How to Calculate Canadian Work Experience?

Calculate Canadian Work Experience

Canadian work experience is calculated by adding paid work hours performed in skilled occupations classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 until a total of at least 1,560 hours is reached. Only up to 30 hours per week are counted, overtime is excluded, and the work must be legally authorized in Canada.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Canadian Work Experience?
2. Why Does Canadian Work Experience Matter?
3. How Does Canadian Work Experience Calculation Work?
4. Examples of Canadian Work Experience Calculation
5. Canadian Work Experience vs Foreign Work Experience
6. Benefits of Canadian Work Experience
7. Limitations of Canadian Work Experience
8. Common Misconceptions About Canadian Work Experience
9. Related Questions
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Summary

What Is Canadian Work Experience?

Canadian work experience refers to paid employment completed inside Canada in a skilled occupation that falls under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3. These categories include managerial roles, professional positions, technical jobs, and skilled trades.

For immigration purposes, Canadian work experience is not assessed simply by job title or the number of calendar years worked. Instead, it is calculated based on actual hours worked, provided those hours were paid, authorized, and completed while holding valid legal status in Canada.

To qualify as one full year of Canadian work experience, a candidate must complete 1,560 hours of eligible work. This standard applies across Express Entry programs and is used consistently by immigration officers when reviewing applications.

Why Does Canadian Work Experience Matter?

Canadian work experience is one of the most valuable factors in Canada’s economic immigration system, particularly under Express Entry.

It matters because:

• It is a mandatory eligibility requirement for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• It contributes significant CRS points under Express Entry
• It demonstrates familiarity with Canadian workplace standards
• It signals economic adaptability and settlement potential

Candidates with Canadian work experience often rank higher in Express Entry draws compared to candidates with similar profiles but no Canadian employment history.

How Does Canadian Work Experience Calculation Work?

Step 1: Confirm the Job’s NOC Classification

The first step is confirming that the job performed in Canada falls under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Immigration officers assess job eligibility based on job duties, not just job titles.

If the duties performed do not substantially match the NOC description, the experience may be rejected even if the title appears eligible.

Step 2: Count Paid and Authorized Work Hours

Only paid employment counts toward Canadian work experience. This includes hourly wages or salaried positions. The work must also have been performed with proper authorization, such as a valid work permit.

Unauthorized work or volunteer roles are excluded and cannot be counted.

Step 3: Apply the 30-Hour Weekly Cap

Canada applies a strict weekly limit when counting work experience. Regardless of how many hours are worked in reality, a maximum of 30 hours per week can be counted.

For example, if a person works 40 or 45 hours in a week, immigration authorities still count only 30 hours toward eligibility and CRS calculations.

Step 4: Combine Part-Time Work if Needed

Part-time work is acceptable and can be combined across weeks or even across different employers. However, the total counted hours across all jobs cannot exceed 30 hours per week.

This rule ensures fairness and consistency across all applicants, regardless of work schedules.

Step 5: Reach 1,560 Hours Over at Least 12 Months

To qualify as one year of Canadian work experience:

• Total hours must reach 1,560
• The work must span at least 12 months

Completing 1,560 hours in less than 12 months does not meet the definition of one year for immigration purposes.

Examples of Canadian Work Experience Calculation

These examples show that time alone is not enough. Both hours and duration must meet program requirements.

Canadian Work Experience vs Foreign Work Experience

While both types of experience are valuable, Canadian work experience plays a stronger role in eligibility and ranking.

Benefits of Canadian Work Experience

• Mandatory for Canadian Experience Class eligibility
• Adds more CRS points than foreign experience
• Recognized by provinces and federal programs
• Demonstrates successful labor market integration
• Can be combined with foreign experience for CRS scoring

Limitations of Canadian Work Experience

• Work performed while studying does not count
• Self-employment is excluded for CEC eligibility
• Overtime hours are not considered
• Documentation must clearly prove duties and hours
• Experience validity depends on program timelines

Common Misconceptions About Canadian Work Experience

Myth: Working extra hours shortens the eligibility period
Fact: Hours beyond 30 per week are ignored

Myth: Any job in Canada qualifies
Fact: Only skilled NOC TEER 0–3 roles are eligible

Myth: Student work experience is fully accepted
Fact: Work performed while holding student status is excluded

Related Questions

Is Canadian work experience counted by months or hours?

Canadian work experience is calculated primarily by hours, but it must also span a minimum period of 12 months.

Can multiple jobs be combined?

Yes. Multiple part-time jobs may be combined as long as the total counted hours do not exceed 30 per week.

Does Canadian work experience expire?

For CRS points, experience from the last 10 years is considered, while eligibility timelines vary by program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours equal one year of Canadian work experience?

One year equals 1,560 hours of paid, authorized skilled work completed over at least 12 months.

Does overtime count toward Canadian work experience?

No. Any hours worked beyond 30 per week are excluded from immigration calculations.

Can international graduates count post-study work experience?

Yes. Work completed after graduation with proper authorization can be counted if it meets NOC and hour requirements.

Is self-employment counted as Canadian work experience?

No. Self-employment is not counted for Canadian Experience Class eligibility.

How do I prove Canadian work experience?

Applicants must submit employer reference letters, pay stubs, tax records, and other supporting documents.

Summary

• Canadian work experience is calculated using hours, not calendar years
• A minimum of 1,560 hours over 12 months is required
• Weekly hours are capped at 30
• Only paid, authorized skilled work counts
• Student work and overtime are excluded