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Federal Skilled Trades Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program for qualified tradespeople seeking Canadian permanent residence via Express Entry. Electricians, plumbers, welders and more.
Processing time: 6-8 months
Verified on: January 14, 2026
Who is this program for
Skilled trades workers with experience and job offer or certificate of qualification
Main criteria
1
At least 2 years of experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years2
Valid job offer of at least 1 year OR provincial/territorial certificate of qualification3
Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writingProcess steps
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm your trade is eligible and you have the required experience
2. Obtain Job Offer or Certificate
Secure a valid job offer or obtain certificate of qualification
3. Prepare Documents
Gather language tests, proof of experience and other documents
4. Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile online in the system
5. Submit Complete Application
After receiving ITA, submit all documents within 60 days
Typical documents
Valid passports
Certificate of qualification (if applicable)
Valid job offer (if applicable)
Language test results
Proof of work experience
Police certificates
This list is not exhaustive. Required documents may vary depending on your situation.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ⚠️Not having a valid job offer or certificate of qualification
- ⚠️Insufficient or non-compliant proof of experience
- ⚠️Language score below minimum requirement
Processing time
6-8 months
Estimated time. May vary based on application volume.
Check current processing timesInterested in this program?
Book an appointment for a personalized consultation and check your eligibility.
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