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What Kind of Work Experience is Required for Canada PR?

Discover the key work experience requirements for Canada PR

What kind of work experience is required for Canada PR is one of the burning questions among PR applicants like yourself. Also, the process might be daunting if you do not correctly understand the requirements.

The minimum work experience required for PR in Canada varies depending on the immigration program being applied for, with different job categories having other criteria that range from a few weeks to several years.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the work experience requirements for the top jobs for obtaining PR in Canada.

Similarly, this guide also covers the key details regarding the different immigration programs and their specific work experience criteria.

Find the right immigration program

When getting Canadian permanent residency (PR), having the right work experience is crucial.

Depending on the immigration program, you have a few different ways to calculate Canada PR work experience points.

Let’s look into the various immigration programs in detail.

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a great way for temporary foreign workers to get permanent residency in Canada. 

To apply for CEC, you must need at least one year of a full-time job in the past three years or an equivalent part-time job in Canada. [1]Canada government, “CEC requirement, … Continue reading

A diploma can help boost their score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), but it is not compulsory. 

In addition, language skills must match the minimum language requirements for Express Entry. Also, anyone enrolled with a student visa is not eligible to apply for CEC. 

To finish an application, you should submit all necessary documents as Express Entry work experience requirements. 

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

FSWP is a Canadian immigration program for skilled workers with foreign work experience looking for a Canada PR. 

To qualify for the FSWP, you need experience in jobs classified as skill level 0, 1, 2, or 3 by the NOC. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of continuous, full-time, or part-time paid work experience or 1,560 hours within the last ten years. 

Likewise, students and part-time workers can also be eligible if they have equal paid work experience. A high school degree or secondary-level education is a must while applying for FSWP.[2]Canada government, “FSWP requirement, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers.html”

Furthermore, applicants need a minimum score of 7 in all four components of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). 

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Provinces and territories can nominate skilled workers through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The program targets individuals who can contribute to a province’s economy. 

You can apply for a PNP using the Non-Express Entry and Express Entry systems. [3]Canada government, “PNP requirement, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/works.html”

Before applying for PNP, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the province. You’ll also need to pass a medical exam and get a police clearance certificate before nomination. Once you’re nominated, you’ll get an invitation, and then you can start your application process. 

In both cases, the individual must meet the province’s eligibility requirements. Meeting the province’s eligibility requirements is crucial to qualify for the PR. 

After the invitation, you must submit an electronic application to IRCC and apply with all necessary documents.

4. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers skilled workers the chance to obtain permanent residency in Canada. To apply, you must: [4]Canada government, “FSTP requirement, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees/works.html”

  • Score a minimum of 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark
  • Have at least two years of full-time or part-time paid work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years
  • Your past job must meet the trade standard of the provincial authority you’re applying to.

Education is not a requirement, but having a diploma or degree can enhance your profile. 

Before submitting your application, make sure you have the following:

  • Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses
  • A valid job offer from a Canadian employer

Types of work experience

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-teer category table design-01

Canada uses a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to categorize professional jobs. The categories are based on the type of job duties and personnel roles. The work is categorized into training, education, experience, and responsibilities (TEER) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

The categories we will explain in this section are based on the 2021 NOC. Before 2021, the work was classified as NOC 0 to 9 with a similar work permit to PR Canada processing time.

So, let’s look into them in detail. [5]Canada government, “TEER, … Continue reading

1. TEER 0

Under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, management occupations are classified as TEER 0.

These jobs typically require a high level of experience and skill, as well as relevant education or qualifications. Before 2021, the TEER 0 jobs would fall under NOC levels 0 and 1.

Examples of primary occupations in this category include advertising, marketing, public relations managers, and volunteer work. 

2. TEER 1

To apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under TEER 1 in Canada, you typically need a university degree. 

Most jobs in the NOC 2 classification require specialized skills and knowledge such as computer networking, technical skills, and supervisory experience. 

Financial advisors, software engineers, and other technical jobs are examples of occupations under the NOC 2 category.

