General information only. A lawyer should review the facts, documents and current rules before you rely on this information for an application or deadline.
Authorized and physically in Canada
IRCC requires qualifying work to have been gained while authorized to work under temporary resident status. For remote work, current guidance says the applicant must have been physically in Canada and working for a Canadian employer.
Paid skilled work
The experience must be paid and fit the required NOC/TEER framework, including the lead statement and most main duties of the selected occupation.
One year in the last three
Current CEC guidance requires at least one year, or 1,560 total hours, in the three years before applying.
Student work usually does not satisfy the minimum
Work experience gained while a full-time student generally does not count toward the minimum CEC requirement, and self-employment generally does not count, subject to specific exceptions.
IRCC / Canada.ca