What is FSTC?

The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) is one of three federal Express Entry programs (alongside CEC and FSW). FSTC is specifically targeted to skilled-trades workers — electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, mechanics, heavy-equipment operators, chefs, and similar TEER 2-3 trade occupations.

FSTC eligibility

To qualify for FSTC, you must:

• Have 2+ years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a specific eligible skilled trade in the last 5 years.
• The trade NOC must fall within FSTC-eligible categories: major NOC groups 72, 73, 82, 83, 92, 93, and certain related occupations.
• Have either (a) a valid full-time job offer of at least 1 year from a Canadian employer, or (b) a Canadian certificate of qualification in the trade issued by a provincial or territorial authority.
• Meet language requirements: CLB 5+ speaking and listening, CLB 4+ reading and writing (lower than CEC/FSW requirements).
• Meet IRCC's standard inadmissibility, medical, and admissibility tests.

FSTC vs. CEC vs. FSW

• CEC — Canadian work experience-based.
• FSW — foreign work experience-based, broader skilled-worker scope.
• FSTC — trades-specific, requires job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification.

For most trade workers without a Canadian connection (job offer or certification), the path is typically: come to Canada on an LMIA-supported work permit, work in Canada under CEC-eligible status, then transition via CEC.

Common gotchas

• Certificate of qualification location. The certificate must be issued by the province where the applicant plans to live and work — you can't get certified in Ontario and immigrate to BC under FSTC.
• Job-offer validity. The Canadian job offer must be supported by an LMIA (or be LMIA-exempt under a recognized category) and meet specific FSTC requirements.
• NOC misclassification. Many trades have specific NOCs that must be matched; broader "trades helper" TEER 5 NOCs do not qualify.

See also

• Express Entry overview.
• LMIA — typically required for the job-offer route.