Federal skilled workers selection criteria: Work experience

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Applications received on or before November 15, 2022

To be eligible for points, the applicant's work experience must meet all of the following requirements:

  • have occurred during the 10 years immediately preceding the date of application
  • have been acquired in occupations listed at Skill Type 0 (Managerial occupations), Skill Level A (Professional occupations) or B (Technical occupations and skilled trades) of NOC 2016
  • not be in an occupation that has been designated by the Minister as a restricted occupation
  • have been full-time paid work (or the equivalent in paid part-time work)

Applications received on or after November 16, 2022

To be eligible for points, the applicant's work experience must meet all of the following requirements:

  • have occurred during the 10 years immediately preceding the date of application
  • have been acquired in occupations listed at TEER 0 (Managerial occupations), TEER 1 (Professional occupations) or TEER 2 and TEER 3 (Technical occupations and skilled trades) of NOC 2021
  • not be in an occupation that has been designated by the Minister as a restricted occupation
  • have been full-time paid work (or the equivalent in paid part-time work)

Pursuant to R80, officers should assess the application and award the applicant points for work experience as follows:

Awarding points – applications received before May 4, 2013
Number of years At least 1 year At least 2 years At least 3 years 4 or more years
Points 15 17 19 21
Awarding points – applications received on or after May 4, 2013
Number of years At least 1 year 2 to 3 years 4 to 5 years 6 or more years
Points 9 11 13 15

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