IRCC states: "The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents." (IRCC, Canadian Experience Class) It is one of the 3 programs managed through Express Entry (IRCC, Who can apply).
IRCC states: "To be chosen from the pool and invited to apply, you need to have one of the highest-ranking scores when we send out invitations." (IRCC, Create your Express Entry profile) Rounds of invitations and their results are published by IRCC.
Canadian Work Experience Points (CRS)
IRCC lists these core points for Canadian work experience (IRCC, CRS criteria):
- • "1 year": 40 points without a spouse or common-law partner (35 with)
- • "2 years": 53 (46 with)
- • "3 years": 64 (56 with)
- • "4 years": 72 (63 with)
- • "5 years or more": 80 (70 with)
These core points apply until November 2, 2026 and continue from November 3, 2026 (see below). IRCC states: "As of November 3, 2026, we’re:" "changing how points are awarded for Canadian work experience and valid job offers" (IRCC, CRS criteria).
From November 3, 2026: High-Wage Occupation Points
IRCC states: "Candidates with at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation may receive additional CRS points based on the wage level of their occupation." (IRCC backgrounder)
| High-wage occupation level | Additional CRS points |
|---|---|
| At least 12 months in one or more occupations at 2 times the median | 70 |
| If not eligible for 70 points, at least 12 months combined in occupations at 1.5 times the median or above | 40 |
| If not eligible for 40 or 70 points, at least 12 months combined across eligible high-wage occupations (1.3 times the median or above) | 20 |
IRCC states: "These points are in addition to a candidate’s CRS score based on the duration of their eligible Canadian work experience, up to a maximum of 80 points for 5 years." "Combined, candidates with eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation could receive up to 150 points for Canadian work experience." (IRCC backgrounder)
IRCC states: "Under Express Entry, a job is considered a high-wage occupation if the median wage of all people in Canada performing that job is at least 1.3 times higher than the average median wage of the overall Canadian work force." "It is not determined based on a person’s specific job position or salary." (IRCC, High-wage occupations)
See our CRS score review page and our post on Express Entry high-wage points.
Quick Facts
- Work experience:"1 year of work or 1,560 hours total"
- Language (TEER 0/1):"CLB 7"
- Language (TEER 2/3):"CLB 5"
- Education:"no education requirement"
Book a consultation to verify your CEC eligibility and work experience calculations.
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Canadian Experience Class FAQ
What are the Canadian Experience Class requirements?
IRCC states that your work experience must "be in 1 or more of these NOC categories: training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) 0, 1, 2 or 3" and "total at least 1 year of work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week) in the 3 years before you apply". IRCC sets the minimum language level for all 4 abilities at CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3.
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class, IRCC, Language test results
What is the Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry?
IRCC states: "Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage immigration applications for 3 programs:" The Canadian Experience Class is one of them. IRCC states: "The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents."
Source: IRCC, Who can apply, IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
How many CRS points does Canadian work experience give?
IRCC lists these core points for Canadian work experience without a spouse or common-law partner: 1 year 40, 2 years 53, 3 years 64, 4 years 72, 5 years or more 80. With a spouse or common-law partner: 35, 46, 56, 63 and 70. These core points apply until November 2, 2026 and continue from November 3, 2026. From November 3, 2026, IRCC states: "Candidates with at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation may receive additional CRS points based on the wage level of their occupation." IRCC lists 70, 40 or 20 additional points by occupation level, and states: "Combined, candidates with eligible Canadian work experience in a high-wage occupation could receive up to 150 points for Canadian work experience."
Source: IRCC, CRS criteria, IRCC backgrounder
How do I count the 1,560 hours of work experience?
IRCC states: "You can meet the 1,560-hour requirement in a few different ways:" "full-time at 1 job: up to 30 hours a week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)", "equal amount in part-time work: for example, 15 hours a week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)" and "full-time at more than 1 job: up to 30 hours a week combined across more than 1 job, for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)". "You can work as many part-time jobs as you need to meet this requirement."
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Does self-employment count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience?
IRCC lists this among work experience you can’t count: "you were self-employed (some physicians can count their time spent self-employed)".
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Can I apply through the Canadian Experience Class if I live in Quebec?
IRCC states: "Yes, you can count work experience you got while living in Quebec." IRCC also states: "You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec." "The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers."
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Is there an education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class?
IRCC states: "There is no education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class."
Source: IRCC, Canadian Experience Class
Related reading: our CRS score review page, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the PGWP, employer-specific work permits, and Ontario Provincial Nominee Program options.
Information provided is general in nature and current as of the page's last update. Immigration laws, processing times, eligibility criteria, and program requirements are subject to change per IRCC policy updates. This page does not constitute legal advice. Specific cases require individual consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Amer Rehman is an RCIC (R515343), member in good standing with CICC.