Canada’s Economic Class programs aim to attract immigrants who can contribute to the country’s economy.

The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC), part of the Economic Class, is managed through the Express Entry system, with approximate processing times of six months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Eligibility Criteria for the Federal Skilled Trades Class:

• Employment or Certification Requirements:

Applicants must either have job offers from up to two Canadian employers for at least one year (supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment [LMIA])
OR

Hold a Certificate of Qualification issued by a provincial or territorial authority in Canada.

• Language Proficiency:

The candidates must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores:

• CLB 5 for speaking and listening.
• CLB 4 for reading and writing.

• Work Experience:

The applicants must have at least 24 months of full-time qualified work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.

• Trade Qualification:

The candidates are required to be qualified to meet the specific job or trade requirements in Canada as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

NOC B Level Eligible Occupations:

The FSTC includes a total of 90 eligible occupations, categorized under NOC skill level B. These occupations generally fall into the following groups:

• Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
• Maintenance and equipment operation trades
• Supervisory and technical roles in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
• Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and control operators
• Chefs and cooks
• Butchers and bakers

Certification or Job Offers:

Trade certification in Canada is regulated by provincial authorities, with each province setting its own standards and regulatory bodies. Obtaining certification from outside Canada can be challenging, so this program is most beneficial for tradespeople who either:

• Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or
• Are already working in Canada as temporary foreign workers.

In provinces where a trade is not regulated, a valid job offer becomes a mandatory requirement. All job offers must be evaluated to ensure they align with eligible trades and have a neutral impact on the Canadian labour market.

Steps to Obtain Permanent Residence:

Once selected from the Express Entry pool and issued an ITA (Invitation to Apply), applicants and their dependents must complete medical examinations and pass security clearances as part of the immigration process to get a permanent residency permit.