The Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Programs (FSTP) are the two well-known immigration programs for Canada. Both the programs are a part of the Express Entry system along with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
The two Canadian immigration programs, i.e. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), may be confusing for most applicants who do not understand the similarities and differences between the two. This blog would help you understand both the programs closely and determine which one is the best fit for you.
Individuals will, in general, combine these two programs. There is a difference in the eligibility criteria of the federal skilled worker (FSW) and that of the federal skilled trades (FST) program. The immigration procedure for preparing the two programs’ application is electronic and depends on a point-based system. As these programs are part of Express Entry, applicants who rank higher in the comprehensive ranking system (CRS) are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR.
For obtaining the Canada PR, one must qualify for the federal skilled worker points system. The federal skilled eligibility criteria include the applicant’s education, work experience, and language requirements.
Now some of you may ask what Express Entry Pool is? The applicants who are willing to move to Canada make an online profile. If they qualify for one of Canada’s immigration programs, they enter the Express Entry Pool.
In the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), an individual must have –
- At least 12 months’ work experience in the last ten years.
- Only paid work is considered, and voluntary or unpaid work is not considered.
- The job has to belong to one of the NOC skill levels 0, A or B.
If you did an all-day work, it must be equivalent to 30 hours of the week for a year, equal to 1,560 hours consistently. If it was a part-time job, it should be 15 hours out of each week for two years, equivalent to 1,560 hours. If one qualifies these requirements, he/she would be able for the federal skilled worker points system.
Whereas, in Federal Skills Trade Program (FSTP), the necessities are referenced underneath –
- You should plan to live anyplace in Canada except for Quebec.
- You should meet the necessary level of language requirement either in English or French.
- You should have two years of full time or equivalent measure of part-time experience in the five years before applying under Express Entry.
- You should meet the job requirements as it is mentioned in NOC.
- You should have a full-time employment offer for at least one year.
As a candidate, you must show that you precisely performed the responsibilities at your job, as mentioned in the National Occupation Classification (NOC) list. If you neglect to show the obligations and experience for the employment you did as it is mentioned in the NOC, your immigration application won’t be acknowledged.
Similarities – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Can apply under Express Entry System (If you meet all eligibility criteria).
- Having an employment offer is not a must but will definitely increase your score and chances to rank high in the draw pool.
- No age barrier (If you are aged more than 47, you do not earn CRS points).
- Submit proof of funds (Can score extra for adaptability/how can you manage to settle in Canada).
- Can apply to work and reside in the province (Expect Quebec as Quebec has its skilled worker program).
Differences – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
| Criteria | FSWP | FSTP |
| Language Skills | For the first language minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) and Niveaux de Competence Linguistique Canadien (NCLC) is 7, whereas, for the second language, it should be Level 5. | For first or second language, the minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) should be Level 4 for Reading and Writing and level 5 for Speaking and Listening. |
| Education | Certificate, Degree or Diploma from Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution; or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization of your secondary or post-secondary institution (outside of Canada). | No education requirements, but having one can improve your CRS score and rank in the Express Entry system pool (therefore, one needs to have an ECA). |
| Work Experience | Minimum of 1-year full-time, uninterrupted work experience in the last ten years under-skilled occupation skill level A or B or skill type 0; or Canadian job offer following the Labour Impact Assessment criteria | Minimum of 2 years of full-time, uninterrupted work experience in the last ten years under one of the following groups: |
| • Major Group 72 – Electrical, construction, industrial trades • Major Group 73: maintenance and equipment operation trades • Major Group 82 – supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production • Major Group 92 – processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and central control operators • Minor Group 632 – chefs and cooks • Minor Group 633 – butchers and bakers |
If you need additional information about the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program or are willing to apply for it, you can connect with Elaar Immigration for all your Canada immigration necessities. Our group of committed and licensed Canada immigration consultants will guide you in the right direction as per your unique situation.
