How to Earn Canadian and Foreign Work Experience at the Same Time (and Boost Your CRS Score)
In some cases, candidates applying through Canada’s Express Entry system can earn both Canadian and foreign work experience at the same time—significantly boosting their CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score and improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Real-Life Example: Sanjay Reddy
Sanjay, a 28-year-old Indian graduate on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), works full-time in Canada as a full-stack developer (TEER 1 occupation). With one year of Canadian work experience, he qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and has a CRS score of 470.
Sanjay then accepts a remote position with a company in India, working evenings as a User Interface consultant. Both jobs are full-time, paid, and in TEER 1 roles. After a year of working both jobs simultaneously—one in Canada and one for a foreign employer—Sanjay earns one year of additional Canadian work experience and one year of eligible foreign work experience.
This boosts his CRS score by over 60 points (from 470 to 533), significantly increasing his chances of receiving an ITA.
Can You Really Claim Both Work Experiences at the Same Time?
Yes—but only if both jobs meet Express Entry eligibility criteria. This is most easily achieved when:
- You’re physically present in Canada, working legally under a valid permit.
- You hold a paid, full-time position with a Canadian employer (for Canadian work experience).
- You also work remotely for a foreign employer (for foreign work experience).
- Each job independently meets the requirements of Express Entry.
Express Entry Work Experience Basics
To count toward your CRS score, work experience must meet specific conditions depending on the program you’re applying through:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Must be gained inside Canada under a valid work permit.
- Occupation must be in NOC TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Must be full-time and paid.
- Cannot include experience gained on a study permit.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Can be from inside or outside Canada.
- Must be in a single NOC, TEER 0–3.
- One continuous year of full-time paid work (or part-time equivalent).
- Can include experience gained as a full-time student.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Two years of full-time skilled trade experience in specific NOC categories.
- Must be recent (within five years) and properly authorized.
How Is Work Experience Counted?
- Full-time is defined as 30 hours/week.
- One year of work experience = 1,560 hours.
- Working more than 30 hours/week doesn’t increase the work experience calculation.
- You can work multiple jobs to accumulate experience faster, but only up to 30 hours/week per job is counted.
What Counts as Canadian Work Experience?
- Must be gained while physically in Canada.
- Must be authorized (valid work permit).
- Must be paid and for a Canadian employer.
- Remote work for a Canadian employer from outside Canada is not eligible.
What Counts as Foreign Work Experience?
- Must be completed outside Canada, under legal work authorization in the respective country.
- Must be paid.
- Remote work for a foreign employer while in Canada can count, if properly documented.
Pro Tip: Include contracts, job descriptions, and proof of remote work arrangements to validate your foreign experience.
How to get double the CRS points for work experience | CIC News
