Canada · Processing time
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Federal Skilled Trades applications run through Express Entry after ITA; the current model treats the post-AOR federal stage as roughly 5-8 months, with draw timing and trade-certification steps separate.
How long does the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) take to process in Canada?
The typical published decision window is 5 months – 8 months from a complete application. Federal Skilled Trades applications run through Express Entry after ITA; the current model treats the post-AOR federal stage as roughly 5-8 months, with draw timing and trade-certification steps separate.
Verified against IRCC — Check processing times on 1 July 2026.
Typical wait
5 months – 8 months
from complete application
Government fees
CAD 1,590 principal applicant including RPRF, plus CAD 85 biometrics; spouse/partner CAD 1,590 and dependent child CAD 270.
Last checked
1 July 2026
Reality vs official timing
- Official clock
- Official window only
- Delay trigger
- After 8 months
- Source checked
- 1 July 2026
Use 5 months – 8 months as the published decision window; delays usually start after the upper end if the source has not issued a newer figure.
What is the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)?
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) stream serves tradespeople in specific TEER 2-3 skilled-trades occupations. IRCC lists the eligible trade groups as Major Groups 72 (excluding 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, and 93 (excluding 932), plus Minor Group 6320 and Unit Group 62200. Applicants need 2 years of qualifying paid trade experience in the 5 years before applying, lower language scores than FSW, and either a valid full-time Canadian job offer for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
- Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: Permanent residence.
- Indicative government fees: CAD 1,590 principal applicant including RPRF, plus CAD 85 biometrics; spouse/partner CAD 1,590 and dependent child CAD 270.
How to read this estimate
The 5 months – 8 months window is the time IRCC — Check processing times typically associates with the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.
- Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
- If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
- Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The IRCC — Check processing times page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.
Official source
IRCC — Check processing times
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Cite or reuse this dataset
This figure is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Cite the Visa Atlas page for the compiled, dated dataset, and cite the official source for the underlying government rule.
Suggested citation
Visa Atlas, "Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) processing time dataset", https://visaatlas.org/processing-times/canada/express-entry-fst. Last verified 1 July 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary source (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) take to process?+
The typical wait is 5 months – 8 months from submitting a complete application. Federal Skilled Trades applications run through Express Entry after ITA; the current model treats the post-AOR federal stage as roughly 5-8 months, with draw timing and trade-certification steps separate. These figures come from IRCC — Check processing times and were last verified on 2026-07-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.
When does the 5 months – 8 months clock start?+
The clock starts when IRCC — Check processing times receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Canada routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST) application as delayed?+
Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (5 months – 8 months) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Full visa guide
Eligibility, application steps, fees, and FAQs for the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
All Canada processing times
Compare decision windows across every Canada visa route.
Government fees breakdown
Full itemised fee schedule for the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.