3. TEER 2

TEER 2 occupations are equivalent to the NOC 3 level and include jobs that usually require a college diploma, with apprenticeship training of two or more years. 

You need specialized skills like computer engineering or lab technicians to qualify for this category.

4. TEER 3

TEER 3 is an occupational classification that requires a college diploma to qualify. 

The jobs on TEER 3 are equivalent to NOC 2 and 3 levels. Apprenticeship training for less than two years is mandatory.

For example, bakers learn baking techniques through programs and practice. Other jobs, like dental or laboratory assistant, require more than six months of on-the-job training. 

Whatever occupation you may choose, TEER 3 provides valuable information about the amount of training necessary for such an endeavor.

5. TEER 4

TEER 4 occupations are equivalent to NOC 4, 5, and 6 levels. This category includes jobs that require a high school diploma or a few weeks of on-the-job training. 

These jobs typically involve routine tasks, manual labor, and the application of simple skills.

Retail salespersons are responsible for selling products and services to customers in retail stores. Also, you may be responsible for arranging and displaying products in this job category.

6. TEER 5

TEER 5 occupations are equivalent to NOC 7, 8, and 9 and include jobs that typically do not require formal education. 

These jobs are considered semi-skilled or unskilled labor, which may involve performing manual or simple tasks requiring minimal skills or experience. You may only need a short-term work demonstration and simple training to qualify.

You can check all the TEER categories, their NOC codes, and class titles here.

