Canada · Work
Canada Express Entry · Trades
Savings needed: from CAD 15k ≈ $11k
Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
First checked against official sources on Change log
Key facts
Express Entry · Trades is a work route for Canada. Applicants need savings from CAD 15k ≈ $11k. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.
- Money needed
- from CAD 15k ≈ $11k
- Government fees
- CAD 1,590 ≈ $1,110 · CAD 270 ≈ $190
- Processing
- Up to 180 days
Cost, time and long term
To apply: government fee CAD 1,590 ≈ $1,110; savings to show from CAD 15k ≈ $11k; decision: up to 180 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.
Government feesCAD 1,590 ≈ $1,110 · CAD 270 ≈ $190
- CAD 1,590 (≈ $1,110)IRCC permanent residence application for the principal applicant, including the right of permanent residence fee (Economic immigration (Express Entry, provincial nominee, Atlantic, Quebec-selected skilled workers)); a spouse or partner included in the application pays CAD 1,590 (≈ $1,110).
- CAD 270 (≈ $190)IRCC fee for each dependent child included in the application.
Shown, not spentCAD 15k+ ≈ $11k · +6 more
- CAD 15,263 (≈ $10,700)Settlement funds for a family of 1 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- CAD 19,001 (≈ $13,300)Settlement funds for a family of 2 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- CAD 23,360 (≈ $16,400)Settlement funds for a family of 3 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- CAD 28,362 (≈ $19,900)Settlement funds for a family of 4 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- CAD 32,168 (≈ $22,500)Settlement funds for a family of 5 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- CAD 36,280 (≈ $25,400)Settlement funds for a family of 6 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- CAD 40,392 (≈ $28,300)Settlement funds for a family of 7 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
CitizenshipAfter 3 years as a permanent resident
Needs 1,095 days physically in Canada in the 5 years before applying, including at least 730 days as a permanent resident. Each day as a temporary resident before permanent residence counts as half a day, up to 365 days of credit.
ProcessingUp to 180 days
The service standard for complete Express Entry applications is 180 days.
Presence rulesAt least 730 days
A permanent resident must be physically in Canada at least 730 days in any 5-year period to keep the status.
What you'll need
Who can apply5
- At least 2 years (3,120 hours) of full-time work in one skilled trade within the 5 years before applying.
- The trade is in an eligible NOC group, in a country where the applicant was qualified to practise.
- Study-time work does not count.
- Either a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total of at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification from a provincial, territorial or federal authority.
- Language: CLB/NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, CLB/NCLC 4 in reading and writing.
What you must show and pay9
- Savings of at least CAD 15,263 (≈ $10,700) · Settlement funds for a family of 1 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- Savings of at least CAD 19,001 (≈ $13,300) · Settlement funds for a family of 2 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- Savings of at least CAD 23,360 (≈ $16,400) · Settlement funds for a family of 3 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- Savings of at least CAD 28,362 (≈ $19,900) · Settlement funds for a family of 4 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- Savings of at least CAD 32,168 (≈ $22,500) · Settlement funds for a family of 5 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- Savings of at least CAD 36,280 (≈ $25,400) · Settlement funds for a family of 6 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- Savings of at least CAD 40,392 (≈ $28,300) · Settlement funds for a family of 7 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880).
- A fee of CAD 1,590 (≈ $1,110) · IRCC permanent residence application for the principal applicant, including the right of permanent residence fee (Economic immigration (Express Entry, provincial nominee, Atlantic, Quebec-selected skilled workers)); a spouse or partner included in the application pays CAD 1,590 (≈ $1,110).
- A fee of CAD 270 (≈ $190) · IRCC fee for each dependent child included in the application.
Steps1
- Recent trades category round: 3,500 invitations at CRS 476 on Oct. 1, 2026.
What happens at day 183
How Canada decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.
- Tax residence
- At least 183 days in a calendar yearDay count used in the CRA residency decision flow (page wording: fewer than 183 days versus more than 182 days throughout the year); significant ties and treaty residence are assessed together with it.
