Skilled work experience, defined
For Express Entry, skilled work means paid work in an occupation at TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). One year of full-time work is 30 hours a week for 12 months, or 1,560 hours. Part-time work counts if it adds up to the same total.
How much you need, by program
| Program | Minimum experience | Time window | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | 1 year continuous (1,560 hours), same occupation | Last 10 years | Canada or abroad |
| Canadian Experience Class | 1 year (1,560 hours) | Last 3 years | In Canada, with authorization |
| Federal Skilled Trades | 2 years (3,120 hours) in an eligible trade | Last 5 years | Canada or abroad |
What does not count
- Unpaid work, volunteering or unpaid internships.
- For the Canadian Experience Class: work done while you were a full-time student (including co-op terms) and self-employment.
- Work done in Canada without authorization.
- Hours above 30 a week: extra hours do not make a year shorter.
How work experience earns CRS points
| Years of Canadian work | Points (single / with spouse) | 1 year to 3+ years foreign work (transferability) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 40 / 35 | Foreign work + 1 yr Canadian work: 13 or 25 |
| 2 years | 53 / 46 | Foreign work + 2 yrs Canadian work: 25 or 50 |
| 3 years | 64 / 56 | |
| 4 years | 72 / 63 | |
| 5+ years | 80 / 70 |
From 3 November 2026, 12+ months in one of the high-wage occupations adds 20, 40 or 70 points on top. Foreign work alone earns no core points, only transferability points. See work experience points.
Finding your TEER
Look up the NOC 2021 code whose lead statement and main duties match what you actually did. The first digit after the broad category shows the TEER level. Job titles alone are not enough; IRCC checks duties in your reference letters.
Frequently asked questions
Is 40 hours a week counted as more than one year?
No. IRCC counts up to 30 hours a week, so working 40 hours does not shorten the time you need.
Does part-time work count for Express Entry?
Yes, if it adds up to 1,560 hours for one year, for example 15 hours a week for 24 months.
How many CRS points for 1 year of Canadian experience?
40 points single or 35 with a spouse, plus transferability points and any high-wage bonus.
Want your own number? The CRS calculator scores your profile under the 3 November 2026 rules, or and download a PDF report.