Express Entry Work Experience Requirements

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.

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