Who qualifies
Foreign or Canadian-based tradespeople with at least two years of full-time work in a NOC 2021 Major Group 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93 (excluding 93200) or Minor Group 632 or 633 occupation in the last five years. You need either a valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (at least 1 year) or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
Eligibility breakdown
- Two years' full-time skilled trade experience in the last 5 years under an eligible NOC 2021 code.
- Meet the technical skills of the trade as described in NOC lead statement and most of the main duties.
- Job offer for at least 1 year full-time from up to two Canadian employers, OR provincial/territorial certificate of qualification in the trade.
- Language test at CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing (much lower than FSW).
- No formal education requirement, though credentials add CRS points.
- Meet settlement funds unless already legally working in Canada with an authorised offer.
Selection criteria & CRS impact
FST has no 67-point selection grid. Eligibility is binary — you either meet the trade experience, language and job-offer/certificate rules or you do not. CRS then decides ranking in the pool. Cut-offs in FST-eligible category draws for trades occupations have historically been more accessible than general FSW rounds.
Step-by-step application flow
- 1
Confirm trade eligibility & NOC
Map your job to a NOC 2021 Major Group 72/73/82/83/92/93 or Minor Group 632/633 and verify duties.
- 2
Secure a Canadian offer OR provincial certificate of qualification
Apply for provincial certification via Red Seal exam or licensing body, or negotiate a compliant employer offer with LMIA if required.
- 3
Sit CLB-appropriate language test
IELTS General or CELPIP at speaking/listening 5, reading/writing 4 — many trades applicants meet this without a language-school prep cycle.
- 4
Create Express Entry profile under FST
Enter the pool and wait for either a general draw or a category-based trades round.
- 5
Respond to the ITA within 60 days
Submit reference letters, trade certificates, and any provincial documentation alongside standard PR documents.
- 6
Landing
Receive COPR, land in Canada, and start work — most FST-eligible candidates already have an employer waiting.
Required documents
- Reference letters describing hours, duties and pay for every skilled-trade role in the last 5 years
- Provincial certificate of qualification (Red Seal endorsement where applicable) OR valid Canadian job offer
- Apprenticeship records and trade licenses
- IELTS General or CELPIP results at the CLB 5/4 minimum
- Any ECA (optional for FST but adds CRS points)
- Passport bio-data, marriage and birth certificates
- Police certificates from every country lived in 6+ months since 18
- Panel physician medical exam
- Settlement funds proof if no valid Canadian job offer
Processing timelines
Category-based trades draws often invite candidates with CRS scores in the mid-400s — well below general FSW cut-offs. Assuming certificate of qualification is in hand, the practical path is 3–6 months to certification + 4–8 months to ITA + 6 months for IRCC processing.
Costs and fees
| Red Seal exam / provincial trade certification | CAD 200–800 depending on province |
| Language test | CAD 320–340 |
| IRCC processing fee (principal) | CAD 950 |
| Spouse processing fee | CAD 950 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | CAD 575 per adult |
| Biometrics | CAD 85 / 170 family |
| Medical & police certificates | CAD 300–800 combined |
Advantages vs disadvantages
Advantages
- Much lower language threshold than FSW (CLB 5 speaking/listening, CLB 4 reading/writing).
- No formal education requirement — practical trade experience carries the case.
- Trades category-based draws frequently issue ITAs at CRS 430–490 range.
- Fastest way to PR for candidates with an employer sponsor and a provincial certificate.
Disadvantages
- Requires either a job offer or provincial certificate of qualification — a real barrier without inside-track relationships.
- Only specific NOC codes qualify; general labourers and unlicensed trades do not.
- Red Seal certification requires exam preparation and, for some trades, in-person practical assessment in Canada.
- Job offers require LMIA unless exempt — a lengthy employer process.
Frequently asked questions
Which trades are eligible for FST?+
Skilled trades in NOC 2021 Major Groups 72 (industrial, electrical and construction trades), 73 (maintenance and equipment operation), 82 (supervisors in resource-based industries), 83 (occupations in natural resources and agriculture), 92 (processing and manufacturing supervisors), 93 (central control and process operators, excluding 93200), plus Minor Groups 632 (chefs and cooks) and 633 (butchers and bakers).
Do I need a Red Seal to apply for FST?+
No. You need either a Canadian provincial or territorial certificate of qualification in your trade (Red Seal is a common form of this) OR a valid full-time job offer for at least one year from a Canadian employer.
How is FST different from FSW?+
FST has lower language and no education requirement but is restricted to specific skilled trades and requires either a Canadian offer or provincial certification. FSW is open to any TEER 0/1/2/3 skilled occupation but demands CLB 7 across all abilities, an ECA, and a passing score on the 67-point grid.
Can I get FST without stepping foot in Canada?+
It's difficult. Most provincial certificates of qualification require an in-person practical or written exam in Canada, and most Canadian employers hesitate to offer LMIA-backed jobs to candidates who have not been assessed on the ground. Many applicants take a temporary work permit first, then transition to FST or CEC.
How does CRS work for FST candidates?+
Once in the pool, FST candidates receive the same CRS score as everyone else. Their advantage is access to programme-specific and trades category-based draws that historically issue ITAs at much lower cut-offs than general rounds.
EntryNest tools that help
- Use the Eligibility Checker to verify your NOC and confirm whether your trade qualifies.
- Run the Cost Calculator to price Red Seal exam fees and provincial certification alongside PR fees.
- Use the Application Builder to structure reference letters that satisfy IRCC's 'main duties' evidentiary standard.