Express Entry
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Complete reference to the eligibility criteria, eligible skilled trades, and language rules for the FST pathway.
FST Eligibility Requirements
To submit an Express Entry profile under the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) stream, you must satisfy four key requirements:
- Skilled Trade Work Experience: Have at least **2 years** of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply.
- Job Offer OR Certificate of Qualification: You must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least **1 year** OR a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
- Job Duties: Show that you performed all the duties and met the requirements of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system for that trade.
- Language Proficiency: FST has lower language thresholds compared to other Express Entry streams. You need **CLB 5** in speaking and listening, and **CLB 4** in reading and writing.
Eligible Trade Groups (NOC TEER)
Only specific occupational groups are eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades program:
- Major Group 72: Technical trades and transportation officers (e.g. electricians, plumbers, machinists).
- Major Group 73: General trades (e.g. carpenters, bricklayers, roofers).
- Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
- Major Group 83: Occupations in agriculture and horticulture.
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators.
- Minor Group 6320 & Unit Group 62200: Chefs, cooks, butchers, and bakers.
Language Test Scores (CELPIP / IELTS Equivalents)
To prove you meet the FST language thresholds, look at the equivalent test bands:
| Language Skill | Minimum CLB Band | IELTS General Score | CELPIP-General Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | CLB 5 | 5.0 | 5 |
| Listening | CLB 5 | 5.0 | 5 |
| Reading | CLB 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
| Writing | CLB 4 | 4.0 | 4 |
Official Government References & Sources
This guide compiles official Express Entry guidelines and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) parameters sourced directly from:
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) FST Guide: canada.ca/fst-eligibility
• IRCC Eligible Trades list and codes details: canada.ca/fst-eligible-trades
FST Key Metrics
Work Experience2 Years (within 5 yrs)
Job Offer / CertMandatory
Min LanguageCLB 4 - 5
Pool EntryExpress Entry