Eligibility Criteria for the FSTP

To be eligible for the FSTP, an applicant has to satisfy certain key requirements:

1. Work Experience

   The candidate needs to have at least **two continuous years of full-time work experience** or the equivalent amount of part-time work in a skilled trade within the last five years. This experience should concern job duties as outlined in the National Occupational Classification.

2. Language Proficiency

   Proof of language proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) at least level 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.

3. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

   One of the following is required for the applicant: A valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one continuous year. A certificate of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.

4. Admissibility

   An applicant must be admissible to Canada, which means they must pass medical exams and provide police clearance certificates.

5. Proof of Funds

   The applicant must show proof of having enough funds to support themselves and their family upon landing in Canada.

How to Apply for the FSTP

1. Determine Eligibility

   Ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria outlined above.

2. Create an Express Entry Profile

   Eligible candidates must create an online profile through the Express Entry system, where they will be assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

   Candidates with competitive CRS scores will get ITAs in periodic draws conducted by IRCC.

4. Application Submission

   If an ITA is issued, candidates need to submit a complete application for permanent residency, along with all the required documents and fees.

5. Processing Awaiting

   The processing time of FSTP applications takes six months from the date of receipt.

Common Questions About the FSTP

1. Who can apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

   Applicants for this program will need to have a minimum of two years of work experience in a qualified trade, sufficient language proficiency, having the proper qualifications, and prove financial stability.

2. What are the skilled trades which may be qualified to apply under the FSTP?

   Eligible trades come within specific NOC codes and include industrial, electrical, construction trades, maintenance trades, chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers, and supervisors in various sectors.

3. How long does the whole application process take?

   Processing times for permanent residency through the FSTP, once an ITA has been applied for/received, is normally six months, though this may vary depending on individual circumstances.

4. Do I need to have a job offer to apply for the FSTP?

   You do not necessarily need a job offer, but having one can substantially improve your chances of receiving an ITA by increasing your CRS score.

5. Can I include my family in my application to the FSTP?

   Yes, applicants can include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application. Their qualifications may also contribute to increasing your CRS score.

How Ardent Immigration Helps

1. Ardent Immigration supports the entire application process for FSTP, making the procedure sleeker for its clients. These services include but are not limited to:
2. Personalized Assessment: We do an in-depth assessment and check the eligibility of each client for FSTP.
3. Documentation Guidance: Our team assists clients with gathering and putting together necessary documents, such as language test results and evidence of work experience.
4. Creation and Management of Profile: We assist clients in creating their Express Entry profiles and optimizing them to improve their CRS scores.
5. Application Submission Support: We assist clients in filling out and submitting applications correctly and on time.
6. Ongoing Communication: Clients are informed in due time about the status of their application and any changes in immigration policy that may affect their case.