The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is Canada's dedicated Express Entry pathway for qualified tradespeople — welders, electricians, plumbers, chefs, and more. No degree required, just your trade certification and work experience. Our ICCRC-associated consultants assess your FSTP eligibility, build your CRS profile, and manage your filing end to end.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of three federal Express Entry streams (alongside FSWP and CEC) built specifically for skilled tradespeople. To qualify, you need work experience in a listed trade, a valid Canadian job offer or a Certificate of Qualification, and minimum language scores — no Canadian degree needed.
FSTP is tailored for certified tradespeople — electricians, welders, plumbers, chefs, mechanics, and more.
Unlike FSWP, FSTP doesn't require a bachelor's degree — your trade certification is what matters.
Your profile competes in the same Express Entry pool as FSWP and CEC candidates for an ITA.
A provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points on top of your FSTP-based profile.
FSTP offers a unique pathway for tradespeople to build a new life in Canada with lower barriers than other immigration streams.
Unlike many other immigration programs, FSTP doesn't require a university degree — your trade skills and certification are enough.
FSTP has lower language thresholds than FSWP — CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing.
Express Entry applications, including FSTP, typically process within 6 months once you receive an Invitation to Apply.
Your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application and receive PR status alongside you.
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must meet the following minimum requirements.
At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
You must have either:
Minimum language requirements:
Both are Express Entry streams, but they serve different types of skilled workers.
Both programs share the same CRS pool — you compete for ITAs based on your CRS score.
FSTP covers a wide range of skilled trades across several major groups.
This is not an exhaustive list. Get a free trade assessment to check if your specific trade qualifies.
Your trade must fall under TEER 2 or 3 in Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
We verify every one of these before filing, so nothing holds up your application.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Here's a breakdown of expected costs.
₹5K – ₹15K
Profile assessment & strategy session
₹15K – ₹35K
Document verification & filing support
₹30K – ₹60K
Express Entry profile & ITA submission
₹35K – ₹50K
IRCC application & processing fees
Fees vary based on your specific profile, family size, and additional services required. Get a custom quote for your case.
FSTP covers major trade groups including electrical, welding, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics, HVAC, cooking, and more. Your occupation must be classified under NOC TEER 2 or 3.
Yes — you need either a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year, OR a Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian provincial/territorial authority.
You need CLB 5 for speaking and listening (IELTS 4.0 each), and CLB 4 for reading and writing (IELTS 3.5 each).
No. Unlike FSWP, FSTP does not require a bachelor's degree. Your trade certification and work experience are the primary qualifications.
You need at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years before applying.
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner's language ability, education and Canadian work or study experience can add points under the adaptability factor in CRS.
FSTP is for certified tradespeople, FSWP is for skilled professionals with foreign work experience, and CEC is for candidates who already have skilled work experience inside Canada.
Fees depend on your specific profile and are confirmed in writing before you pay anything — ask for the full breakdown at your first meeting.
Esse India is a registered private limited firm in New Delhi working with ICCRC-associated consultants, has assisted 5,000+ families, and holds a 4.9/5 rating from 700+ clients. Every piece of FSTP guidance on this page is sourced from IRCC's official published criteria.
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