Express Entry Work Experience Requirements
Understanding work experience requirements for Express Entry programs
What are the Work Experience Requirements?
Work experience requirements vary depending on which Express Entry program you're applying through — for example, the Canadian Experience Class requires Canadian work experience specifically. Each program has specific requirements regarding the type, amount, and timing of work experience needed.
Work Experience by Program
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Requires Canadian work experience in an occupation listed in one or more of these NOC TEER categories: TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, TEER 3
- Minimum: One year in Canada within the last three years (full-time or part-time equivalent)
- Must have been gained with proper work authorization
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Requires work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
- Minimum: One year continuous within the last 10 years
- Can be gained anywhere in the world (not just Canada)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Requires work experience in a skilled trade under key groups of TEER 2 or TEER 3
- Minimum: Two years within the last five years
- Must be in an eligible skilled trade occupation
Understanding NOC TEER Categories
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada's system for classifying jobs based on their skill level and type of work.
TEER 0: Management Positions
Occupations in management, such as restaurant managers, mine managers, and government managers.
TEER 1: University Degree Requirements
Occupations that usually require a university degree, such as doctors, dentists, architects, and software engineers.
TEER 2: College Diplomas or Apprenticeships
Occupations that usually require a college diploma or multi-year apprenticeship training, such as computer network technicians, medical laboratory technologists, and electricians.
TEER 3: Shorter Training Programs
Occupations that usually require a college diploma, apprenticeship training of less than two years, or more than six months of on-the-job training, such as bakers, dental assistants, and transport truck drivers.
Which TEER is Eligible for Express Entry?
Only TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 occupations count as skilled work experience for Express Entry. Work in these categories can be used toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
Is TEER 4 or TEER 5 eligible?
No. Experience in TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations does not count as the skilled work experience Express Entry requires. If your job falls into TEER 4 or 5, a Provincial Nominee Program or another pathway may be a better fit — a licensed RCIC can help you find one. You can confirm your job's category using the TEER 0, 1, 2, 3 jobs list.
What Counts as Work Experience?
- Full-time: 30 hours per week or more
- Part-time: Less than 30 hours per week (must add up to equivalent full-time hours)
- Continuous: No significant gaps in employment
- Paid: Must be paid work (volunteer work and unpaid internships do not count)
How to Prove Your Work Experience
You will need to provide:
- Reference letters from employers on company letterhead
- Employment contracts
- Pay stubs
- Tax documents (T4s, NOAs)
- Job descriptions showing duties performed
Not Sure If Your Work Experience Qualifies?
Our licensed RCIC can review your work history, determine which Express Entry program you qualify for, and help you gather the right documentation.
Book a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What are the work experience requirements for Express Entry?
The work experience requirements for Express Entry are at least one year of continuous, full-time skilled work (or the part-time equivalent) in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. The experience must be paid and match your claimed NOC duties.
Which TEER categories count for Express Entry work experience?
TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 count for Express Entry work experience. TEER 0 and 1 cover management and professional roles; TEER 2 and 3 cover technical and skilled trades. TEER 4 and 5 work does not qualify for the main Express Entry programs.
Does part-time work count for Express Entry?
Yes, part-time work counts for Express Entry as long as it adds up to the equivalent of one year of full-time experience (1,560 hours). You can combine multiple part-time jobs, but the hours must be in skilled TEER 0-3 occupations to qualify.