1. Skilled Trade Sectors

To be eligible under FSTP, your work experience must fall within one of the following sectors:

• Construction (e.g., electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters)
• Transportation (e.g., truck drivers, mechanics)
• Manufacturing & Industrial Trades (e.g., machine operators, tool and die makers)

• Natural Resources & Agriculture (e.g., forestry, oil and gas trades)

2. Skilled Trades Work Experience

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or 3,120 hours) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
• Perform duties consistent with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for their trade, including:
  • Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Groups 726 and 932)
  • Minor Group 6320
  • Unit Group 62200
• Meet all job requirements outlined in the NOC.
• Have been paid for their work (volunteer experience does not count).
• Have been legally qualified to practice in the country where they worked.

• If experience was gained in multiple countries, applicants must have been legally authorized to work in each country.

3. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

Applicants must have one of the following:

• A valid full-time job offer (for at least one year) from a Canadian employer OR
• A certificate of qualification issued by a provincial, territorial, or federal authority in Canada, proving that they are qualified in their trade.

Each province and territory has different certification requirements. Some applicants may need to travel to Canada for an assessment or secure an employer for additional training. For trade certification details, visit the website of the governing body in the province or territory where you plan to work:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Some trades, such as aeroplane mechanics, are federally regulated, so applicants must check with the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials for assessment procedures.

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4. Language Ability Requirements

Applicants must take an approved language test in either English or French and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores in the following areas:

• Writing
• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking

5. Education Requirements

There is no formal education requirement for FSTP applicants. However, having an educational credential can improve an applicant’s ranking in the Express Entry pool.

6. Proof of Funds

Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to settle in Canada unless they:

• Are already legally working in Canada.
• Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

7. Admissibility Requirements

Applicants must be admissible to Canada under immigration laws. This means they must not have:

• A criminal record.
• Security risks.
• Medical conditions that could prevent them from being accepted into Canada.

8. Where You Can Live in Canada

FSTP applicants must plan to live outside Quebec, as the province of Quebec selects its skilled workers. If you wish to immigrate to Quebec, you must apply through the Quebec-selected skilled worker program.

Note: If nominated under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), applicants must settle in the province or territory that nominated them.

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Next Steps: How to Apply for FSTP?

• Check Your Eligibility – Ensure you meet the updated criteria for skilled trades workers.
• Get Your Credentials Assessed – Obtain a certificate of qualification or a valid job offer.
• Take a Language Test – Register for an approved English or French language test.
• Gather Proof of Funds – If required, prepare financial documents to show settlement funds.
• Submit an Express Entry Profile – Create an account on Canada’s Express Entry system and enter the pool.
• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – If selected, apply for permanent residency within the given deadline.

Check Your Eligibility Here