NOC CodeClass Title
10010Financial managers
10011Human resources managers
10012Purchasing managers
10019Other administrative services managers
10020Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers
10021Banking, credit and other investment managers
10022Advertising, marketing and public relations managers
10029Other business services managers
10030Telecommunication carriers managers
20010Engineering managers
20011Architecture and science managers
20012Computer and information systems managers
30010Managers in health care
40010Government managers - health and social policy development and program administration
40011Government managers - economic analysis, policy development and program administration
40012Government managers - education policy development and program administration
40019Other managers in public administration
40020Administrators - post-secondary education and vocational training
40021School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education
40030Managers in social, community and correctional services
40040Commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services
40041Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers
40042Commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces
50010Library, archive, museum and art gallery managers
50011Managers - publishing, motion pictures, broadcasting and performing arts
50012Recreation, sports and fitness program and service directors
60010Corporate sales managers
60020Retail and wholesale trade managers
60030Restaurant and food service managers
60031Accommodation service managers
60040Managers in customer and personal services
70010Construction managers
70011Home building and renovation managers
70012Facility operation and maintenance managers
70020Managers in transportation
70021Postal and courier services managers
80010Managers in natural resources production and fishing
80020Managers in agriculture
80021Managers in horticulture
80022Managers in aquaculture
90010Manufacturing managers
90011Utilities managers
11100Financial auditors and accountants
11101Financial and investment analysts
11102Financial advisors
11103Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers
11109Other financial officers
11200Human resources professionals
11201Professional occupations in business management consulting
11202Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations
21100Physicists and astronomers
21101Chemists
21102Geoscientists and oceanographers
21103Meteorologists and climatologists
21109Other professional occupations in physical sciences
21110Biologists and related scientists
21111Forestry professionals
21112Agricultural representatives, consultants and specialists
21120Public and environmental health and safety professionals
21200Architects
21201Landscape architects
21202Urban and land use planners
21203Land surveyors
21210Mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries
21211Data scientists
21220Cybersecurity specialists
21221Business systems specialists
21222Information systems specialists
21223Database analysts and data administrators
21230Computer systems developers and programmers
21231Software engineers and designers
21232Software developers and programmers
21233Web designers
21234Web developers and programmers
21300Civil engineers
21301Mechanical engineers
21310Electrical and electronics engineers
21311Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
21320Chemical engineers
21321Industrial and manufacturing engineers
21322Metallurgical and materials engineers
21330Mining engineers
21331Geological engineers
21332Petroleum engineers
21390Aerospace engineers
21399Other professional engineers
31100Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
31101Specialists in surgery
31102General practitioners and family physicians
31103Veterinarians
31110Dentists
31111Optometrists
31112Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
31120Pharmacists
31121Dietitians and nutritionists
31200Psychologists
31201Chiropractors
31202Physiotherapists
31203Occupational therapists
31204Kinesiologists and other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
31209Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating
31300Nursing coordinators and supervisors
31301Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
31302Nurse practitioners
31303Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
41100Judges
41101Lawyers and Quebec notaries
41200University professors and lecturers
41201Post-secondary teaching and research assistants
41210College and other vocational instructors
41220Secondary school teachers
41221Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
41300Social workers
41301Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies
41302Religious leaders
41310Police investigators and other investigative occupations
41311Probation and parole officers
41320Educational counsellors
41321Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)
41400Natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41401Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts
41402Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
41403Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41404Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41405Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41406Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
41407Program officers unique to government
41409Other professional occupations in social science
51100Librarians
51101Conservators and curators
51102Archivists
51110Editors
51111Authors and writers (except technical)
51112Technical writers
51113Journalists
51114Translators, terminologists and interpreters
51120Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
51121Conductors, composers and arrangers
51122Musicians and singers
13100Administrative officers
13101Property administrators
13102Payroll administrators
13110Administrative assistants
13111Legal administrative assistants
13112Medical administrative assistants
13200Customs, ship and other brokers
13201Production and transportation logistics coordinators
33100Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants
33101Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
33102Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates
33103Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
33109Other assisting occupations in support of health services
43100Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
43109Other instructors
43200Sheriffs and bailiffs
43201Correctional service officers
43202By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
43203Border services, customs, and immigration officers
43204Operations members of the Canadian Armed Forces
53100Registrars, restorers, interpreters and other occupations related to museum and art galleries
53110Photographers
53111Motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and performing arts assistants and operators
53120Dancers
53121Actors, comedians and circus performers
53122Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
53123Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
53124Artisans and craftspersons
53125Patternmakers - textile, leather and fur products
53200Athletes
53201Coaches
53202Sports officials and referees
63100Insurance agents and brokers
63101Real estate agents and salespersons
63102Financial sales representatives
63200Cooks
63201Butchers - retail and wholesale
63202Bakers
63210Hairstylists and barbers
63211Estheticians, electrologists and related occupations
63220Shoe repairers and shoemakers
63221Upholsterers
73100Concrete finishers
73101Tilesetters
73102Plasterers, drywall installers and finishers and lathers
