Canada · skilled migration
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.
Last reviewed:
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.
Government fees
CAD 1,525 principal applicant.
Typical duration
Permanent residence.
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
Step 1
Obtain provincial certification or job offer
Provincial bodies run trade-qualification exams.
Step 2
Enter Express Entry pool
As FST candidate.
Step 3
Await ITA
Category-based draws have targeted trades.
Matches these professions
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Frequently asked questions
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.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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