Did you know? Some foreign nationals applying for Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry can simultaneously gain foreign and Canadian work experience, significantly boosting their CRS score and improving their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Extra CRS points can be a complete game-changer when it comes to immigration.
By strategically working both a Canadian and a foreign job at the same time, candidates can increase their CRS score by 60+ points in just one year—a game-changing advantage in competitive Express Entry draws.
Real-Life Example: How Alex Boosted His CRS Score from 470 to 533
Alex, a 28-year-old software developer from India, was working in Canada on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). He had:
- 1 year of Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 1)
- No foreign work experience
- A CRS score of 470 (38/100 in Skills Transferability for work experience)
To maximize his points, Alex took a remote job with an Indian tech company while continuing his full-time role in Canada. After one year, he gained:
✅ 1 additional year of Canadian work experience (now 2 years total)
✅ 1 year of foreign work experience
This boosted his Skills Transferability points to 100/100, increasing his CRS score to 533—well above recent CEC draw cutoffs.
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
How to Claim Both Canadian & Foreign Work Experience at the Same Time
To qualify for double CRS points, you must:
- Meet Express Entry eligibility for your chosen stream (CEC, FSWP, or FSTP).
- Fulfill Canadian work experience requirements (must be in Canada, paid, and under proper work authorization).
- Ensure foreign work experience meets IRCC’s criteria (paid, authorized, and outside Canada—but remote work from Canada counts as foreign experience).
Key Conditions for Each Express Entry Stream
| Program | Work Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | – 1+ year in NOC TEER 0-3 in Canada – Paid, full-time work on a valid permit – No study permit/co-op work counted |
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) | – 1+ year in NOC TEER 0-3 (foreign or Canadian) – Paid, continuous work – Student work counts for eligibility but not CRS points |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) | – 2+ years in eligible skilled trade (NOC Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 92, etc.) – Paid, authorized work – Must be within last 5 years |
How Work Experience is Calculated
- Full-time work = 30+ hours/week for 12 months (1,560 hours total)
- Part-time work = Can be combined (e.g., 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year)
- Maximum claim per year = 1 year Canadian + 1 year foreign experience (even if working 60+ hours/week)
Does Remote Work Count?
✔ Canadian work experience = Must be physically in Canada (remote work for a Canadian employer counts).
✔ Foreign work experience = Can be done remotely from Canada for a foreign employer.
Pro Tip: Document Everything
When applying, provide:
- Employment contracts
- Pay stubs
- Reference letters
- Proof of remote work arrangement
You can apply in just 60 seconds – Take the free online assessment test and find out the best immigration options for you.
Final Thoughts
By strategically combining Canadian and foreign work experience, you can dramatically increase your CRS score and secure an ITA faster. Just ensure both jobs meet IRCC’s requirements and maintain proper documentation. Enhance your profile by claiming these extra CRS points.
Ready to maximize your Express Entry points? Start planning your dual work experience strategy today!
