Qualifying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is aimed at skilled foreign workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. These skilled trades are in-demand positions in Canada and are often meant to fill a labour shortage that currently exists in Canada.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is attempting to maintain a low turnaround time; as a result, no more than 3,000 complete federal skilled trade applications will be accepted for processing each year. Within the 3,000 cap, no more than 100 new applications for certain jobs will be considered for processing each year.

To apply, you must:

• plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Note: The province of Quebec chooses its own skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, you will need to apply through their unique program),
• meet the required levels in English or French for each language ability
• have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply,
• meet all job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and
• Have an offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a provincial or territorial body.

For the purposes of this application, full-time work is considered at least 30 hours of work over a period of one week or an equal amount in part-time, paid work experience.

For example:

• if you worked 15 hours per week in one job over four years, or
• if you worked a total of 30 combined hours per week in more than one job over two years.

Note that you may satisfy the requirement of a valid job offer for at least one year by utilizing up to two employers who can commit to employing you for at least one year of continuous full-time work, meaning at least 30 hours of work over a period of one week.

When determining if you meet the licensing requirements of your trade, you should also know that only the provinces and territories can issue certificates of qualification in the skilled trades. To get this certificate, the provincial or territorial trades authority must assess your training, trade experience and skills to decide if you are eligible to write an exam to be certified.

You will likely have to go to the province or territory to be assessed. You may also need an employer in Canada to give you experience and training.

You should research these requirements and seek out the body or authority that governs trades for the province/territory where you would like to live and work. The process is different depending on where you want to go.