Program Overview
See also Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
IRCC states: "You must have either:" "a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or" "a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority" (IRCC, Federal Skilled Trades Program)
Eligibility Requirements
Skilled Work Experience
IRCC states that your work experience must (IRCC, Federal Skilled Trades Program):
- • "be at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or 3,120 hours total) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply"
- • "show that you performed:" "the actions in the lead statement of the NOC job description, and" "most of the main duties listed"
- • "be paid work"
- • "meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC"
- • "have been obtained in a country where you were qualified to practice"
Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
"a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or" "a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority" (IRCC, Federal Skilled Trades Program). See also Provincial Nominee Programs.
Language Proficiency
IRCC lists "Speaking and listening": "CLB 5" and "Reading and writing": "CLB 4" (IRCC, Language test results).
Education, Funds and Admissibility
- • "There is no education requirement for the Federal Skilled Trades Program."
- • "You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada." "You don’t need proof of funds if you:" "are currently able to legally work in Canada, and" "have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada"
- • "You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec."
- • "You must be admissible to Canada."
Job Offers and LMIAs
Until November 2, 2026
IRCC's temporary public policy for Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades job offers (signed October 15, 2026, in effect November 3, 2026) describes the earlier rule: "In most cases, job offers must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless they meet specific exemption requirements." (IRCC, LMIA public policy) IRCC's job offer page lists the Federal Skilled Trades job offer requirements.
From November 3, 2026
IRCC states: "As of November 3, 2026, a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) will no longer be required for a qualifying job offer to receive the new Express Entry points or to meet job offer requirements under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program." (IRCC news release)
IRCC also states: "A temporary public policy will also exempt candidates invited to apply on or after November 3, 2026, from all requirements related to LMIA and LMIA exemptions for qualifying job offers used to establish eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program, provided they meet the conditions of the public policy." (IRCC backgrounder)
IRCC states: "Valid job offers to meet eligibility criteria can continue to be in either a non-high-wage or high-wage occupation, but an LMIA will no longer be required for these job offers." (IRCC, Job offer)
IRCC states: "Candidates with a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation may receive:" (IRCC backgrounder)
| High-wage occupation level | CRS points |
|---|---|
| At least 2 times the median wage | 100 |
| At least 1.5 times the median wage | 70 |
| At least 1.3 times the median wage | 50 |
See our CRS page and our post on Express Entry high-wage points.
Eligible Skilled Trades
IRCC states that your work experience must "all be in the same NOC and be in 1 of these NOC groups:" (IRCC, Federal Skilled Trades Program)
- "Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932)"
- "Minor Group 6320"
- "Unit Group 62200"
Look up an occupation with the IRCC NOC finder.
Quick Facts
- Experience:"at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or 3,120 hours total)"
- Speaking/Listening:"CLB 5"
- Reading/Writing:"CLB 4"
- Job offer or certificate:"You must have either"
Related Programs
Note: A consultation is required for case-specific advice on trade certification requirements.
Information provided is general in nature and current as of the page's last update. Immigration laws, processing times, eligibility criteria, and program requirements are subject to change per IRCC policy updates. This page does not constitute legal advice. Specific cases require individual consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Amer Rehman is an RCIC (R515343), member in good standing with CICC.