73110Roofers and shinglers
73111Glaziers
73112Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)
73113Floor covering installers
73200Residential and commercial installers and servicers
73201General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
73202Pest controllers and fumigators
73209Other repairers and servicers
73300Transport truck drivers
73301Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators
73310Railway and yard locomotive engineers
73311Railway conductors and brakemen/women
73400Heavy equipment operators
73401Printing press operators
73402Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction
83100Underground production and development miners
83101Oil and gas well drillers, servicers, testers and related workers
83110Logging machinery operators
83120Fishing masters and officers
83121Fishermen/women
93100Central control and process operators, mineral and metal processing
93101Central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
93102Pulping, papermaking and coating control operators
93200Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
14100General office support workers
14101Receptionists
14102Personnel clerks
14103Court clerks and related court services occupations
14110Survey interviewers and statistical clerks
14111Data entry clerks
14112Desktop publishing operators and related occupations
14200Accounting and related clerks
14201Banking, insurance and other financial clerks
14202Collection clerks
14300Library assistants and clerks
14301Correspondence, publication and regulatory clerks
14400Shippers and receivers
14401Storekeepers and partspersons
14402Production logistics workers
14403Purchasing and inventory control workers
14404Dispatchers
14405Transportation route and crew schedulers
44100Home child care providers
44101Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations
44200Primary combat members of the Canadian Armed Forces
54100Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
64100Retail salespersons and visual merchandisers
64101Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
64200Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and milliners
64201Image, social and other personal consultants
64300Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses
64301Bartenders
64310Travel counsellors
64311Pursers and flight attendants
64312Airline ticket and service agents
64313Ground and water transport ticket agents, cargo service representatives and related clerks
64314Hotel front desk clerks
64320Tour and travel guides
64321Casino workers
64322Outdoor sport and recreational guides
64400Customer services representatives - financial institutions
64401Postal services representatives
64409Other customer and information services representatives
64410Security guards and related security service occupations
74100Mail and parcel sorters and related occupations
74101Letter carriers
74102Couriers and messengers
74200Railway yard and track maintenance workers
74201Water transport deck and engine room crew
74202Air transport ramp attendants
74203Automotive and heavy truck and equipment parts installers and servicers
74204Utility maintenance workers
74205Public works maintenance equipment operators and related workers
84100Underground mine service and support workers
84101Oil and gas well drilling and related workers and services operators
84110Chain saw and skidder operators
84111Silviculture and forestry workers
84120Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators
84121Fishing vessel deckhands
94100Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
94101Foundry workers
94102Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
94103Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
94104Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
94105Metalworking and forging machine operators
94106Machining tool operators
94107Machine operators of other metal products
94110Chemical plant machine operators
94111Plastics processing machine operators
94112Rubber processing machine operators and related workers
94120Sawmill machine operators
94121Pulp mill, papermaking and finishing machine operators
94122Paper converting machine operators
94123Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders
94124Woodworking machine operators
94129Other wood processing machine operators
94130Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers
94131Weavers, knitters and other fabric making occupations
94132Industrial sewing machine operators
94133Inspectors and graders, textile, fabric, fur and leather products manufacturing
94140Process control and machine operators, food and beverage processing
94141Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
94142Fish and seafood plant workers
94143Testers and graders, food and beverage processing
94150Plateless printing equipment operators
94151Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations
94152Binding and finishing machine operators
94153Photographic and film processors
94200Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
94201Electronics assemblers, fabricators, inspectors and testers
94202Assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing
94203Assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers
94204Mechanical assemblers and inspectors
94205Machine operators and inspectors, electrical apparatus manufacturing
94210Furniture and fixture assemblers, finishers, refinishers and inspectors
94211Assemblers and inspectors of other wood products
94212Plastic products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
94213Industrial painters, coaters and metal finishing process operators
94219Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors
45100Student monitors, crossing guards and related occupations
55109Other performers
65100Cashiers
65101Service station attendants
65102Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers
65109Other sales related occupations
65200Food and beverage servers
65201Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations
65202Meat cutters and fishmongers - retail and wholesale
65210Support occupations in accommodation, travel and facilities set-up services
65211Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
65220Pet groomers and animal care workers
65229Other support occupations in personal services
65310Light duty cleaners
65311Specialized cleaners
65312Janitors, caretakers and heavy-duty cleaners
65320Dry cleaning, laundry and related occupations
65329Other service support occupations
75100Longshore workers
75101Material handlers
75110Construction trades helpers and labourers
75119Other trades helpers and labourers
75200Taxi and limousine drivers and chauffeurs
75201Delivery service drivers and door-to-door distributors
75210Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations
75211Railway and motor transport labourers
75212Public works and maintenance labourers
85100Livestock labourers
85101Harvesting labourers
85102Aquaculture and marine harvest labourers
85103Nursery and greenhouse labourers
85104Trappers and hunters
85110Mine labourers
85111Oil and gas drilling, servicing and related labourers
85120Logging and forestry labourers
85121Landscaping and grounds maintenance labourers
95100Labourers in mineral and metal processing
95101Labourers in metal fabrication
95102Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities
95103Labourers in wood, pulp and paper processing
95104Labourers in rubber and plastic products manufacturing
95105Labourers in textile processing and cutting
95106Labourers in food and beverage processing
95107Labourers in fish and seafood processing
95109Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities

