This article builds upon our recent article that discussed Express Entry in general and discussed the Federal Skilled Trades Program. We outlined how Express Entry is a system – a database of sorts – that you must enter in order to apply for immigration as a professional or a tradesperson. It can also be used by those who have Canadian work experience to apply for immigration to Canada through the Express Entry portal. Recently, I covered the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) that is used by thousands of professionals to apply for immigration to Canada. Those in skilled professions, such as bank employees (branch or relationship managers, for example), accountants, bakers, cooks and other such professionals, can apply for immigration through Express Entry for the FSWP. This week, we will talk about the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), which applies to those who are skilled trades people and would like to apply to immigrate to Canada.
We will begin by discussing some of the similarities in the process of applying for Express Entry and then we will speak about the criteria for FSTP in detail. Please refer to last week’s article on FSWP(https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/express-entry-federal-skilled-worker-program-flag-ca-ali%3FtrackingId=Z6cz6YSUSBKyX43%252F1OSPAw%253D%253D/?trackingId=Z6cz6YSUSBKyX43%2F1OSPAw%3D%3D) if you would like to know more details about EE and the selection factor points and how the CRS works within the EE pool.
How to apply for immigration through Express Entry (EE)
Without repeating a lot of the content from our article from last week (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/express-entry-federal-skilled-worker-program-flag-ca-ali%3FtrackingId=Z6cz6YSUSBKyX43%252F1OSPAw%253D%253D/?trackingId=Z6cz6YSUSBKyX43%2F1OSPAw%3D%3D), we summarise that to apply to come to Canada as a tradesperson, you must make the minimum of 67 out of 100 points. Once you meet at least 67 points, you are eligible to create an EE profile for immigration. In order to make the points for EE, the federal government will be assessing you based on your education, number of years of skilled work experience, age, language ability and other factors. Once you have the minimum points, you can then create your profile to apply for the FSTP.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
So who qualifies to apply for immigration under the FSTP? Those who are into skilled trades – or artisans as they are known in some parts of the world – may apply for immigration to Canada under the FSTP. These include professions, such as carpenters, electricians, welders, pipe fitters, brick layers, heavy duty mechanics and so on. In order to qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum language ability in English and/or French
- Have at least 2 years of paid, full-time work experience in the past 5 years in a skilled trade (or an equivalent part-time work experience)
- Have carried out the duties for your job as set out in the National Occupational Classification of the Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-national-occupation-code.html
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or have a trade certification issued by an authorised Canadian body
There is no minimum educational requirement to apply for the FSTP; however, the higher your education, the higher points you will get in EE or the FSTP Comprehensive Ranking Score. Once you are in the EE pool, you will receive another set of points called CRS points. The Government of Canada carries out draws for FSTP candidates to invite them to apply for immigration to Canada. Therefore, the higher the points, the higher your chances of success. Your job profile under the NOC may also require you to have some education or apprenticeship experience. Please check your job profile carefully in order to ensure you qualify based on the requirements.
How to get assessed by a province or territory or get a job offer and next steps
I often receive inquiries about how to get a job offer from a Canadian employer. Please be advised that it can be very difficult to secure a job offer from outside Canada, unless an employer has a severe shortage for that position and they are having a difficult time filling the position through the Canadian labour force. That notwithstanding, there can be ways to obtain a job offer. I always advise clients to inform their network of family, friends or any professional network in Canada that they are looking for a job and to exercise flexibility with doing the jobs that are available, even if not ideal, in order to get into the Canadian labour market. You may also research online job application portals, such as indeed.ca or the Government of Canada Job Bank. You can also look for online job sites that are geared specifically toward your industry, where employers may post for jobs or look for candidates. I also advise clients to inform their immigration lawyers or Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants in case they know of any employers in Canada who are looking for foreign workers. Once you get a job offer, the employer must get approval from the Government of Canada to hire you – this approval is called the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). After you receive a favourable LMIA, it can then be used to apply for a work permit.
Please be advised that employers or immigration professionals are not allowed to ‘charge’ you for finding you a job. They can only charge you or the employer for services, such as applying for a labour market approval from the government for the employer to hire you or for your work permit application.
You may also need to get your credentials recognised by a body in Canada. The NOC will have the information on whether you need to get your credentials assessed. Please be advised that the regions of Canada – known as provinces or territories – have their own rules regarding which professions are regulated and must get licensed from the body before they can practise to work in that province. You may be required to obtain a license in one province for the same job and not in another province.
Creating your profile and waiting for your invitation to apply
Once you meet the minimum number of points and have your documents ready (please look online for the required documents here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents.html, you may go ahead and create your EE profile. Once you create your profile you must wait to get invited to apply. If you have an employer who is willing to hire you on a work permit first, then you can also opt to go to Canada first on a work permit and then apply for permanent residence thereafter.
Our assistance
While you do not have to seek the assistance of an immigration professional to assist you, clients may find it useful to have the expertise, support and assistance of an immigration professional to take them through various steps. Please feel free to contact us if you would like our help.
We would be happy to assist you from Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm GMT excluding public holidays:
Phone call / WhatsApp: +233 55 005 5888 / +233 54 012 7766 / +233 54 013 2212.
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