How does the Federal Skilled Trades Program work under Express Entry?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a federal Express Entry stream aimed at workers in skilled trade occupations — think electricians, plumbers, welders, and similar roles classified under NOC TEER 2 or 3 trade categories (previously NOC Major Group 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 under the old system; always verify the current NOC mapping).
To qualify, you need at least two years of full-time skilled trades work experience in the past five years, a valid job offer of at least one year or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority, and minimum language scores of CLB 5 for reading and writing and CLB 4 for speaking and listening.
There is no points-based selection grid for FSTP — you either meet the minimum requirements or you do not. Once in the Express Entry pool, your CRS score still determines when (or whether) you receive an invitation to apply. Provincial nominee programs, including Ontario's OINP, sometimes run streams that align with trades occupations and can boost your CRS score significantly by adding points through a provincial nomination.
Key takeaways
- Two years of skilled trades experience in the past five years is the core requirement.
- A valid job offer or Canadian trade certificate is mandatory.
- Language minimums are lower than for FSWP.
- A provincial nomination (e.g., OINP) can add significant CRS points.