Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)

Though very much alike the Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC), applications made under the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) are assessed based on the applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada.

Since the advent of the Express Entry selection system on 1 January 2015, applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Trades Class (formerly Federal Skilled Trades Program) must enter the Express Entry pool first. To enter the pool, all FSTC candidates must have either one (or both) of the below:

Offer(s) of employment from Canadian employer(s) with the job duration being at least 1 year;
Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian Province or Territory.

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Note: On 1 November 2017, the government of Canada announced multi-year immigration targets spanning from 2018 to 2020. An estimated 9,80,000 immigrant will be welcomed by Canada from 2018 to 2020. For complete projected statistics and other valuable information, click here.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must prove basic language proficiency (in English and/or French) by writing test(s) approved by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The following language tests are approved by IRCC:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – General Training only (for English)
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) – General Training only (for English)
Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) – for French
The applicant must have obtained at least 2 years of work experience in the trade category under which he or she is planning to apply under;
The applicant must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for a duration of at least 1 year, OR, a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial issuing body;
The applicant must be able to demonstrate the skills and work experience, and that he or she has had performed the essential duties as outlined in the NOC description of the specific trade occupation.

Eligible Skilled Trades for Canadian immigration:

Code	Major/Minor	Occupation description
72	Major	Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
73	Major	Maintenance and equipment operation trades
82	Major	Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
92	Major	Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators,
632	Minor	Chefs and cooks
633	Minor	Butchers and bakers

Processing Timelines

The processing time for Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) applications are 6 months or less.

Fee Details

Program Name: Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
Description	Application Processing Fee (C$)	Permanent Residence Fee (C$)
Primary applicant	550	490
If adding spouse or common-law partner	550	490
If adding a dependent child (22 years or less)	150	NA

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Useful resources

Express Entry process: Candidates Canada Immigration Processing Fee Canada Immigration Processing Time IELTS Practice Tests Express Entry FAQ Work in Canada FAQ Canada Immigration Discussions Forum

How Express Entry Works: Candidates Skilled Workers and Professionals Immigration IELTS for Canadian Immigration The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Benefits of the Canadian Family Class Sponsorship Express Immigration Programs (with PR) Canada Settlement Services

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