Canada•North AmericaExpress Entry - Federal Skilled Trades Program
At a Glance
Processing Time
~180 days
Application Fee
1,525 CAD
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
No
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Express Entry program for skilled tradespeople with journeyperson certification or equivalent. Points-based selection for trades occupations like electricians, carpenters, welders.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for workers who have a certificate of competency (journeyperson status) in a skilled trade. It prioritizes occupations in demand in Canada such as electricians, carpenters, welders, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
None or higher
Professional
Experience
2+ years
Required Skills
Language
English
Intermediate
French
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Journeyperson certificate
Trade credential demonstrating mastery of skilled trade
Language test results
IELTS, CELPIP, or TOEFL score at CLB 5 minimum
Passport
Valid identification
Work experience documentation
Employment records confirming 2 years trade experience
Police certificate
Criminal record clearance
Medical exam
From approved IRCC physician
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Direct path to permanent residency
- Lower language requirements (CLB 5 vs CLB 7)
- Lower education requirement (high school sufficient)
- Strong labour market demand for skilled trades
- Can include spouse/partner and dependents
Considerations
- Requires formal trade certification/journeyperson status
- Limited to designated trade occupations
- Competitive scoring with Federal Skilled Worker applicants
- Medical and security checks required
- Must prove 2 years of trade experience
- May need credential evaluation if trained outside Canada
Application Process
Obtain trade certificate
Have journeyperson certificate or equivalent skilled trade credential
Language test
Take approved language test (IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP for English)
Create Express Entry profile
Submit online profile with trade certification and work experience
Receive Comprehensive Ranking Score
IRCC calculates your CRS based on trade credentials, experience, and language
Await invitation
Wait for invitation to apply in category-based draws for skilled trades
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected, receive ITA with 60 days to apply
Complete full application
Submit application with documentation and certificates
Receive approval
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence
Application Forms
Express Entry Profile - Skilled Trades
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa
