Canada · study · guide
Canada Federal Skilled Trades: requirements
This program is for skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents of Canada.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-trades.html
Who can apply
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. If you are a Provincial Nominee, you must settle in the province or territory that nominated you. You must also be admissible to Canada.[1][2][3]
You need at least 2 years of full-time work experience, or 3,120 hours total, in a skilled trade. This experience must be within the 5 years before you apply. The work must be paid. You must have obtained this experience in a country where you were qualified to practice.[4][5][6]
What you need to show
You must take approved language tests in English or French. You must meet the minimum score in all 4 language abilities, which are writing, reading, listening, and speaking.[7][8]
You must have either a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.[9]
Costs and money
You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada.[10]
Checklist
- Plan to live outside Quebec, or in your nominating province if you are a Provincial Nominee[1][2]
- Complete 2 years of paid, full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years[4][5]
- Get a valid 1 year job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification[9]
- Pass an approved language test in English or French[7]
- Show you have enough money to settle in Canada[10]
Questions people ask
Can I live in Quebec under this program?
No. You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec.[1]
Do I need a job offer to apply?
You must have either a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.[9]
What language tests do I need to take?
You must take approved language tests in English or French. You must meet the minimum score in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.[7][8]
Does unpaid work experience count?
No. Your skilled work experience must be paid work.[5]
How much work experience do I need?
You must have 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.[4]
Do I need to show proof of funds?
Yes. You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada.[10]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.