Federal Skilled Trades Program
Eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program: qualifying trade experience, the job offer or certificate of qualification requirement, language minimums and how trades candidates rank in Express Entry.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for people with experience in an eligible skilled trade. Applicants generally need at least two years of full-time trade experience within the last five years, must meet the job requirements of that trade, and must hold either a valid full-time job offer or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
Key facts
| Program type | Federal economic class, managed through Express Entry |
|---|---|
| Experience | Typically two years within the last five |
| Extra requirement | Job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification |
| Language | Lower minimum than FSW, differs by speaking/listening vs reading/writing |
| Certification | Issued by provinces and territories, not IRCC |
| Official authority | IRCC |
Who may qualify?
- Electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians and other eligible trades
- Industrial, electrical and construction trades supervisors
- Chefs, cooks, butchers and bakers in eligible trade groups
- Tradespeople already working in Canada on a valid work permit
Eligibility requirements
- Qualifying full-time experience in an eligible skilled trade
- Meeting the job requirements of the trade, except for certification
- A valid job offer of at least one year or a certificate of qualification
- Language results at or above the trades minimum
How it works: step by step
- 1
Confirm the trade group
Check that your occupation sits in an eligible trade category for the program.
- 2
Plan certification
Contact the provincial or territorial trade authority early — assessment and exams take time.
- 3
Document experience
Reference letters must show hours, duties and tools or equipment used.
- 4
Sit a language test
Trades minimums are lower than FSW, but all four abilities are still assessed.
- 5
Enter the pool
Track trades-related category rounds as well as general draws.
Expert insight
Certification is the real bottleneck for trades candidates, not language. Each province runs its own assessment, and some require Canadian work hours before granting a certificate — that sequencing decision should be made before you apply for anything.
Alternative pathways
Frequently asked questions
Immigration programs, fees and processing times change frequently. This page is general information, not immigration advice. Verify current requirements with official Government of Canada sources or speak with our RCIC.