At Immigration Nation, we recognize that the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a crucial part of Canada’s Express Entry, aiming to fill the gaps in its labor market with adept trades workers. This guide unravels the layers of the Express Entry, emphasizing the merits of FSTP, demystifying its eligibility standards, and offering clarity on the required settlement funds. If you’re a trades worker aiming for Canada, this comprehensive guide has been crafted with your needs in mind.
1. What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration pathway for skilled workers. It operates as a point-based system, called the Canada Point System, which ranks candidates in the pool based on various factors like age, education, and work experience. The goal is to ensure that Canada attracts immigrants who can contribute effectively to its economy. Through the Express Entry Canada system, eligible candidates create an online profile, and the highest-ranking individuals are invited to apply for permanent residency.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program and its Benefits
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed specifically for workers in trade occupations. By qualifying under the FSTP, trades workers can immigrate to Canada and fill the country’s pressing labor gaps. Benefits of the FSTP include:
- Targeted Process: Designed exclusively for trades workers, ensuring that they are recognized and valued.
- Economic Opportunity: With the demand for trades in Canada, those immigrating under this program can expect robust job opportunities.
- Fast Processing: The FSTP under the Express Entry system ensures applications are processed faster than many other immigration pathways.
3. Eligibility Criteria for the FSTP
For those looking to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met:
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing. This is confirmed via a recognized language test.
- Work Experience: A minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years is required. This experience should align with the duties of the respective trade occupations.
- Job Offer or Qualification: Applicants must either possess a job offer for a full-time position from up to two Canadian employers, lasting at least a year, or have a trade certification from a Canadian province or territory.
4. Settlement Funds Requirement
Applicants for the FSTP, unless having an arranged job offer, need to declare certain settlement funds when entering the Express Entry pool. These funds are to ensure that newcomers can support themselves and their family upon arrival. The funds should be unburdened by debts and must be proved at both the application and visa issuance stages. For a single applicant, the funds amount to CAD $13,757, with the amount increasing per family member added.
For more information, refer to the IRCC website on settlement funds regarding amount per family member added: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
5. How to Apply for FSTP
- Experience Validation: Ensure you have at least two years of relevant work experience. If you meet this, progress to the next step.
- Trade Confirmation: Ensure your trade is recognized under the program.
- Eligibility Check: Confirm language proficiency through recognized tests like IELTS or CELPIP for English, and TEF or TCF for French. You should also have a job offer or trade certification from a Canadian authority.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: This online profile will be the cornerstone of your application and will include your personal details, work history, and other relevant information.
- Optimize Your Profile: Strategies to boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score include proving your education level or acquiring additional work experience.
- Invitation to Apply: If your CRS score is among the top, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
- Submission of Relevant Checks: Conduct a medical check, provide background checks, and submit your e-application with necessary documents.
- Application Review: An immigration officer will assess your e-application.
- Final Steps: Once approved, you’ll receive permanent resident status, allowing you to apply for a PR card.
Conclusion:
Canada’s invitation to trades workers through the Federal Skilled Trades Program showcases its commitment to economic equilibrium. As international trades professionals, you’re positioned to leverage this program for a brighter future in Canada. Understanding the eligibility and application intricacies is vital for a successful application. At Immigration Nation, we understand the intricacies of the immigration process and are here to extend our expertise if you require assistance with you application. Contact us today and let’s our team of immigration experts guide you each step of the way.
Want to know more about Eligibility? Book a Free Assessment now and let our experts guide you TODAY!
OR
CONTACT US:
Address: 9038 51 Ave NW Suite 206, Edmonton, AB T6E 5X4
Consultation Bookings: [email protected]
Phone number: +1 (780) -800- 0113