Eligibility Criteria for Work Experience in Canadian Express Entry Programs

Publish Date: 23/09/2023

The key points regarding eligible work experience for Express Entry programs in Canada:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

• Work experience must fall under NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• The candidate must have performed the essential and most main duties listed in the NOC.
• Work must have the same NOC as the job used for Express Entry.
• It should be paid work for at least one year within the last 10 years.
• Volunteer-based or unpaid internships are not eligible.
• Special student provisions may apply.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

• Skilled work experience must be in NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Work experience must be gained in Canada.
• It should be completed within three years before application submission.
• Work must have been authorized under temporary resident status.
• The duties in the NOC description, including essential and most main duties, must be satisfied.
• Volunteer work and unpaid internships are not counted.
• Self-employment and student work experience are ineligible.
• Special provisions exist for foreign national physicians.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

• Candidates need 2 years of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
• Duties in the NOC description, including essential duties, must be performed.
• The work must be paid, and volunteer work or unpaid internships are not eligible.
• The candidate must be qualified to independently practice the trade occupation.
• Eligible work experience must be in specific NOC groups listed.

These eligibility criteria for work experience vary depending on the specific Express Entry program being applied for, whether it's FSWP, CEC, or FSTP, and the nature of the work experience.