Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is the Express Entry stream built specifically for qualified tradespeople. It offers a permanent-residence route for workers in skilled trades such as electricians, welders, plumbers, heavy-equipment operators, industrial mechanics, chefs and many construction, manufacturing and resource occupations.

The FST recognises that Canada's labour shortages are most acute in the trades, and that traditional points systems can disadvantage skilled workers without university degrees. It places more weight on practical experience, a qualifying job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification, and has lower language thresholds than the degree-focused Federal Skilled Worker program.

Like the other Express Entry programs, FST candidates create a profile, receive a CRS score and wait for an Invitation to Apply. In 2026, category-based draws frequently target trades occupations directly, which can mean lower CRS cut-offs for eligible tradespeople than for general candidates. For experienced tradespeople, the FST - often combined with a provincial certification process - is one of the most realistic federal routes to Canadian permanent residence.

You need at least two years of full-time skilled-trades work experience (or the part-time equivalent) within the five years before you apply, in an eligible trade. You must meet the job requirements for that trade as set out in the occupational standards, except for any requirement to hold a certificate of qualification.

Crucially, you must have either a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year from up to two Canadian employers, or a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority. Language requirements are lower than other streams - CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing. There is no formal education requirement, though education can add CRS points.

Begin by confirming your trade is FST-eligible and gathering proof of your two years of experience. Take an approved language test for both English or French.

You then need to satisfy the offer-or-certificate requirement. Many tradespeople pursue a Canadian certificate of qualification, which usually involves having your training and experience assessed by a provincial trades authority and, in many cases, passing a certification exam - sometimes requiring a visit to Canada. Alternatively, secure a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer.

With eligibility confirmed, create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool with a CRS score. If you receive an Invitation to Apply - including through trades-focused category-based draws - you have 60 days to submit a complete PR application with language results, experience reference letters, your job offer or certificate, police certificates, a medical examination and identity documents. IRCC then reviews and, if satisfied, issues confirmation of permanent residence.

Federal fees include the PR processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, plus biometrics at CAD 85 per person. A language test costs around CAD 300-360. Obtaining a provincial certificate of qualification is a significant cost: assessment and examination fees vary by province and trade, often several hundred Canadian dollars, and may require travel to Canada. Unless you are invited under a TEER 0 or 1 scenario, FST candidates must show proof of settlement funds. A medical examination (CAD 200-450 per person) and police certificates add further costs.

IRCC aims to process complete Express Entry applications, including FST, within about six months. Before that, you must be invited from the pool - and FST candidates often benefit from trades-focused category-based draws, which can carry lower CRS cut-offs. The slowest step for many applicants is obtaining a provincial certificate of qualification, which can take months and may require an exam in Canada. Plan this well ahead of creating your profile.

An approved FST application grants permanent residence, with the right to live and work anywhere in Canada outside Quebec, access healthcare, and include or sponsor family members. Tradespeople in regulated occupations may still need provincial licensing to practise in their destination province, so check the local requirements.

Permanent residents must meet the residency obligation of 730 days of physical presence in Canada within every five-year period. After three years (1,095 days) of physical presence within the preceding five years, plus language and other requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship. Skilled trades enjoy strong, well-paid demand across Canada, so FST immigrants often establish themselves quickly and have clear paths to career advancement and apprenticeship-to-journeyperson progression.