The 1,560-hour rule
Both programs ask for at least one year of skilled work, which IRCC defines as 1,560 hours in total at 30 hours a week. Full-time work at up to 30 hours a week for 12 months equals one year. An equal amount of part-time work also counts, for example 15 hours a week for 24 months, and you can combine several part-time jobs. With more than one job at the same time, IRCC counts up to 30 hours a week combined. The FSW page adds that hours above 30 a week are not counted.
Canadian Experience Class: where and when
For the Canadian Experience Class, the experience must be in the three years before you apply, in one or more jobs in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and it can be spread across more than one job or NOC. It must be gained in Canada, including Quebec, while you were authorized to work under temporary resident status. If you worked remotely, you must have been physically in Canada and working for a Canadian employer. The work must be paid by wages or commission.
Work that does not count for the CEC
IRCC lists experience it does not count: self-employment (some physicians can count publicly funded self-employed work under a temporary public policy), work while you were studying full-time, including co-op terms, volunteer work and unpaid internships, and any period when you were not legally allowed to work in Canada. Remove these periods before you add up your hours.
Federal Skilled Worker: same occupation, ten-year window
For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the year must be continuous work or 1,560 hours, gained within the last ten years in Canada or abroad, in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and in the same NOC as your primary occupation, which does not have to be your most recent job. Student work counts if it was paid, continuous with no gaps and meets the other requirements. Once you qualify, the FSW selection grid gives 9 points for one year, 11 for two or three years, 13 for four or five years and 15 for six or more.
Prove it with matching records
IRCC asks for proof of work experience, such as a reference or experience letter from an employer. Your duties must match the lead statement of the NOC description and most of its main duties. Keep a dated table of each job with start and end dates, weekly hours, the NOC code and the document that proves it, and make the dates in your Express Entry profile match that table. If two jobs overlapped, show the combined weekly hours so the 30-hour limit is clear.
Frequently asked questions
Does work while I was a full-time student count for the CEC?
No. IRCC does not count work done while you were studying full-time, and co-op work terms do not count either.
Does overtime help me reach 1,560 hours faster?
No. IRCC counts full-time work at up to 30 hours a week, and the FSW page states that hours above 30 a week are not counted.
Can self-employment count for the Canadian Experience Class?
Generally no. IRCC excludes self-employment, with an exception under a temporary public policy for some physicians providing publicly funded medical services.
Official sources
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/canadian-experience-class.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents.html