Understanding the Difference Category-Based Trade Draws, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program

With the first category-based trade draw of 2025 taking place yesterday, many applicants are asking the right questions: 

• How exactly did I qualify for this ITA? 
• How does this differ from the older Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) draws? 
• What do I do now? 

These are important questions because receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is just the first step in the immigration process. Understanding how you were selected and whether you meet all the program requirements is critical before moving forward with your application. 

Let’s break it all down clearly so you know exactly where you stand. 

Not met Federal Skikled trades elligibility but Got invited yesterday.
byu/That_Sign_7503 incanadaexpressentry

How Category-Based Trade Draws Work 

To be eligible for an ITA in a trade occupation draw, applicants must have at least 6 months of work experience in a targeted trade occupation within the last 3 years.  Because category-based draws can select candidates from any of the three immigration programs under Express Entry, you don’t need to qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) specifically to receive a category-based trade ITA. 

Here is a list of occupations eligible to receive an ITA in a category-based trade draw: 

How Does This Differ from the Federal Skilled Trades Program? 

Unlike category-based trade draws, which is a type of draw, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program that uses the Express Entry system to source skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residence. 

To be eligible for the FSTP, the applicant must demonstrate:  

• Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years. 
• Language Skills: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing. 
• Job Offer or Certificate: Either a valid job offer in Canada for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the trade from a Canadian province or territory. 
• Settlement Funds: Proof of funds unless you already work in Canada or have a valid job offer. 

It is important to note that the last dedicated FSTP draw happened in August 2020. Since then, while tradespeople have been included in general draws, CEC or PNP draws, there hasn’t been a stand-alone draw specifically targeting FSTP applicants in over five years. 

The key takeaway here is that you can be eligible to receive a category-based trade occupation draw ITA and not be eligible for the FSTP.  

What You Should Do If You Received an ITA Yesterday. 

If you received an ITA in the trade draw, here are the steps you should take right away:

Step 1: Confirm you qualify for one of the three immigration programs: 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) 

Step 2: Verify your work experience: Ensure you have at least 6 months full-time in a targeted trade occupation within the last 3 years. 

Step 3: Check your CRS score: You’ll need at least 505 CRS points to qualify under this draw. 

If you meet all these criteria, you can move forward to prepare and submit your permanent residence application. 

Because trade draws have been so few and far between (we’re already in September with only the first one just happening), receiving an ITA in this draw is a great opportunity. But that’s exactly why, if you have any doubts about your eligibility or the strength of your application, it’s best not to take any risks. 

Consider speaking with a reputable and authorized immigration representative before moving forward. They can review your work experience, program requirements, points, and supporting documents to make sure everything is in order. The goal is to give your application the best chance of success, because no one wants to face a refusal after finally getting invited.