What counts as Canadian work experience?

For Express Entry CEC and CRS calculation purposes, Canadian work experience must be:

• In a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 NOC (skilled occupations)
• Performed in Canada (not Canadian-employer work done abroad)
• Under valid work authorization — work permit (closed or open), PR status, or citizenship
• Paid — volunteer work or unpaid internships don't count
• Full-time (30+ hours/week) OR equivalent part-time hours

What does NOT count as Canadian work experience

• Work performed in Canada without authorization (illegal work, even if you're paid)
• Work performed for a Canadian employer but outside Canada (no physical presence in Canada)
• Self-employment in Canada (excluded from Canadian Experience Class — must be employment, not self-employment)
• Working as a full-time student (work performed during studies; eligible work permits allowed up to 24 hr/wk; doesn't count toward CEC qualifying experience)
• TEER 4 or 5 occupations (excluded from CEC)

How it's calculated for CEC

CEC requires 1 year (1,560 hours) of qualifying Canadian work experience within the 3 years preceding the application date. This can be:

• 1 year of full-time (30 hr/wk) = 1,560 hours
• 2 years of part-time (15+ hr/wk) = 1,560 hours
• Various combinations totalling 1,560 hours

CRS points for Canadian work experience

For Express Entry CRS:

• 1 year of Canadian work experience: 35-40 CRS points (depending on spouse situation)
• 2 years: 46-53 points
• 3 years: 52-62 points
• 4 years: 56-68 points
• 5+ years: 62-80 points (peaks at 5 years)

Plus additional skill-transferability points combining Canadian work with foreign work, language, and education.

Documenting Canadian work experience

Required documentation:

• Reference letter from each Canadian employer — must include job title, NOC code, duties (matching the NOC lead statement and main duties), salary, period of employment, employer's contact details
• T4 slips for each tax year
• NOAs (Notices of Assessment) for tax filings
• Pay stubs for each employment period
• CRA work history confirming employment

Halani's note

Canadian work experience is the highest-leverage CRS factor for PGWP holders and other in-Canada applicants. Building 12+ months of qualifying TEER 0/1/2/3 work is the fastest single CRS uplift available. Verify NOC alignment carefully — the reference letter must match the NOC TEER lead statement and main duties.