Indian applicants · Canada
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) for Indian citizens
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
- Processing time
- 6 months service standard.
- Government fees
- CAD 1,525 principal applicant.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: New Delhi / Chandigarh
Tourist entry vs. this route
Indian nationals enter Canada visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) is required separately for the activity it covers.
Visa overview
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) stream serves tradespeople in specific TEER 2–3 skilled-trades occupations, typically accompanied by a Canadian job offer or provincial certification of qualification.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓2 years of work in a qualifying skilled trade in the past 5 years.
- ✓Valid Canadian job offer (1+ year) or Certificate of Qualification from a provincial authority.
- ✓CLB 5 speaking/listening; CLB 4 reading/writing.
Common blockers
- !Trade occupation not on FST eligibility list.
- !No job offer and no provincial certification.
Typical evidence
- ·Employer reference letters or certificate of qualification.
- ·Language test.
Application pathway
Obtain provincial certification or job offer
Provincial bodies run trade-qualification exams.
Enter Express Entry pool
As FST candidate.
Await ITA
Category-based draws have targeted trades.
Other Canada routes covered for Indian applicants
Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.
Start-Up Visa (Canada)
Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)
Permanent residence sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian citizens eligible for the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)?+
Eligibility for the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) is set by IRCC and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Indian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Indian applicants typically file the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)?+
New Delhi / Chandigarh. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by IRCC — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Indian applicants need a tourist visa for Canada as well?+
Indian nationals enter Canada visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) is required separately for the activity it covers.
Do I need a provincial trade certificate for FST?+
Either a valid full-time Canadian job offer (at least 1 year) in the trade or a Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.