When applying for Canadian immigration, one of the key factors is your work experience. But not all work experience is treated equally. There are strict rules about what counts as Canadian work experience and what qualifies as foreign work experience. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can understand how it works.
What is Canadian Work Experience?
Canadian work experience is work you’ve done inside Canada that meets specific conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
What Counts as Canadian Work Experience?
- Work performed inside Canada: Jobs done outside Canada, even for a Canadian company, don’t count. However, work done for a foreign company inside Canada can qualify.
- Paid work only: Volunteer work or unpaid internships do not count. You must earn wages or commission.
- Full-time or part-time work:
- Full-time means working at least 30 hours per week for one year (1,560 hours total).
- Part-time work is eligible if your total hours add up to 1,560. You can combine multiple part-time jobs to reach the required hours.
- Note: If you work more than 30 hours per week, only 30 hours will be counted.
What Doesn’t Count as Canadian Work Experience?
Certain types of work experience are excluded, such as:
- Work as a refugee claimant or any period where you lacked proper legal status.
- Unauthorized work: Any work done without a valid work permit or during a period when you were not legally allowed to work.
- Self-employment: Running your own business or freelance work doesn’t count.
- Work during full-time studies: Even co-op work terms or internships during full-time studies won’t count.
- Work during school breaks doesn’t count either.
However, if you worked after completing your studies with a valid work permit, that experience is eligible.
What is Foreign Work Experience?
Foreign work experience refers to jobs you’ve done outside of Canada that meet certain criteria.
What Counts as Foreign Work Experience?
- Skilled jobs (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Full-time or part-time equivalent: Full-time means at least 30 hours per week, but part-time experience can be combined to reach the required total hours.
- Paid work only: Volunteer work doesn’t count; you must have received wages or commission.
👉 Unlike Canadian work experience, foreign work experience can include:
- Self-employment: This is accepted if you provide proper documentation.
- Work during full-time studies: It can count, but you might need to provide proof that you were working full-time and studying at the same time.
Special Situations for Foreign Work Experience
In some cases, immigration officers may ask for extra documentation:
- Managerial roles: If you claim a managerial position but have limited education or experience, more proof may be required.
- Work for family-run businesses: Additional verification may be needed in these cases.
- Proof of payment: Since wages differ by country and cash payments are common, proving your income may require alternative documentation.
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I combine multiple part-time jobs to meet the required hours for Canadian work experience?
Yes! As long as your total hours add up to 1,560 hours, you can combine multiple part-time jobs.
2. Does self-employment count as Canadian work experience?
No, self-employment doesn’t count for Canadian work experience. However, for foreign work experience, self-employment can count if you provide the necessary documentation.
3. Can work experience during my full-time studies count?
- For Canadian work experience, jobs during full-time studies won’t count, even if it was a co-op term or internship.
- For foreign work experience, it can count, but you may need to provide additional proof.
4. What happens if I worked more than 30 hours per week in Canada?
Only 30 hours per week will be counted, even if you worked more than that.
5. Do I need to show proof of income for foreign work experience?
Not always. Since wage standards vary by country and cash payments are common, proof of payment may not be required in some cases. However, additional documents like reference letters or contracts may be needed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between Canadian and foreign work experience is crucial when applying for immigration. Canadian work experience must meet specific conditions, while foreign work experience offers more flexibility. Always make sure to have the right documentation to support your claims.
If you need help assessing your work experience or preparing your immigration application, Ask Kubeir is here to guide you every step of the way!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.