Canada · Skilled Worker Visa

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — Express Entry

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-08 · Our methodology
6/10 diff
Challenging

For skilled trades workers in NOC 2021 major groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, minor group 6320 (cooks/butchers/bakers), un…

Min income
Processing
30+ days
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

For skilled trades workers in NOC 2021 major groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, minor group 6320 (cooks/butchers/bakers), unit group 62200 (chefs). Requires: 2 years full-time skilled trade experience in last 5 years AFTER qualifying to practise; CLB 5 speak/listen, CLB 4 read/write; AND either (i) certificate of qualification by a Canadian provincial/federal authority OR (ii) valid full-time job offer ≥1 year from up to 2 Canadian employers. Settlement funds = ½ minimum necessary income (waived if working in Canada). Lowest language bar of the 3 EE programs.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
36 months
Processing Time
30+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Financial Requirements

ItemAmount
Minimum Savings€9,395

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Toronto
Single (monthly)€2,590
Family (monthly)€4,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,551
Groceries€648
Transport pass€155
Vancouver
Single (monthly)€2,690
Family (monthly)€5,050
Rent 1BR (center)€1,781
Groceries€672
Transport pass€161
Montreal
Single (monthly)€2,000
Family (monthly)€3,850
Rent 1BR (center)€1,181
Groceries€500
Transport pass€120

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — Express Entry?

For skilled trades workers in NOC 2021 major groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, minor group 6320 (cooks/butchers/bakers), unit group 62200 (chefs). Requires: 2 years full-time skilled trade experience in last 5 years AFTER qualifying to practise; CLB 5 speak/listen, CLB 4 read/write; AND either (i) certificate of qualification by a Canadian provincial/federal authority OR (ii) valid full-time job offer ≥1 year from up to 2 Canadian employers. Settlement funds = ½ minimum necessary income (waived if working in Canada). Lowest language bar of the 3 EE programs.

What are the financial requirements for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — Express Entry?

Applicants need minimum savings of €9,395. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.

Can the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) — Express Entry lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

Are there alternative pathways to Canada?

Yes. Canada offers 23 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Canada country page.

What is the cost of living in Canada?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Toronto: €2,590/mo; Vancouver: €2,690/mo; Montreal: €2,000/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-08 · See our methodology

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