Increase Express Entry Points With Foreign Work While Working In Canada

Canada’s Express Entry system is a cornerstone of the country’s immigration framework, designed to welcome skilled workers who can contribute to its growing economy. For many applicants, understanding how to maximize their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is key to securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

One often overlooked yet critical factor in boosting your CRS score is foreign work experience. While Canadian work experience is highly valued, the system also recognizes the skills and expertise gained abroad. This guide provides a detailed overview of how foreign work experience can enhance your profile, helping you improve your chances of achieving your immigration goals.

Understanding the CRS and Foreign Work Experience

The CRS score is a dynamic ranking system that evaluates candidates based on multiple factors, including age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Both Canadian and foreign work experience play a role in determining your score, but their impact varies depending on other elements of your profile.

Foreign work experience alone can contribute significantly to your CRS score, but its value is amplified when combined with other factors, such as strong language proficiency or Canadian work experience. This synergy can elevate your ranking, making your application more competitive in the Express Entry pool.

How Foreign Work Experience Impacts Your CRS Score

Foreign work experience is a valuable asset in the Express Entry system, but its impact is not static. The points you earn depend on several factors, including the duration of your experience and your official language proficiency.

If you have strong language skills—specifically a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 or higher—you can earn additional points for your foreign work experience. This bonus is even more substantial if your language abilities are at a CLB 9 or higher across all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

Moreover, combining foreign work experience with Canadian work experience can lead to even higher point totals. This dual experience not only demonstrates your adaptability but also strengthens your application, making you a more attractive candidate for permanent residency.

Point Breakdown: Foreign Work Experience

The Express Entry system awards points based on the number of years of skilled foreign work experience and your language ability. The point allocation is structured as follows:

You receive more points if your language proficiency is at CLB 9 or higher across all four official language abilities.

Combining Foreign and Canadian Work Experience

If you have both foreign and Canadian skilled work experience, you can claim even more CRS points. The points are awarded as follows:

By claiming both, candidates can significantly boost their CRS score compared to relying on either experience alone.

Work Experience Requirements

Foreign work experience must meet certain criteria to be eligible for CRS points:

• The work must be in a skilled occupation as defined by Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC), typically at TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 levels.
• The experience must be full-time (at least 30 hours a week) or an equal amount in part-time over a set period (part-time equivalency is allowed).

Eligibility and Program Specifics

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Work experience must occur in Canada under a valid work permit, be full-time and paid.
• Experience while on a study permit or co-op program does not count.
• Eligible NOC levels: 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Must have been gained within three years before applying.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Experience must be in specific NOC categories related to skilled trades.
• Must be paid and obtained with the proper authorization.
• Requires at least two years of full-time experience in the five years prior to application (or equivalent hours).

Maximizing Your CRS Score

• Combine Canadian and foreign work experience where possible to maximize CRS points.
• Achieve higher language proficiency (CLB 9 or above) for even greater bonus points with foreign work experience.
• Ensure that all experience claimed is skilled, authorized, and properly documented according to the NOC system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, foreign work experience plays a pivotal role in enhancing your CRS score within Canada’s Express Entry system. By strategically combining this experience with Canadian work experience and high language proficiency, you can significantly bolster your profile. Understanding the eligibility criteria and effectively showcasing your qualifications are crucial steps in maximizing your points. Leveraging foreign work experience is not just beneficial—it can be the key to achieving your immigration goals in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is foreign work experience calculated for CRS points?

  Foreign work experience is calculated based on duration and language proficiency. More years and higher CLB levels (especially 9+) yield more points.

• Does part-time work count towards foreign work experience?

  Yes, part-time work is considered if it meets the required hours per week or equivalent part-time hours over a period.

• Why is language proficiency important for foreign work experience?

  Higher language scores, particularly CLB 9+, significantly increase the CRS points awarded for foreign work experience.

• How do I claim points for foreign work experience?

  Submit your experience through the Express Entry profile, ensuring it meets NOC criteria and is documented with necessary proofs like letters and contracts.

• Does combining foreign and Canadian experience help?

  Yes, combining both experiences can substantially increase your CRS score, enhancing your competitiveness.

• Is self-employment eligible for foreign work experience points?

  Generally, self-employment is ineligible unless it meets specific skilled work criteria under the NOC system.