For many newcomers, foreign work experience is one of the most important factors in strengthening their Express Entry profile. In fact, aside from obtaining a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade, it is the only way to maximize CRS points under Skill Transferability—a critical section that can add up to 50 points to your profile.

These points can be the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian Permanent Residency or missing the cut-off.

This complete guide explains how foreign work experience is assessed, how it differs from Canadian work experience, and how both types can impact your CRS score under the Express Entry system.

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⭐ What Counts as Foreign Work Experience?

Work experience is categorized based on where it was completed and who the employer is.

Canadian Work Experience (inside Canada for a Canadian employer)

✔ Working in Canada for a Canadian employer
✔ Working abroad temporarily for a Canadian employer while still employed in Canada

Foreign Work Experience (anything else)

✔ Working outside Canada for a foreign company
✔ Working remotely from outside Canada for a Canadian company
✔ Working in Canada for a foreign employer

Even if you work for a Canadian company while living abroad, it is still counted as foreign work experience.

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⭐ Key Differences Between Foreign and Canadian Work Experience

Foreign work experience can still significantly boost Express Entry scores—especially when combined with strong language test results or Canadian experience.

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⭐ CRS Points for Foreign Work Experience Under Skill Transferability

Foreign work experience becomes extremely valuable when paired with strong language scores (CLB 7–9) or Canadian experience.

Foreign Work Experience + Language OR Canadian Experience

This is why 3+ years of foreign work experience can dramatically increase your CRS score.

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⭐ How Canadian Work Experience Adds CRS Points

Canadian experience is rewarded in two ways:

1. Core Human Capital Points (Up to 80 points)

2. Skill Transferability Points (Up to 50 points)

Canadian work experience also multiplies the value of foreign work experience and education.

For example:
2+ years of Canadian experience + 3+ years foreign experience = 50 bonus CRS points.

This combination is one of the strongest profiles under Express Entry.

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⭐ Student and Self-Employment Rules

❌ Canadian work done as a full-time student does NOT count

This includes co-op jobs, internships, and part-time work.

✔ Foreign work done as a full-time student CAN count

As long as it meets:

• 30 hours/week

• Paid work

• NOC TEER 0–3

✔ Foreign self-employment counts

❌ Canadian self-employment generally does NOT count

(except for certain physicians)

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⭐ Can You Gain Both Foreign and Canadian Work Experience at the Same Time?

Yes — in special cases.
If someone works:

• Full-time for a Canadian employer in Canada, AND

• Remotely for a foreign employer

Both may count independently for CRS purposes if:
✔ Each job meets NOC TEER, paid, full-time equivalency
✔ Full documentation is available
✔ Hours can be proven

This can allow up to 60 hours/week split between both categories.

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⭐ How Canadian Work Experience Helps You Qualify for the CEC

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the fastest pathways to PR.

To qualify, you must have:

• At least 1 year of full-time Canadian experience (1,560 hours)

• NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 job

• Legal work authorization

• Duties matching the NOC description

CEC applicants do not need settlement funds and often benefit from lower CRS cut-offs in category-based or CEC draws.

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🌟 How ICC Immigration Helps You Maximize Your Express Entry Success

At ICC Immigration, we help you turn your foreign work experience and Canadian work history into a strong, competitive Express Entry profile.

🔹 Permanent Residency Applications

We optimize your profile for:

• Express Entry

• PNPs

• CEC

• FSWP/FSTP

• Category-based draws

🔹 Work & Study Permits

We help you build the right pathway toward PR by securing:

• Employer-specific work permits

• Open work permits

• Study permits leading to PGWP

🔹 Family Sponsorship

We assist Canadian residents in bringing their loved ones to Canada.

🔹 Legal Guidance From Experts

Our specialists ensure:

• Accurate NOC classification

• CRS score optimization

• Proper documentation for both Canadian & foreign experience

Instead of choosing uncertain routes like asylum, ICC Immigration helps you choose stable, legal, and successful pathways to Permanent Residency.

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🌐 Start Your Canadian Immigration Journey With Confidence

Whether you are already in Canada or planning to immigrate soon, ICC Immigration provides expert guidance every step of the way—ensuring a smooth, strategic path to Canadian PR.