Federal Skilled Trades

Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program provides a pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who are qualified in a trade. The program is managed through the Express Entry system, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducting specific draws targeting Federal Skilled Trades Program candidates. 

The following jobs qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program under the National Occupational Classification: 

• Major Group 72: Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers, excluding Sub-Major Group 726 (transportation officers and controllers) 
• Major Group 73: General trades 
• Major Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, and related production 
• Major Group 83: Occupations in natural resources and related production 
• Major Group 92: Supervisors in processing, manufacturing, and utilities, and utilities operators and controllers 
• Major Group 93: Central control and process operators, aircraft assembly assemblers, and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932 (aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors) 
• Minor Group 6320: Cooks, butchers, and bakers 
• Unit Group 62200: Chefs 

Federal Skilled Trades Program Requirements 

1) Language

Candidates must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark of 5 for speaking and listening, and 4 for reading and writing, in either English or French. 

2) Work Experience 

Candidates must have at least two years of full-time work experience, or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience, in a skilled trade (as listed above) within the last five years. This work experience only counts after the candidate is qualified to independently practice the trade. Additionally, candidates must meet the job requirements outlined in the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification.