What is the difference between the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Trades Category Based Program? Do they target the same occupations?

Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is one of the three federal immigration programs managed by the Express Entry Stream. This program is designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on their qualifications in a skilled trade. Currently, candidates must have work experience in one of the eligible trade occupations.

The eligible trades are organized under certain groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, and they include 104 occupations in the following NOC groups:

• 53 occupations in Major group 72, Technical trades and transportation officers and controllers
• 18 occupations in Major group 73, General trades
• 5 occupations in Major group 82, Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• 5 occupations in Major group 83, Occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• 13 occupations in Major group 92, Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and utilities operators and controllers
• 4 occupations in Major group 93, Central control and process operators
• 3 occupations in Minor Group 6320, Cooks, butchers, and bakers
• 3 occupations in Unit Group 6220, Chefs

The purpose of category-based draws

Category-based draws were introduced in the Express Entry system to address specific economic goals identified by the Canadian government. The purpose of these draws is to invite candidates from the Express Entry pool who are eligible for a specific category established by the Minister to meet targeted economic needs. This approach allows the government to respond to labour market demands and regional economic requirements more effectively.
These draws complement the general and program-specific rounds of invitations by focusing on top-ranking candidates who can contribute to Canada’s economic growth in specific areas.

Where do the Trades Category-based draws fit in?

The Trades Category Based Program refers to a category within the Express Entry system that targets individuals who are skilled in a trade occupation. This category is specifically for those who wish to immigrate to Canada under the FSTP. Although this category focuses on candidates eligible for the FSTP, it filters out specific trade occupations to meet Canada’s current labour market needs.

Currently, 10 occupations are considered under the Trades category-based program. The occupations currently favored indicate Canada’s response to address its dire housing crisis and include the following occupations:

• NOC 72310 – Carpenters
• NOC 72400 – Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
• NOC 72014 – Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers
• NOC 72200 – Electricians
• NOC 72406 – Elevator constructors and mechanics
• NOC 72402 – Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
• NOC 72405 – Machine fitters
• NOC 72300 – Plumbers
• NOC 73200 – Residential and commercial installers and servicers
• NOC 72106 – Welders and related machine operators

The list of occupations eligible for the Trades Category Based draw can change without warning at any given moment.

That’s not all!

Some occupations eligible for FSTP are listed under other category-based programs, such as the transport category and the Agriculture and agri-food occupations category.
The transport category currently lists these occupations:

• NOC 72600 – Air pilots, flight engineers and flying instructors
• NOC 72601 – Air traffic controllers and related occupations
• NOC 93200 – Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
• NOC 72404 – Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
• NOC 72602 – Deck officers, water transport
• NOC 72603 – Engineer officers, water transport
• NOC 72403 – Railway carmen/women
• NOC 72604 – Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators
• NOC 73300 – Transport truck drivers

These three occupations are currently eligible for the agriculture and agri-food occupations category:

• NOC 82030 – Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors
• NOC 63201 – Butchers- retail and wholesale
• NOC 82031 – Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticulture services

While there may be overlap in the types of occupations targeted by the FSTP and Trades Category Based Programs, the specific occupations and eligibility criteria can vary. It’s essential to review the requirements of each program carefully to determine which one aligns best with your skills, qualifications, and immigration goals.

In conclusion, both the Federal Skilled Trades Program and Trades Category Based Programs aim to attract skilled trades workers to Canada, but they operate under different jurisdictions and may have distinct eligibility criteria and occupation requirements. Understanding these differences can help you navigate the immigration process more effectively and make informed decisions about your immigration pathway.