In 2013, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) established the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) to provide skilled trades workers with a specialised immigration track.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three federal economic initiatives controlled through the Express Entry system of the Government of Canada. Express Entry is the primary way through which Canada invites economically qualified workers to immigrate to the nation. Canada expects to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants each year under its Immigration Levels Plan, with an average of 110,000 yearly immigration spots reserved for Express Entry.
The Canadian government is planning to invite a large number of skilled immigrants to match its labour market needs and to provide the required boost to its economy. As per the Canada immigration Levels Plan 2022 – 2024, Canada is planning to welcome immigrants at a rate of about 1% of Canada’s population, including 431,645 permanent residents in 2022, 447,055 in 2023, and 451,000 in 2024.
If you want to immigrate to Canada, applying through the FSTP is one of the several available Canada immigration options. There are other alternatives as well, such as the federal immigration processes, the Provincial nominee programs, Quebec immigration programs and so on.
What are the benefits of the FSTP?
The FSTP is part of a broad federal and provincial government initiative to welcome more skilled tradespeople to Canada to alleviate labour shortages in trade occupations. Because of its elderly population and low birth rate, Canada increasingly relies on immigration to sustain its labour force and economic development. Therefore, the skilled trades in Canada desperately need skilled workers.
Immigrating to Canada through the FSTP has several advantages, and some of them are as given below:
Higher chances of getting a PR
Successful FSTP applicants can normally receive permanent residency within a period of six months under the Express Entry program.
Enter Canada with a low CRS score requirement
Since FSTP candidates are not obliged to establish their level of education, they can have lower CRS scores than other candidates in the Express Entry pool. In addition, IRCC hosts Express Entry draws regularly, inviting FSTP candidates exclusively from the Express Entry Pool. Also, entering the Express Entry pool boosts your chances of acquiring permanent residency since you can earn a provincial nomination worth 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees your success in Express Entry.
Get benefited from the Canadian work experience and education
You are well-positioned to succeed in the Canadian labour market if you are an FSTP applicant with Canadian job experience. Candidates working and studying in Canada receive higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points from IRCC. In addition, according to research conducted by the Canadian government and academics, having Canadian experience is a significant benefit when applying for permanent residency.
Opportunity to explore the Canadian labour while building a great network
When you earn permanent residence under the FSTP, the combination of your knowledge, contacts, experience, and abilities gained while working in Canada will provide you with a competitive advantage in the labour market.
FSTP Immigration Process
IRCC manages skilled worker applications for three economic class skilled worker immigration programs using Express Entry, including the FSTP.
Fulfil the qualifying requirements
You must first establish that you fulfil the qualifying requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) or the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
