Work Experience

What kind of work experience do I need to apply for permanent residence under the Canadian experience class?

To apply for permanent residence under the Canadian experience class (CEC), your skilled work experience must

• be in a job classified as TEER category 0,1, 2 or 3 according to the 2021 National Occupational Classification
• amount to at least 1 year of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) work in the previous 3 years
• be with an employer in Canada (self-employment does not count)
• be gained with the proper legal authorization (for example, as a documented worker with a valid work permit) and
• not be gained while you’re studying under a study permit

You’re not eligible for the CEC if

• you’re a refugee claimant in Canada
• you’re working without authorization (that is, you don’t have a valid work permit)
• you gained your work experience before you got temporary resident status in Canada

Can I count both high-skilled and low-skilled experience toward the work experience required to apply under the Canadian Experience Class?

No. You can only count work experience in one or more of these 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories:

• TEER 0,
• TEER 1,
• TEER 2, or
• TEER 3

You cannot count work experience in these National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories:

• TEER 4, or
• TEER 5

National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 4 and 5 occupations include semi- and low-skilled workers in the trades, primary and manufacturing industries, sales and services, as well as certain clerical and assistant categories.

Can I count experience I got in Canada while waiting for a decision on my refugee application?

No. Under the Canadian Experience Class, you must have had temporary resident status and the proper work or study authorization when you gained the Canadian work experience or educational credential you are claiming.

Refugee claimants who have authorization to work or study while waiting for a decision on their claim do not have temporary resident status and cannot apply under this category.

Can I count part-time work toward the work experience requirement?

You can count part-time work toward the work experience requirement, as long as you were not a full-time student at the time.

However, you must have gained the equivalent amount of experience as someone who worked full-time for at least one year (1560 hours)

While working under a post-graduate work permit to get experience to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, can I switch employers?

Yes. The post-graduation work permit is an “open” work permit, meaning that you can work for any Canadian employer unless there are restrictions listed on the work permit.  Keep in mind that skilled work experience is needed to qualify for the Canadian Experience Class. Skilled work experience means working in an occupation that is listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) at TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.

More information on 2021 NOC codes is available on Employment and Social Development Canada’s website.

How much work experience do I need to be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?

To be eligible for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class you must have completed, within the three years before you apply, at least:

• 12 months of full-time work:
  • 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours), OR
• equal amount in part-time hours, such as:
  • 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
  • 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)

You must also complete an Express Entry profile.

Does the one year of work experience to qualify under the Canadian Experience Class include non-paid employment? Is there a minimum wage requirement for qualifying employment?

Non-paid employment does not qualify under the Canadian Experience Class. You must have been paid a wage (or earned a commission) but there is no minimum wage requirement for your qualifying work experience.

Full-time work experience means working at least 30 paid hours per week. To qualify, you must have skilled work experience, meaning work in occupations listed at TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3.

See jobs and their National Occupational Classification descriptions.