FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM (Express Entry)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.

Minimum requirements

To be eligible, you must meet the required language levels for each language ability (writing, reading, listening, speaking) through one of the approved testing agencies (IELTS or CELPIP)(TEF for French).

Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply. Your work experience must be for paid work (paid wages or earned commission—volunteer work or unpaid internships don’t count)

Skilled work experience

Skilled trades for the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized under these groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):

  • Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
  • Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
  • Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
  • Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
  • Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
  • Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers

The work experience only counts after you qualified to independently practice the occupation.

Education

There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program. But, if you want to improve your rank in the Express Entry pool you may include proof of successful completion of secondary and/or post secondary education.

Language ability

Your language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. They must be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.

Proof of funds

You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada, unless

Click here to see the Federal Government Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteria – Express Entry – Canada.ca

Trades assessment by the province or territory

You’ll likely have to go to the province or territory to be assessed for your trade. You may also need an employer in Canada to give you experience and training.

To learn more about getting assessed, you should go to the website of the body that governs trades for the province/territory where you would like to live and work. The process is different, depending on where you want to go. See- Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

Stevens and Associates have helped thousands of skilled workers successfully immigrate to Canada from around the world. If you are interested in coming to Canada as a skilled worker, please complete our basic information form and send it to us for a free assessment.