Federal Skilled Trades Program
Managed through Express Entry: you apply only after an invitation. Read on IRCC’s page on November 9, 2026.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program gives permanent residence to qualified tradespeople — for example in construction, industrial and electrical trades, cooking and baking — who plan to live outside Quebec. You need two years of trade experience in the last five, language results, and either a certificate of qualification or a qualifying job offer. Applications go through Express Entry.
Who is eligible
- At least two years of full-time (or equivalent) work in the skilled trade within the five years before you apply, after becoming qualified to practise it (IRPR s 87.2(3)(b)).
- The trade must be in one of the NOC groups listed in IRPR s 87.2(1).
- Language results at the Minister’s threshold in all four skills.
- A certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or federal authority, or a qualifying offer of employment (IRPR s 87.2(3)(d)).
Steps
- Check your trade against the listed NOC groups.
- Get a language test and, if you can, a certificate of qualification (through the province) or a job offer.
- Enter the Express Entry pool and apply if invited.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Language test results.
- Certificate of qualification or job offer.
- Reference letters for trade experience.
- Police certificates and medical exam after invitation.
What the law says
“skilled trade occupation means an occupation, other than a restricted occupation”
Defines which trades count, by National Occupational Classification group.
“acquired at least two years of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, in the skilled trade occupation specified in the application after becoming qualified to independently practice the occupation”
Two years of experience in the last five, after qualifying.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
- IRCC: Federal Skilled Trades Program — who can apply
- IRCC: Express Entry
- IRCC fee list (current fees)
- IRCC processing times (live)
Common mistakes
- Counting experience gained before you were qualified to practise the trade independently.
- Assuming a foreign trade certificate is a Canadian certificate of qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Not if you hold a Canadian certificate of qualification in the trade. One of the two is required (IRPR s 87.2(3)(d)).
Related streams
- Express Entry Invitation-only
The online system IRCC uses to invite skilled workers to apply for permanent residence.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program Invitation-only
Permanent residence for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience, through Express Entry.
- Provincial Nominee Program Open
A province or territory nominates you for permanent residence based on its own labour needs.