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ONTARIO PNP (OINP) FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), The Canadian Skilled Trades Program is a component of the Express Entry system designed to facilitate the immigration of skilled tradespersons to Canada. The program targets individuals with experience in specific skilled trades, addressing labor market needs in areas such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and maintenance. To be eligible for the FSTP, applicants must meet criteria related to work experience, language proficiency, and job offer or certification from a provincial or territorial authority. Unlike other Express Entry programs, the FSTP doesn’t require applicants to hold a post-secondary education credential, focusing instead on practical skills. Successful candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, allowing them to contribute their expertise to the Canadian workforce and become permanent residents. The FSTP plays a crucial role in addressing shortages in skilled trades and promoting economic growth in Canada. The program targets individuals engaged in skilled trades, such as electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and machinists, among others. Each trade is classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Candidates interested in the Federal Skilled Trades Program must enter the Express Entry pool and create an Express Entry profile. The program is points-based, and candidates are ranked based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
You can also get to know other immigration pathways more suited to each particular situation. All of our fees and packages are also available! You can also get acquainted with other OINP programs.
Book a consultation today to discuss your eligibility and take your first step towards living and working in Ontario. Let us guide you through the International Student Stream and make your Canadian dream a reality.
Recent draws
DRAW DATE
Jan 11, 2024
PROGRAM(S)
Federal Skilled Trades Program
INVITATIONS ISSUED
2554
LOWEST SCORE
350
Latest Updates
On August 3rd, 2023, 2844 invitations were issued to professionals who had a score ranging between 250-516. Read more
- On May 18, 2023, 1694 invitations were issued to professionals who had a score ranging between 250-489. Read more
- On March 23, 2023, 746 invitations were issued to professionals who had a score ranging between 250-489. Read more
- On February 10, 2023, 466 invitations were issued to professionals who had a score ranging between 250-489. Read more
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
JOB OFFER OR QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE
LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION
SETTLEMENT FUNDS
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
To meet the work experience eligibility requirement for this stream, a candidate must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience within the 5 years before the application. This work experience must be in a skilled trade. These trades include the following NOC groups:
- Ontario Major Groups 72 (excluding occupations under transportation officers),
- 73,
- 82,
- 83,
- 93 (excluding aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors)
- Minor Group 6320 (excluding cooks)
Work experience will not be eligible if the experience does not align with the description of the NOC, or if the applicant did not have the qualifications to practice the trade independently. Moreover, work experience will be counted toward eligibility as long as it was paid in wages or commission (volunteer work will not be considered sufficient)
JOB OFFER OR QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATE
Candidates are required to have either
- A valid job offer that is for full-time work and at least for 1 year or
- Certificate of qualification that was issued in Canada
A qualification certificate serves as evidence of your eligibility to work in a specific skilled trade within Canada. This implies that you have successfully completed a certification examination and satisfied all the prerequisites to practice your trade in the province or territory that granted the certificate. This certification is issued either by the provincial or territorial governing body responsible for trades within their jurisdiction or by a federal authority. The nomenclature of the certificate may vary, being referred to as either a “certificate of qualification” or a “qualification certificate,” contingent upon the issuing body. To obtain this certificate, the provincial, territorial, or federal authority must evaluate your training, trade experience, and skills to determine your eligibility to undertake a certification examination. The assessment process is conducted by the province or territory, each of which has its distinct requirements and procedures for obtaining a certificate of qualification. This may entail a visit to the respective province or territory for the assessment of your trade, and in some cases, you may require the sponsorship of an employer in Canada to provide you with the necessary experience and training. If it is not possible to obtain a certificate in the candidate’s province, then a valid job offer will be needed to meet the eligibility requirements.
LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION
Candidates must also show appropriate command of one of the official languages in Canada: English or French. For this stream, candidates must be at a level of:
- English – Reading/Writing CLB 4 and Speaking/Listening CLB 5
- French – Reading/Writing NCLC 4 and Speaking/Listening NCLC 5
For the Federal Skilled Trades program, there is no education requirement. However, it can be a way for candidates to boost their scores in the Express Entry pool. This can be done in two ways:
- If the candidate attended school in Canada, they may be eligible to receive points as long as they have a certificate or a diploma from a secondary institution or a post-secondary institution
- If the candidate has foreign degrees, they can be used to obtain points as long as the candidate has a completed educational credential that has passed an educational credential assessment (ECA) proving its equivalence to a Canadian degree or a certificate.
SETTLEMENT FUNDS
It is required to show enough funds to relocate to Canada for both the applicant and any family member joining, unless:
- The candidate can legally work in Canada
- The candidate has a valid job offer in Canada
If either of these two applies to the candidate, there is no necessary minimum amount that they must show to the government within their application.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
PROCESSING FEES
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
There is a specific checklist and certain documents that must be gathered for the submission. These documents include:
- Passport or travel document
- Language test results
- Proof of Canadian education (if applicable)
- Provincial nomination (if available)
- Job offer from a Canadian employer (if available)
- Proof of work experience
- Certificate of qualification (if available)
- Proof of funds (if applicable)
PROCESSING FEES
Applying for the Federal Skilled Trades Program involves various fees based on different scenarios. Below is a breakdown of the fees associated with the program:
- Your Application: Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515)
Total: $1,365.00
- Your Application (Without Right of Permanent Residence Fee):
Total: $850.00
- Include Your Spouse or Partner: Processing fee ($850) and right of permanent residence fee ($515) per applicant
- Total: $1,365.00
Include Your Spouse or Partner (Without Right of Permanent Residence Fee):
Total: $850.00
- Include a Dependent Child:
Per Child: $230.00
- Biometrics Fees:
Fee for biometrics collection
Per Person: $85.00
Maximum fee for a family applying at the same time and place
Per Family: $170.00
If you decide to retain us as your representative, some professional fees will be applicable.
Program Timeline
Eligibility check
The candidate has to make sure to meet all of the requirements for the stream.
Create an Express Entry profile
For this step, certain documents will be required like language certificates and the NOC code and candidates are given 60 days to complete and submit their profiles.
Profile Submission
Once an applicant’s profile is submitted, it will be analyzed to decide which program fits the profile best.
After submission
While waiting in the pool, candidates can better their chances by obtaining higher language results or finding a valid job offer.
Our Professional Fees
Who is eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
Individuals with at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years, proficiency in English or French, and who meet other criteria, may be eligible for the FSTP.
Which skilled trades are eligible under the program?
Skilled trades eligible under the FSTP include occupations such as electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and machinists, among others. Each trade is classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the FSTP?
While not mandatory, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled trade or a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial authority can enhance your eligibility.
Is there an educational requirement for the FSTP?
Unlike some other immigration programs, the FSTP does not have a mandatory educational requirement. However, candidates with relevant educational qualifications may receive additional points in the Express Entry system.
What language proficiency tests are accepted for the FSTP?
Language proficiency is typically assessed through standardized tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English or the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French.
Can I include my family members in my FSTP application?
Yes, you can include your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children in your application for permanent residence through the FSTP.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?
The CRS is a points-based system used in Express Entry to rank candidates. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and additional factors.
Can I apply for the FSTP from within Canada?
Yes, you can apply for the FSTP from within Canada, provided you have legal temporary status at the time of application. This includes individuals with valid work permits or those eligible to work without a permit.
What is the difference between a certificate of qualification and a job offer for the FSTP?
A certificate of qualification is issued by a provincial or territorial authority and proves one’s eligibility to work in a specific skilled trade. A job offer, on the other hand, is a formal offer of employment from a Canadian employer in a skilled trade.
