Federal Skilled Trades (FST) 2025 Guide
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) is Canada’s Express Entry pathway for qualified tradespeople who wish to become permanent residents. It recognizes in-demand occupations in sectors such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, natural resources and agriculture. To apply, you need at least two years of full-time (3,120 hours) paid work in a single skilled trade within the last five years, plus either a valid one-year job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Atlantic Immigration Program, applicants must meet specific criteria
Work Experience
Have at least 2 years (3,120 hours) of paid, full-time work (or equivalent part-time) in one skilled trade under NOC Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92 or 93 (and some sub-groups) within the last 5 years
Job Offer or Qualification
Hold either a valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year from a Canadian employer, or a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a provincial/territorial or federal authority
Language Ability
Meet CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing on an approved English or French test
Admissibility
Be admissible to Canada, with no unresolved criminal, security or medical issues
Residency Intention
Plan to live outside Quebec, which operates its own skilled-worker streams
How Does the Application Process Work?
The application process for the Atlantic Immigration Program is straightforward
1. Check Eligibility
Review FST requirements on the IRCC site to confirm your trade, experience and language scores
2. Gather Documents
Prepare digital copies of:
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Work reference letters detailing duties, NOC code and hours
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Job offer letter or qualification certificate
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Language test results
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Proof of funds (if no job offer)
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Passport/travel document and police certificates
3. Create Your Express Entry Profile
Sign in at Canada.ca/express-entry, select the FST program and submit your profile into the candidate pool
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular draws. If your CRS score meets the cut-off, you’ll receive an ITA valid for 60 days
5. Submit PR Application
Complete and upload your permanent residence forms, pay fees (CAD 1,525 for principal applicant), and click “Submit”
6. Provide Biometrics & Medical
After submission, give biometrics within 30 days and complete a medical exam. Track your application status online
Application Fee and Processing Time
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IRCC Fees:
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Processing fee: CAD 950
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Right of Permanent Residence fee: CAD 575
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Total: CAD 1,525 (principal applicant)
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Biometrics: CAD 85 per person.
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Processing target: IRCC aims to process 80 % of Express Entry applications within 6 months
Required Documents
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Valid Passport -
Education Credential Assessment -
Language Test Results -
Proof of Work Experience -
Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province -
Proof of Settlement Funds
Official Application Page
For detailed information and to start your application process, visit the official;
🔗 Federal Skilled Trades Program – IRCC canada.ca
🔗 Get Your Documents Ready – Express Entry canada.ca
🔗 Generic Application Form IMM 0008 Guide (PDF) canada.ca
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which trades are eligible?
Trades under NOC Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92 or 93, plus Minor Group 6320 and Unit Group 62200
Do I need a job offer?
Yes, unless you hold a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification in your trade
How many years of experience are required?
Two years (3,120 hours) of paid work in your trade within the last five years
What language scores do I need?
CLB 5 in speaking/listening and CLB 4 in reading/writing on an approved test
Is there an education requirement?
No, but education credentials can earn CRS points for a higher chance of an ITA.
How long will it take?
Most complete Express Entry PR applications are processed within 6 months
