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Skilled trades

What is a certificate of qualification for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

It proves that a person is qualified to work in a certain skilled trade in Canada. This means that they:

This certificate is issued by the body that governs trades in a Canadian province or territory or by a federal authority.

Depending on which body or authority issues it, this certificate may be called a “certificate of qualification” or a “qualification certificate”. Find out how to get a certificate.

You must complete an Express Entry profile as the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. An invitation to apply for permanent residence is based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool, using the Comprehensive Ranking System.


How can I get a certificate of qualification from a provincial, territorial or federal body for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

In Canada, provinces and territories

The regulatory body that governs trades in a province or territory

To get a certificate of qualification, you

If your trade is not regulated by a province or territory (for example, airplane mechanic), it may be federally regulated. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials provides information on credential assessment for all regulated trades in Canada.

Contact the provincial, territorial or federal regulatory body for more information.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. An invitation to apply for permanent residence is based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool, using the Comprehensive Ranking System.


How can I qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program if the province or territory where I plan to live and work does not give Certificates of Qualification in my trade?

In that case, to qualify for the Federal Skilled Trades Program you must have a qualifying job offer in your trade from a Canadian employer.

Note: Completing an Express Entry profile is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker. Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee that you will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.


What is a qualifying job offer for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

This means an offer of continuous, full-time employment from up to two Canadian employers, for at least 30 hours a week. The job offer must be for a period of at least one year.

You must have a job offer if you do not have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.

Under Express Entry, most job offers need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The LMIA verifies that Canadian labour market has a need for this type of worker, and that your employer(s) have tried to hire a Canadian or permanent resident first.

In some cases, your employer does not need an LMIA to support your job offer. Find out more about jobs that are exempt.

You must complete an Express Entry profile as the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled worker.


If I come to Canada under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, will I be qualified to work in any province or territory?

Not necessarily. Standards and conditions of training for specific trades vary depending on the province or territory. (for example, ways to register apprentices, training curriculum, how to get accredited/certified/licensed)

It is up to you and your employer to make sure you have the documents needed to practice in the province or territory where you will work.

When we assess your application, we may check that you meet the requirements to be certified, licensed or registered to work in a regulated occupation in Canada.

If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer but do not meet the requirements, we must be satisfied that you are capable of doing the job you were offered and that you are likely to qualify to be licensed or certified when in Canada.

Note: Even if you get certified in one province or territory, you may not be able to practise in another. After you immigrate, if you want to work in a different province or territory, check the requirements of the regulatory body that governs trades for that province or territory.


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