We work hard to keep this guide accurate. If you spot outdated info, email updates to contact@desinri.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short Description:<\/strong> A complete guide to Canada\u2019s Express Entry Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): eligibility, CRS, documents, fees, timeline, family, PR, and pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Verified On:<\/strong> 2026-03-22<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)<\/strong> is one of Canada\u2019s federal economic immigration programs managed through the Express Entry<\/strong> system. It is designed for people with experience in eligible skilled trades occupations<\/strong> who want to become permanent residents of Canada<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is important: FSTP is not a temporary visa<\/strong> like a visitor visa or work permit. It is a permanent residence selection pathway<\/strong>. Applicants first create an Express Entry profile<\/strong>, may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)<\/strong> for permanent residence, and then submit a full PR application if invited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada uses FSTP to address labor shortages in skilled trades and to attract experienced trades workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy. It sits alongside other Express Entry-managed programs such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is meant for people who work in skilled trades such as construction, industrial, electrical, maintenance, equipment operation, natural resources, agriculture-related trades, chefs, cooks, butchers, bakers, and similar occupations, depending on the official occupational classification and eligibility rules in force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada\u2019s immigration system includes temporary residence and permanent residence routes. FSTP is part of the economic immigration<\/strong> branch and is managed electronically through Express Entry<\/strong>. It is one route to becoming a permanent resident without first needing Canadian work experience, although many successful applicants do have Canadian experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FSTP is best understood as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common official and administrative labels include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canada\u2019s occupational rules now use TEER categories<\/strong> within the National Occupation Classification system, and older material may still refer to NOC 2016 skill type\/level<\/strong> language. Applicants should always use the latest occupation guidance on the official government site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This program is best for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not<\/strong> use FSTP if your main purpose is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need a different route such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FSTP is used for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n FSTP is not<\/strong> for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. This is not an entry visa for exploratory travel. It is a PR pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Creating a profile does not grant status, entry, work rights, or residence rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not automatically. You need independent legal work authorization until PR is approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Federal Skilled Trades Program<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n FSTP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Often referred to as Express Entry \u2013 Federal Skilled Trades Program<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are no broad public \u201csub-streams\u201d inside FSTP in the same way some PNPs have streams, but eligibility can depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)<\/strong> Canadian Experience Class (CEC)<\/strong> Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)<\/strong> Temporary Foreign Worker Program \/ work permit routes<\/strong> Below are the core official FSTP rules, but applicants must always verify the latest details with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n To qualify for FSTP, you generally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is generally no nationality restriction<\/strong> for FSTP itself. Applicants from most nationalities can apply if they meet the program requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, nationality can affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need a valid passport or travel document. Canada\u2019s permanent residence processing and travel document issuance require valid identity documents. If your passport is near expiry, it can create delays or document re-issuance problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no minimum or maximum age requirement stated as a direct FSTP eligibility rule<\/strong>, but age affects your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)<\/strong> score in Express Entry. Younger applicants often score higher, but older applicants can still qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike some other economic pathways, there is no mandatory education threshold<\/strong> for basic FSTP eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must take an approved language test in English or French and meet the minimum language levels required by the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For FSTP, the official minimum is generally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must use an approved test accepted by IRCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You generally need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The work must be in eligible trade occupation groups listed by IRCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IRCC publishes the current skilled trade occupation groups for FSTP. These have been updated over time as Canada revised the NOC system. Applicants must match their real job duties to the official occupation definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No family or private sponsor is required to qualify for FSTP. This is not a sponsorship-based route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. FSTP is managed through Express Entry<\/strong>, so you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without an ITA, you cannot submit the full PR application under Express Entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For FSTP, you generally need either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The job offer must meet official validity conditions. Not all offer letters qualify. In many cases, the offer must be from up to two employers and meet specific requirements under IRCC rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a certificate issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal body confirming you are qualified to work in that skilled trade in Canada. Rules vary by trade and province\/territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning:<\/strong> Whether a trade is regulated and how to obtain certification varies significantly across Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To enter and remain competitive in Express Entry, you need a CRS score<\/strong>. There is no fixed universal CRS threshold because invitations depend on draw results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, some program screening rules may involve a separate eligibility assessment before you enter the pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If including a spouse\/partner or dependent children, you must prove the relationship through official documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for FSTP unless you are separately relying on Canadian education documents for points. An admission letter is for study permit contexts, not this PR program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable for FSTP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You generally must show enough money to support yourself and your family after arrival, unless you are exempt. Exemption often applies if you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, but applicants must verify the exact current rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not a core FSTP requirement at application stage, though settlement planning may be relevant. Housing proof is not typically the central eligibility test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable as an eligibility criterion for PR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You and accompanying family members usually need to be medically admissible. An immigration medical exam may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You and adult family members generally must provide police certificates and must not be criminally inadmissible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private travel insurance is not a core FSTP eligibility requirement. After landing as a PR, health coverage depends on provincial rules and waiting periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biometrics are required for many applicants unless exempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a permanent immigration program, so the intent is immigrant intent. This is unlike visitor visas that focus on temporary intent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually a central issue within the PR application itself. But if you seek temporary entry during processing, border officers may assess that separate temporary application under its own rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not required as such, but your location affects document gathering and processing logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually part of the FSTP application itself, but post-arrival provincial and federal registration steps apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no simple annual public \u201ccap\u201d for FSTP in the way some programs operate, but Express Entry uses invitation rounds<\/strong>, immigration levels planning, and selection categories. Draw patterns can change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Permanent residence applications are centrally managed by IRCC, but document collection, biometrics, passport submission, and local instructions can vary by visa office or VAC location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important practical exemption area is proof of settlement funds<\/strong>, where some applicants may be exempt if they meet the official work authorization\/job offer rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be ineligible if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are common in temporary visa refusals, but they are not the main refusal logic<\/strong> for FSTP because this is a PR route. Still, credibility, document consistency, and admissibility are critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interviews are not routine in every case, but if one is requested, common risks include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If approved, FSTP leads to permanent resident status<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accompanying family members can also become permanent residents if approved and admissible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although FSTP leads to PR, there are still important limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even after PR approval, regulated trades may still require local licensing, provincial certification, apprenticeship equivalency, or union\/employer-specific requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not in the usual temporary visa sense. FSTP is a PR pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Successful applicants receive permanent resident status after completing the landing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After approval, IRCC issues documents allowing travel and landing. There is usually a deadline tied to medical validity and travel document validity. Applicants should check their approval documents carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your PR status<\/strong> is not the same thing as the PR card<\/strong>. The PR card is a travel\/status document used mainly for boarding commercial transport back to Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Permanent residents must meet Canada\u2019s residency obligation<\/strong> to keep PR status. This is separate from the PR card validity period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not applicable in the usual visitor sense, but failure to comply with immigration law, residency obligations, or admissibility rules can jeopardize PR status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A PR application under Express Entry does not automatically create implied or maintained status. If you are already in Canada temporarily, you must separately maintain lawful temporary status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Document needs vary by personal history, nationality, family composition, and whether IRCC requests additional documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> Names and dates of birth not matching across documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are crucial for FSTP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reference letters usually need to show:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only necessary to the extent relevant for CRS points or supporting background:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually not central for FSTP, but may occasionally support settlement readiness. Not generally a core required package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not usually relevant in the same way as visitor visas. If relying on a valid Canadian job offer, employer documents may be key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Documents not in English or French generally must be accompanied by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Apostille is not universally required by IRCC, but some documents may need proper legal certification depending on their nature and origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IRCC has exact permanent residence photo specifications. Follow the latest official dimensions and digital upload rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistake:<\/strong> Using photo sizes intended for passports or temporary visas instead of PR specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most FSTP applicants must show enough money to support themselves and family members after moving to Canada, unless exempt under official rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IRCC updates the settlement funds amounts periodically, often based on family size. Because these amounts can change, applicants should check the latest official proof of funds page<\/strong> before submitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Usually include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants are often exempt from showing proof of funds if they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verify the current wording carefully on the official IRCC page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IRCC generally prefers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Funds usually must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\nVisa Snapshot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nItem<\/th>\n Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Country<\/td>\n Canada<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa name<\/td>\n Express Entry \u2013 Federal Skilled Trades Program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Visa short name<\/td>\n FSTP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Category<\/td>\n Economic immigration \/ permanent residence pathway<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Main purpose<\/td>\n Permanent residence for qualified skilled trades workers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Typical applicant<\/td>\n Experienced tradesperson with qualifying work experience, language results, and either a valid job offer or trade certification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Validity<\/td>\n Not a temporary visa; this is a permanent residence program under Express Entry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Stay duration<\/td>\n Permanent residence if approved, subject to PR residency obligations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Entries allowed<\/td>\n Permanent residents can travel in and out of Canada, but must meet PR residency rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Extension possible?<\/td>\n Not applicable as a temporary visa; PR status is maintained through compliance with residency obligations and PR card renewal rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Work allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, after becoming a permanent resident<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Study allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, after becoming a permanent resident<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Family allowed?<\/td>\n Yes, spouse\/partner and dependent children can usually be included if they are admissible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR path?<\/td>\n Yes, this program is itself a direct PR pathway<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Citizenship path?<\/td>\n Indirect. After becoming a PR and later meeting citizenship requirements, a person may apply for Canadian citizenship<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 1. What is the Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades Program?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why it exists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who it is meant for<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How it fits into Canada\u2019s immigration system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Legal\/administrative nature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Official naming and alternate labels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Who should apply for this visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ideal applicants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How it applies to different applicant types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nApplicant type<\/th>\n Suitable for FSTP?