Canadian Experience Class

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is one of the economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system, which aims to facilitate the immigration process for foreign workers with the skills and experience desired by the Canadian labor market. The FSTP specifically targets skilled tradespeople who can contribute to the country’s economic growth and fill gaps in the labor market.

How Do you qualify for Federal Skilled Trades Program FSTP?

To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, candidates must meet specific requirements:

a) Work Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent part-time experience) in a skilled trade within the past five years. The work experience must be in a trade that is classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level B.

b) Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Candidates must either have a valid job offer for continuous, full-time employment for at least one year from up to two employers in Canada or possess a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

c) Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is essential for success in the program. Applicants must take a language test approved by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to demonstrate their language skills.

d) Education: Although formal education is not mandatory, candidates may earn additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) if they have completed post-secondary education.

If you have foreign education, you must have:

  • An achieved credential.
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for migration plans from a nominated organization shows that your education is equal to the Canadian high school or post-high school requirements.

e) Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate their ability to support themselves and their dependents financially upon arrival in Canada.

Skilled Job Experience – FSTP

Under the groups of National Occupation Classification (NOC), experienced traders for this program are organized and explained below.

  • Major Group 72, mechanical, electrical, and building trades
  • Major Group 73, preservation and equipment maintenance trades
  • Major Group 82, administrators and technical jobs in physical resources, agriculture, and associated production
  • Major Group 92, manufacturing and services supervisors, and primary control operators
  • Minor Group 632, chefs and caterers.
  • Minor Group 633, butchers and confectioners

Advantages of applying for Federal Skilled Trades Program FSTP

Addressing Labour Shortages:

The FSTP is part of a larger effort by federal and provincial governments in Canada to welcome skilled trades workers and address shortages in trades occupations. With an aging population and low birth rate, Canada relies on immigration to support its labour force and economic growth, making skilled trades an area of significant need.

FSTP gives you faster Permanent Residency:

Upon approval, candidates and their eligible family members are granted permanent residency status in Canada. This status allows them to live, work, and study in any province or territory of Canada.

Access to Social Services

Permanent residents can access social services, such as healthcare coverage and education benefits, similar to Canadian citizens.

Lower CRS Scores:

FSTP candidates may have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores compared to other candidates in the Express Entry pool, primarily because they are not required to prove their level of education. However, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) occasionally holds program-specific Express Entry draws exclusively inviting FSTP candidates. This increases the chances of obtaining permanent residency as it opens opportunities for provincial nominations, which add 600 CRS points and significantly enhance the likelihood of receiving an invitation under Express Entry.

Employment Opportunities

Skilled tradespeople who obtain permanent residency can explore various employment opportunities in Canada’s thriving job market.

Canadian Work Experience Advantage:

FSTP candidates with Canadian work experience are well-positioned to succeed in the Canadian labour market. IRCC awards additional CRS points to candidates with work experience in Canada, including those who have studied in the country. Research conducted by Canadian governments and academics supports the notion that Canadian work experience provides a major advantage when applying for permanent residency. The knowledge, connections, experience, and skills gained through working in Canada give FSTP candidates a competitive edge in the labour market.

Immigration process with the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Meet the Eligibility Criteria:

Before applying, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the FSTP, as well as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program.

Create Express Entry Profile:

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC’s website. The profile will be assessed based on various factors such as age, education, language skills, work experience, and Canadian work and study experience.

Receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score:

Upon creating your profile, you will receive a CRS score, which reflects your overall ranking within the Express Entry pool. The score is calculated based on the aforementioned factors.

Receive an ITA:

IRCC conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks. During these draws, candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Application Deadline: If you receive an invitation to apply, IRCC will provide you with a specific deadline within which you must submit your permanent residence application. It is important to adhere to this deadline.

How long does it take to process Federal skilled Trades Program Express Entry?

IRCC aims to process your application within six months after submission. During this time, they will review your application, verify the provided information, conduct medical examinations, and perform security clearances.

Living outside Quebec

c. Plan to Live Outside Quebec: As the province of Quebec operates its own immigration programs, individuals who intend to settle in Quebec are not eligible for the CEC program. However, those who wish to reside in other provinces and territories in Canada can apply for the CEC.

Education

d. Educational Qualifications: While having a Canadian educational qualification is not mandatory for the CEC, candidates with Canadian credentials may receive additional points during the evaluation process. However, foreign qualifications are also recognized and valued. However, if you want to advance your rank for migration needs, there are two steps to do that.

  • By moving to a school in Canada, you can achieve the points for a certificate or degree. 
  • If you are a foreigner and have foreign education, then 
  • A concluded foreign credential, and
  • An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) record for settlement proposals from a preferred organization shows that your education is equal to the preferred degree or certificate.

Minimum Requirements For CEC

You should meet the minimum requirements for eligibility for this class.

  • You must have the lowest one year of experience working in Canada in the last three years. 
  • You can also serve various part-time duties to fulfilling this demand.
  • You must have obtained your work experience while working in Canada under limited resident status, including permission to work.

Non-eligibility of Canadian Experience Class appears when:

  • You’re a foreign applicant in Canada.
  • You’re working without permission or a valid signature.
  • Your work practice was obtained without resident status in Canada.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CEC

  • CEC applicants should have at least one year of Canadian business practice. This is a precious factor under the CRS. Because the necessary documentation is minimum, CEC petitions are processed instantly, often within three to four months.
  • Yet if you are qualified to apply under the FSW program, there is no guarantee that you will obtain an invitation to join.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CEC

You should meet the minimum requirements for eligibility for this class.

  • You must have the lowest one year of experience working in Canada in the last three years. 
  • You can also serve various part-time duties to fulfilling this demand.
  • You must have obtained your work experience while working in Canada under limited resident status, including permission to work.

Non-eligibility of Canadian Experience Class appears when:

  • You’re a foreign applicant in Canada.
  • You’re working without permission or a valid signature.
  • Your work practice was obtained without resident status in Canada.

How to Apply for the Canadian Experience Class CEC

The application process for the Canadian Experience Class is straightforward, designed to facilitate skilled workers who have already established themselves in Canada. The steps to apply for the CEC program are as follows:

a. Gather Required Documents: Start by gathering all the necessary documents to support your application. This typically includes identification documents, language test results, work experience letters, and educational credentials.

b. Create an Express Entry Profile: The Canadian Experience Class operates within the Express Entry system. Create an Express Entry profile online and provide accurate information about your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.

c. Receive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Once your Express Entry profile is complete, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The CRS score determines your rank in the Express Entry pool.

d. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): The highest-ranked candidates in the Express Entry pool are invited to apply for permanent residency in regular draws conducted by the Canadian government. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can proceed to the next step.

e. Submit Application for Permanent Residency: Upon receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class. Pay the required fees, provide supporting documents, and ensure that all information is accurate and up to date.

f. Undergo Medical and Security Checks: As part of the application process, you will need to undergo medical examinations to ensure that you meet the health requirements set by the Canadian government. You will also be subject to security checks to ensure admissibility.

g. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residency: If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) document. This document allows you to finalize your plans for settling in Canada and grants you the status of a permanent resident.