Can leaving Canada help PR application? For many candidates pursuing Canadian permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry, an unexpected strategy could improve their chances: temporarily leaving Canada. By gaining international work experience in their home country or another nation, applicants may increase their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by up to 50 points—potentially securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Why Foreign Work Experience Matters in Express Entry
The CRS awards up to 50 additional points for skilled foreign work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). If your current CRS score is just below the latest cut-off, gaining international experience could push you over the threshold. So leaving Canada can help your PR application.
Case Study: How Khalil Increased His CRS Score
Let’s examine a fictional candidate, Mark, to see how leaving Canada helped his Express Entry profile:
Initial CRS Breakdown (Before Leaving Canada)
- Age: 25 (110 points)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (120 points)
- Language: CLB 9 (124 points)
- Canadian Work Experience: 2 years (53 points)
- Skill Transferability (Education + Language): 50 points
- Foreign Work Experience: 0 points
- Study in Canada Bonus: 30 points
- Total CRS Score: 487
With recent general draws requiring 500+ CRS points, Mark was unlikely to receive an ITA.
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After Gaining 2 Years of Foreign Work Experience
Mark’s PGWP expired, so he moved to France and worked for two years in a skilled role. His updated CRS breakdown:
- Age: 27 (still 110 points)
- Education & Language: Unchanged (120 + 124 points)
- Canadian Work Experience: Still 2 years (53 points)
- Skill Transferability (Foreign Work Experience + Language): 25 points
- Skill Transferability (Foreign + Canadian Work Experience): 25 points
- Total Foreign Work Experience Points Added: 50
- Study in Canada Bonus: 30 points
- New Total CRS Score: 537
With this boost, Mark now qualifies for recent general draws (cut-off: 529) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws (cut-off: 521-527).
How Foreign Work Experience Points Are Calculated
The CRS awards up to 50 points under Skill Transferability Factors based on:
1. Foreign Work Experience + Language Proficiency
| Years of Experience | CLB 7+ (One skill <9) | CLB 9+ (All skills) |
|---|---|---|
| None | 0 | 0 |
| 1-2 years | 13 | 25 |
| 3+ years | 25 | 50 |
2. Foreign Work Experience + Canadian Work Experience
| Years of Experience | 1 Year Canadian Exp. | 2+ Years Canadian Exp. |
|---|---|---|
| None | 0 | 0 |
| 1-2 years | 13 | 25 |
| 3+ years | 25 | 50 |
Note: The maximum combined points for foreign work experience is 50, even if calculations exceed this.
Staying Eligible for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Even if you leave Canada, you remain eligible for CEC-specific draws if:
- You have at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of Canadian work experience.
- The experience was gained within the last 3 years.
IRCC frequently prioritizes CEC candidates, offering lower CRS cut-offs compared to general draws.
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
Key Takeaways
- Foreign work experience can add up to 50 CRS points.
- If your PGWP is expiring and you’re below the CRS cut-off, working abroad could be a strategic move.
- CEC candidates with foreign experience may have dual advantages in Express Entry.
By planning strategically, you can turn an expiring work permit into an opportunity to strengthen your PR application. Visit our blog section to check out other informative blogs containing information on making immigration to Canada smooth and easy.