<\/th>\n Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Tourists<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use a visitor visa or eTA route if eligible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Business visitors<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n FSTP is not for short business trips<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Job seekers<\/td>\n Sometimes<\/td>\n Only if they are qualified skilled trades workers seeking PR; not a job-seeker visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Employees<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n If they meet FSTP criteria and want PR<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Students<\/td>\n Usually no, unless separately eligible<\/td>\n International students may later qualify, but FSTP is not a study permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spouses\/partners<\/td>\n As accompanying dependants, yes<\/td>\n They may be included in the PR application if eligible\/admissible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Children\/dependants<\/td>\n Yes, as accompanying dependants if eligible<\/td>\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Researchers<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Unless they independently qualify in a skilled trade occupation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Digital nomads<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n This is not a remote-work route<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Founders\/entrepreneurs<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Consider business immigration programs instead<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Investors<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Consider investor\/business immigration options where available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Retirees<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Canada does not use FSTP for retirement migration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Religious workers<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Different immigration routes apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Artists\/athletes<\/td>\n Usually no<\/td>\n Unless they qualify under an eligible trade and program rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transit passengers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Transit rules are separate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Medical travelers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Use temporary resident routes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Diplomatic\/official travelers<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n Separate diplomatic rules apply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Special category applicants<\/td>\n Case-specific<\/td>\n Some may qualify if they independently meet FSTP rules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Who should not use FSTP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. What is this visa used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Permitted purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Not the right tool for these purposes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Grey areas and common misunderstandings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I use FSTP to enter Canada first and then decide what to do?\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDoes an Express Entry profile let me live in Canada?\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCan I work in Canada once I submit my FSTP application?\u201d<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Official visa classification and naming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Official program name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Short name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Internal streams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Related categories people confuse it with<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Eligibility criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basic eligibility overview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Nationality rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Passport validity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Work experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Eligible trade groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sponsorship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Invitation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Job offer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Certificate of qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Points requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Relationship proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Admission letter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business\/investment thresholds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maintenance funds \/ settlement funds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Accommodation proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Onward travel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Character \/ criminal record<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Biometrics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Intent requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Return intent vs dual intent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Residency outside Canada<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Local registration rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quota \/ cap \/ ballot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Embassy-specific rules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Special exemptions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Who is NOT eligible \/ common refusal triggers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common ineligibility factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common refusal triggers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Points about \u201cweak travel history\u201d or \u201chome ties\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interview mistakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7. Benefits of this visa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Family benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Limitations and restrictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Restrictions before approval<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Restrictions after becoming a PR<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Occupation-specific limits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Duration, validity, entries, and stay rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is there a visa validity period?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If approved, what do you get?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Entry timing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
PR card vs PR status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Residency obligation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overstay consequences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Bridging\/interim status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Complete document checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A. Core documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n \nDocument<\/th>\n What it is<\/th>\n Why needed<\/th>\n Format \/ validity<\/th>\n Common mistakes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Express Entry profile information<\/td>\n Online declarations about identity, work, education, language, family<\/td>\n To assess eligibility and CRS<\/td>\n Must be accurate and current<\/td>\n Guessing dates, wrong NOC, overstating work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Invitation to Apply (if received)<\/td>\n Formal invitation in account<\/td>\n Required to proceed to PR application<\/td>\n Must apply within deadline<\/td>\n Missing deadline<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n PR application forms<\/td>\n Full electronic forms after ITA<\/td>\n Formal application for PR<\/td>\n Complete, truthful, signed electronically<\/td>\n Inconsistent details<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n B. Identity\/travel documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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C. Financial documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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D. Employment\/business documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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E. Education documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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F. Relationship\/family documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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G. Accommodation\/travel documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
H. Sponsor\/invitation documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I. Health\/insurance documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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J. Country-specific extras<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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K. Minor\/dependent-specific documents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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L. Translation \/ apostille \/ notarization needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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M. Photo specifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
11. Financial requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Settlement funds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who counts in family size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Who may be exempt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Acceptable proof<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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