Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades vs Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your educational background and job situation. Both are Express Entry streams with identical costs and processing times, but they target different skill profiles. Your education level, work experience requirements, and whether you have a job offer already lined up will determine which path makes sense for you.

1. 01

   Your educational background

   Pick FST

   Pick FST if you only have high school completion or trade certification.

   Pick FSWP

   Pick FSW if you have a bachelor's degree or higher qualification.

2. 02

   Job offer status

   Pick FST

   Pick FST if you already have or can secure a job offer in a designated trade.

   Pick FSWP

   Pick FSW if you don't have a job offer and want to apply independently.

3. 03

   Work experience needed

   Pick FST

   Pick FST if you have at least 2 years of trade-specific work experience.

   Pick FSWP

   Pick FSW if you have at least 1 year of skilled work experience.

4. 04

   Career type

   Pick FST

   Pick FST if you're a tradesperson like electrician, plumber, or carpenter.

   Pick FSWP

   Pick FSW if you work in professional, managerial, or technical roles.

Is the Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades or the Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker faster to get?

They are similar: the FST takes about 6–12 months and the FSWP about 6–12 months. Neither has a decisive speed advantage, the completeness of your application matters more than the visa you pick.

How much do the FST and FSWP cost?

Both carry roughly $1,570 in official government fees. That figure excludes legal help, document translation, skills assessment, and relocation, which often dwarf the visa fee itself.

Can I get permanent residency with the Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades or the Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker?

The FST offers a direct path to permanent residency, while the FSWP offers a direct path to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Does the FST or the FSWP need a job offer?

The Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades (FST) requires a job offer or employer sponsor, while the Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) does not, you can apply on your own profile. That makes the FSWP more accessible if you don't yet have an employer lined up.