- At least 183 days in a tax yearA person who sojourned in Canada in the year for 183 days or more is deemed resident for the whole year (Income Tax Act s.250(1)(a))
- Foreign-source income
Worldwide income for residents; Canadian-source income for non-residents
All tax rules for Canada Tax records checked
Full official text
Permanent residence for skilled tradespeople with 2 years of trades experience and either a full-time job offer of at least one year or a provincial certificate of qualification. 1 2 3 4 5
What you must show and pay
- Savings of at least CAD 15,263 (≈ $10,700) · Settlement funds for a family of 1 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- Savings of at least CAD 19,001 (≈ $13,300) · Settlement funds for a family of 2 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- Savings of at least CAD 23,360 (≈ $16,400) · Settlement funds for a family of 3 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- Savings of at least CAD 28,362 (≈ $19,900) · Settlement funds for a family of 4 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- Savings of at least CAD 32,168 (≈ $22,500) · Settlement funds for a family of 5 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- Savings of at least CAD 36,280 (≈ $25,400) · Settlement funds for a family of 6 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- Savings of at least CAD 40,392 (≈ $28,300) · Settlement funds for a family of 7 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Each additional member above 7 adds CAD 4,112 (≈ $2,880). 3
- A fee of CAD 1,590 (≈ $1,110) · IRCC permanent residence application for the principal applicant, including the right of permanent residence fee (Economic immigration (Express Entry, provincial nominee, Atlantic, Quebec-selected skilled workers)); a spouse or partner included in the application pays CAD 1,590 (≈ $1,110). 5
- A fee of CAD 270 (≈ $190) · IRCC fee for each dependent child included in the application. 5
Requirements
- At least 2 years (3,120 hours) of full-time work in one skilled trade within the 5 years before applying. 1
- The trade is in an eligible NOC group, in a country where the applicant was qualified to practise. 1
- Study-time work does not count. 1
- Either a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total of at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification from a provincial, territorial or federal authority. 1
- Language: CLB/NCLC 5 in speaking and listening, CLB/NCLC 4 in reading and writing. 2
- Recent trades category round: 3,500 invitations at CRS 476 on Oct. 1, 2026. 4
Stay
- Permanent residence on landing; no fixed stay term.
Nationality
No nationality restriction.
Work
Permanent residents may live and work anywhere in Canada.
Family
Spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included.
Official sources
- Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program eligibility · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Express Entry: Take a language test (minimum CLB levels) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Express Entry: Proof of funds (table updated July 7, 2025) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2025-07-07
- Express Entry: Rounds of invitations (draw data file ee_rounds_123_en.json read 2026-10-10) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Citizenship and immigration application fees: fee list · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
- Apply for citizenship: who can apply (physical presence) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
- IRCC service standards · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
- How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status? · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
Express Entry · Trades and its alternatives
| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry · Trades | Needs savings from CAD 15k ≈ $11k | – | – |
| Atlantic Immigration | – | – | Limited |
| BC PNP Skills Immigration | Needs income from CAD 26k a year ≈ $18k | – | – |
| Employer work permit | – | 3 yr, renewable | Limited |
| Express Entry · Skilled Worker | Needs savings from CAD 15k ≈ $11k | – | – |
Questions people ask
How much money do I need for the Express Entry · Trades?
Savings of at least CAD 15,263 (≈ $10,700). Settlement funds for a family of 1 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Savings of at least CAD 19,001 (≈ $13,300). Settlement funds for a family of 2 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Savings of at least CAD 23,360 (≈ $16,400). Settlement funds for a family of 3 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class. Savings of at least CAD 28,362 (≈ $19,900). Settlement funds for a family of 4 (IRCC table updated July 7, 2025); not required with a valid job offer and work authorisation, or under the Canadian Experience Class.
How long can I stay on the Express Entry · Trades?
Permanent residence on landing; no fixed stay term.
How long does the Express Entry · Trades take to process?
The service standard for complete Express Entry applications is 180 days.
Can I work on the Express Entry · Trades?
Permanent residents may live and work anywhere in Canada.
Can I bring my family on the Express Entry · Trades?
Spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included.
How are Express Entry · Trades holders taxed in Canada?
No special regime in our records is tied to the Express Entry · Trades. The standard rules apply: Tax obligations follow residency status decided on all facts, mainly significant residential ties; residents report world income from all sources.
More in Canada
Work visas elsewhere
≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
Ask the AI about this route AI
An AI assistant answers from the published records on this page and cites them. It can't assess your personal eligibility. Don't include personal details.
How this was checked
Checked on 2026-10-11 against 8 official sources. Status: verified against the official sources.
Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.
- Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades Program eligibility · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Express Entry: Take a language test (minimum CLB levels) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Express Entry: Proof of funds (table updated July 7, 2025) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Express Entry: Rounds of invitations (draw data file ee_rounds_123_en.json read 2026-10-10) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-10
- Citizenship and immigration application fees: fee list · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
- Apply for citizenship: who can apply (physical presence) · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
- IRCC service standards · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
- How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status? · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 2026-10-11
Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the changes page, and the methodology page explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email contact@stayglobe.app with a link to the official source.