Competition in Express Entry Is Increasing Despite the Reduction of the Pool: A Detailed Review as of October 26, 2025
As of October 26, 2025, there are 248,253 profiles in the Express Entry pool. This
Trends 2025: the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) continues to see limited representation within the Express Entry system. There have been no general or FSTP-specific draws to date, with eligible candidates only receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through category-based selection rounds—primarily under the Skilled Trades category.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), introduced by IRCC in 2013, is a dedicated immigration pathway for skilled trades professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada. It targets workers in occupations such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and carpenters to address ongoing labour shortages.
To qualify, applicants need at least two years of recent full-time experience in a skilled trade, a valid job offer or a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification, and must meet minimum language requirements. In 2025, FSTP candidates are selected through category-based Express Entry draws, as standalone FSTP draws draws have not taken place in recent years.
Skilled trades involve hands-on, specialized work often requiring formal training or apprenticeships. Key sectors include:
Note: Student work experience and volunteer roles do not count toward the work experience requirement.
Express Entry is the application management system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to select skilled immigrants for permanent residence. It handles applications under three key federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Since its launch in 2015, Express Entry has become the most streamlined and competitive pathway for skilled foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada. In recent years—especially since 2024—IRCC has placed greater emphasis on in-Canada applicants through the CEC and category-based draws, further enhancing Express Entry’s role in meeting labour market needs.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the FSTP, applicants must meet specific requirements related to language ability, skilled work experience, and financial readiness. While education is not mandatory for eligibility, it can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under Express Entry.
Applicants must prove basic proficiency in English or French across all four abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Minimum CLB 4 in reading and writing
Minimum CLB 5 in listening and speaking
Language tests must be taken through a designated testing organization (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
Results are valid for two years and must still be valid at the time of PR application submission
Applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last five years. This work must align with occupations classified under TEER 2 or TEER 3 in the National Occupation Classification (NOC 2021).
Key requirements include:
Demonstrating performance of essential and primary duties outlined in the NOC
Work must be in a skilled trade recognized under NOC TEER 2 or 3
Wages and conditions must be comparable to Canadian standards
Work experience can be validated in one of two ways:
A valid job offer for full-time paid employment in Canada from up to two employers, totalling at least 30 hours per week for one year
A certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority, based on an assessment of the applicant’s trade skills, education, and experience
There is no mandatory education requirement for FSTP eligibility. However, to increase competitiveness under the Express Entry CRS:
Candidates who studied in Canada can claim points for a Canadian diploma, certificate, or degree
Those educated abroad must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to receive CRS points
Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and any accompanying family members, unless they:
Are currently authorized to work in Canada, or
Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
The amount of funds required is based on family size and is updated annually by IRCC.
“In category-based rounds of invitations, we invite candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category…based on criteria such as…work experience in a specific occupation.”
— IRCC, Express Entry: Category‑based selection
This confirms that while FSTP is still available, Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are now issued only through category-based selection rounds, not standalone FSTP-specific draws.
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code requirements
| Major Group 72 | industrial, electrical, and construction 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 |
In Canada, trade certification is governed at the provincial and territorial level. Each province determines which skilled trades are regulated and establishes the corresponding regulatory bodies where applicable. Because certification requirements vary by region, obtaining a certificate of qualification from abroad is often challenging.
As a result, the Federal Skilled Trades Program is most accessible to applicants who either:
Already have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or
Are working in Canada as temporary foreign workers in their trade
It is important to note that not all trades are regulated in every province. In cases where a trade is unregulated, an approved job offer becomes mandatory for FSTP eligibility. Applicants should review provincial guidelines to determine whether certification or employment is required in their specific trade and intended province of residence.
Certificate of Qualification
“In 2025, category-based selection will continue to focus on candidates with experience in critical sectors and those already in Canada to help address ongoing labour market needs and reduce processing times.”
— IRCC News Release, February 27, 2025
Source: Canada.ca – Minister Miller announces 2025 Express Entry category-based selection plan
This confirms that IRCC has not conducted general FSW draws in 2025, and FSW candidates can only receive ITAs through targeted (category-based) draws if they meet the criteria of a selected category.
How does the Federal Skilled Trades Program work?
Before applying, confirm you meet the core FSTP requirements:
Work Experience: Minimum two years of full-time paid work (or 3,120 hours part-time equivalent) in a skilled trade within the past five years, aligned with an eligible NOC group (TEER 2 or 3).
Language Proficiency: Achieve at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing on an approved English or French language test.
Job Offer or Certification: You must either hold a valid job offer for at least one year or obtain a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
Contact the provincial or territorial authority for your trade to verify your training, skills, and experience. If eligible, complete the exam to receive a certificate of qualification.
Prepare all required documentation:
Proof of work experience
Language test results
Certificate of qualification or job offer
Proof of settlement funds (unless exempt)
Submit your Express Entry profile through the IRCC portal. Your CRS score will be calculated based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and other criteria. Consider improving your CRS score by updating test results or gaining further qualifications.
Watch for Express Entry draws. If your CRS score meets the threshold, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residency.
After receiving the ITA, submit your complete PR application within 60 days. Include all supporting documents, undergo medical exams, and obtain police clearances.
Attend a visa application center to submit your fingerprints and photograph as part of the IRCC biometric process.
If approved, receive your COPR and further instructions for landing in Canada.
Travel to Canada with your COPR, identification, and proof of funds (if required). Complete the landing procedure at the border and officially obtain permanent resident status.
Apply for your SIN and provincial health coverage, secure housing, and connect with settlement services to help you integrate into Canadian society and workforce.
Point-Based System: Understand Your Chances Before You Apply
Express Entry allows you to assess your likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence before submitting your application or paying any processing fees.
Fully Digital Process: No Paper Submissions
When applying for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry, the entire process—from profile creation to final submission—is completed online.
Expedited Processing: True to Its Name
Applications under CEC and other Express Entry-managed programs are typically processed within six months, making it one of the fastest routes to permanent residency in Canada.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway for skilled tradespeople to become permanent residents of Canada. It is part of the Express Entry system and targets professionals in sectors like construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including work experience, language proficiency, and a job offer or certification in their trade. This program addresses Canada’s labor shortages while offering workers a chance to build a future in the country.
Applicants need at least two years of paid, full-time work experience (or 3,120 hours) in a single trade within the last five years. This experience must align with a relevant National Occupational Classification (NOC) group and meet the job’s duties and qualifications. Part-time work is eligible if the hours add up to the total requirement. Experience gained as a student or in volunteer roles does not count toward this requirement.
To obtain a certificate of qualification, contact the provincial, territorial, or federal authority responsible for your trade. They will assess your skills, training, and experience. You may need to pass a certification exam to qualify. Some provinces may require you to be assessed in person or gain Canadian work experience first. Federally regulated trades have separate certification processes, which can be confirmed through the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
Yes, unless you are already legally working in Canada and have a valid job offer. Proof of funds demonstrates that you can support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size and is periodically updated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Providing proof of funds is essential to show you can establish a stable life in Canada without financial strain.
No, the Federal Skilled Trades Program does not apply to Quebec, as the province manages its own skilled worker programs. If you plan to live and work in Quebec, you must apply through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). However, if you are a Provincial Nominee from another province, you are required to reside in that province upon receiving your nomination and subsequent permanent resident status.
No, submission initiates consideration in future Express Entry draws for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
No, a job offer is not strictly required. However, if you do not have a valid job offer for full-time work in Canada (at least one year), you must obtain a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade from a Canadian province or territory to be eligible.
Eligible occupations fall under TEER 2 and TEER 3 of the NOC system and include jobs in industrial, electrical, and construction trades; maintenance and equipment operation; chefs and cooks; butchers and bakers; and other technical trades. A full list is published by IRCC and should be matched with your job duties.
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