CIC to Launch New Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) in January 2013

Canada is creating a new program to fast track the admittance of foreign skilled tradespeople, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Monday.

On Jan. 2, 2013 the new Federal Skilled Trades Program will begin accepting applications.

Eligible occupations will include electricians, welders, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, and pipefitters, among others.
The immigration minister said the measure will help Canada create a faster and more flexible immigration system.
Applicants under the new program will need to:
  • Have an offer of employment in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a province or territory to ensure that applicants are “job ready” upon arrival.
  • Meet a basic language requirement.
  • Have a minimum of two years of work experience as a skilled tradesperson, to ensure that the applicant has recent and relevant practice as a qualified journeyman.
  • Have the skills and experience that match those set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC B) system, showing that they have performed the essential duties of the occupation.
In order to avoid backlogs, Citizenship and Immigration is limiting applications in the program’s first year to 3,000.

CIC is currently working with the provinces, territories and federal government partners on the list of skilled trades’ occupations that are experiencing acute labour shortages and which will qualify under the program. This list will be announced prior to the program opening in January.

Until now, skilled tradespeople generally applied through either the Canadian Experience Class, which welcomes those who studied in Canada or were already working here temporarily, or the Provincial Nominee Program, which allows provinces to select immigrants who meet local labour market needs.


In addition, Canada is also expected to launch a new Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC) program in 2013.

For more information and to check your eligibility, please contact us via our website www.amirismail.com

Based in Toronto, Canada, Mr. Amir Ismail is an Authorized Canadian Immigration Adviser with several years of experience in immigration law at his disposal.

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