You can go to the Government of Canada’s official website, select the desired NOC version, and search using job class or NOC code.

There you can find the jobs in the category with details on requirements or any additional info if you cannot find your job class in the above tables. 

Documenting work experience

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-Documenting work experience

You must provide valid and detailed work experience to apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident visa. 

If you’re unsure about what documents you need, we’ve outlined all the necessary information for each type of employment situation.

For job holders outside of canada

You need a letter from your employer with your name, contact information, and supervisor’s signature. You should print the letter on the official letterhead. 

It should include all positions held while employed, average weekly working hours, yearly salary, and benefits. 

This information helps assess your qualifications for the visa application process.

For self-employed individuals

You must present proof of business ownership, such as government registration and certificates. 

You also must provide financial documentation, such as income statements and proof of payment from clients or customers.

For job holders from Canada

You must submit Canadian documents, such as T4 tax information slips and notices of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. [6]Canada government, “Job from Canada, … Continue reading

The same applies to your spouse or common-law partner.

For provincial or territorial applicants

You must provide work experience documents in the same format as the other cases. The employer offering a job in Canada must provide a letter. 

If the job offer is linked to a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you must include the LMIA number in your application. [7]Canada government, “Provincial or territorial applicants, … Continue reading

LMIA may be requested later by IRCC if necessary, but only the principal applicant needs to submit this additional documentation.

Validity of work experience

inarticle image-what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR-Validity of work experience

There are several ways that immigration officials can confirm that an applicant has work experience. 

They can verify by contacting the past employers you mentioned as references. Also, ask questions about your job duties, timeline, and salary details.

For self-employed individuals, the officials may need to see some paperwork that proves that the business belongs to them. 

They may verify business licenses, audit tax filings, and financial statements. Also, officers might contact past customers to validate income and service provided.

If the applicant has previous work experience in Canada, officials may visit the past workplace to gather more information. Also, they may enquire with current or former colleagues, managers, or supervisors. 

This provides more detailed information on the applicant’s role, responsibilities, and performance.

Related Stories

  • Learn the steps and requirements to meet to obtain PR in Canada.
  • Want to know if you qualify for Canada PR? Learn more through our guide on using the PR points calculator.
  • Find the various best consultancy for Canada PR in our guide if you need expert guidance for your Canada PR application – here.
  • Discover the ways to get the opportunity to live and work in Canada by obtaining a Canada work permit visa.
  • If you’re looking for an efficient way to immigrate to Canada, our guide on Express Entry Canada is worth considering.

FAQs

How much work experience is required to apply for Canadian permanent residency?

For example, TEER 0 and TEER 1 categories require a university degree/diploma with specialized skills.

Likewise, TEER 2 and TEER 3 need two years of valid work experience. For TEER 4 and TEER 5, a couple of weeks of job training and simple demo is necessary. [8]Canada government, “TEER, … Continue reading

Can I include part-time work experience when applying for Canadian permanent residency?

You’re good to go as long as you’ve had 1560 hours (1 year working hours) or more of full-time equivalent experience in the past three years.

Canadian Express Entry programs CEC, FSWP, and FSTP allow you to include your part-time experience when applying. 

Can I include international work experience when applying for Canadian permanent residency?

Yes, you can include international work experience when applying for Canadian permanent residence.

However, your job must fulfill one of the TEER categories or PR programs. Also, officials might verify your work experience by confirming with past employers. 

Can I include self-employed work experience when applying for Canadian permanent residency?

Yes, you can include self-employed work experience when applying for Canadian PR as long as you can provide proof of business ownership.

You need to provide government registration, certificates, financial documentation, and application.

Final thoughts

We hope this Dbd guide on what kind of work experience is required for Canada PR was helpful. The minimum work experience for Canada PR depends on the programs or category you are applying under. 

Generally, work experience requirements can range from two weeks of job training to two years.

Additionally, immigration officials may contact past employers, conduct background checks, and visit past workplaces to verify your work experience’s validity. 

Therefore, it is crucial to provide accurate information in the application process.

About the author

Raju Chopra
Raju Chopra
Immigration Attorney | + posts

Raju Chopra is an experienced immigration attorney with a Master's degree in Law from the University of Colorado Boulder. He has worked on international immigration matters for the past ten years, helping clients navigate the often confusing world of global visa laws and regulations. Raju is passionate about offering practical legal advice and guidance to those looking for work abroad or seeking visas for travel.

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