Alps Immigration Services

  • +1 (438) 920-0222
  • alpsimmigrationservices@gmail.com
  • 445 Rue Jean-Talon O, Montréal, QC H3N 1R1, Suite: 204
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Federal Skilled Trade

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of three federal immigration pathways managed under the Express Entry system. Like all Express Entry programs, the FST program utilizes the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate and rank candidates. Only the most competitive individuals receive invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

FST Program Requirements

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

 

  • Maintenance and equipment operation trades
  • Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
  • Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators
  • Chefs and cooks
  • Butchers and bakers
  • Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) in a skilled trade within the last five years. This experience must be gained after obtaining the necessary certification to practice the trade in their country of residence.
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FST Application Procedure

If a person meets the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, they can submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, submitting a profile does not guarantee an invitation for permanent residence. Once the profile is submitted, the candidate will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and will be considered for future Express Entry draws, where only the highest-ranking candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

When submitting an Express Entry profile, FST candidates must provide details from various supporting documents. Language proficiency test results from an approved testing organization are mandatory and must be from a test taken within the last two years. Identification documents, ideally valid passports for the candidate and any accompanying family members, are also required. While educational credentials are not mandatory for FST eligibility, candidates wishing to claim points for their education must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This report, issued by one of five authorized organizations in Canada, verifies the value of foreign educational qualifications by Canadian standards. An ECA is not necessary for educational credentials obtained from Canadian institutions.

Since the Express Entry system’s launch in 2015, the lowest CRS score of an FST candidate to receive an ITA was 199 points. Candidates with a CRS score below this threshold are encouraged to explore ways to improve their scores, such as enhancing language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, or securing a valid job offer.

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