Key Takeaways
• Since July 10, 2025, foreign work experience significantly increases CRS scores for skilled workers in high-demand sectors.
• Remote work for foreign employers while in Canada may count as foreign experience with proper documentation.
• Category-based draws now target candidates with specific foreign experience, improving chances even with lower CRS scores.
As of July 10, 2025, the role of foreign work experience in Canada’s Express Entry system has become even more important for skilled workers hoping to secure permanent residency. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its approach, placing greater value on foreign work experience, especially in high-demand sectors. These changes affect how Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are calculated and who is most likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Let’s break down what’s changed, who is affected, what actions you need to take, and what these updates mean for both new and pending Express Entry applications.
Summary of What Changed
The main update is that foreign work experience now plays a bigger role in boosting CRS scores for Express Entry candidates. IRCC has started to focus more on foreign work experience, particularly in fields like healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), trades, transport, and agriculture. This means that if you have work experience outside Canada in one of these areas, you could see a significant increase in your CRS score.
Another important change is the way IRCC treats remote work. If you worked for a foreign employer while physically in Canada, your experience might still count as foreign work experience, as long as you meet all the eligibility rules. However, IRCC reviews these cases carefully, so you’ll need strong documentation to prove your claim.
Finally, IRCC has increased the number of category-based draws. These draws target candidates with specific skills or experience, often in high-demand sectors. If your foreign work experience matches one of these targeted fields, you may have a better chance of getting an ITA, even if your overall CRS score is lower than in general draws.
Who Is Affected by These Changes?
These updates affect several groups of people:
- Skilled workers outside Canada with foreign work experience in high-demand sectors now have a better chance of being selected.
- Candidates already in Canada who have both Canadian and foreign work experience can combine these to maximize their CRS score.
- Remote workers who worked for foreign employers while in Canada may be able to count this experience, but must provide detailed proof.
- Applicants in the Express Entry pool who have not yet received an ITA should review their profiles and update their work experience details to ensure they are getting all the points they deserve.
- Employers and immigration consultants should be aware of these changes to better advise clients and employees.
Effective Dates
These changes are effective as of July 10, 2025. They apply to all new Express Entry profiles created on or after this date, as well as to existing profiles in the pool. If you have a pending application or are waiting for an ITA, these updates could impact your chances.
Required Actions for Applicants
To make the most of these changes, here are the steps you should take:
- Review Your Foreign Work Experience
Make sure your foreign work experience is clearly listed in your Express Entry profile. Double-check job titles, duties, and dates to match the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes used by IRCC. -
Gather Documentation
Collect all documents that prove your foreign work experience. This includes job offer letters, reference letters from employers, pay slips, and tax documents. If you worked remotely for a foreign employer while in Canada, make sure you have proof of your physical location and the nature of your work. -
Update Your Language Test Results
Language skills are a key part of the CRS score. If you can achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 9 or higher, you can maximize the points you get for combining language skills with foreign work experience. -
Combine Canadian and Foreign Experience
If you have both types of experience, make sure both are included in your profile. The CRS awards up to 50 points for skill transferability when you combine three years or more of foreign work experience with strong language skills or Canadian work experience. -
Monitor Category-Based Draws
Stay up to date with IRCC’s announcements about category-based draws. If your occupation is targeted, you may have a better chance of being selected, even if your CRS score is not among the highest in the pool. -
Consult Official Resources
Visit the IRCC Express Entry page for the latest updates, eligibility criteria, and official forms.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you already have an Express Entry profile in the pool, these changes could affect your ranking. Candidates with strong foreign work experience, especially in targeted fields, may see their CRS scores rise or become eligible for new draws. If you have not yet received an ITA, review your profile to make sure all your foreign work experience is included and properly documented.
For those who have already received an ITA and are preparing to submit their application for permanent residence, make sure your supporting documents clearly show your foreign work experience. IRCC may request additional proof, especially for remote work claims.
How Foreign Work Experience Affects Your CRS Score
The CRS is a points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates. Points are awarded for factors like age, education, language ability, Canadian work experience, and foreign work experience. Here’s how foreign work experience fits in:
- Skill Transferability Factors:
Foreign work experience is combined with language ability and/or Canadian work experience to award up to 50 points. For example:- If you have three years or more of foreign work experience and a CLB 9 or higher in language tests, you can get the full 50 points.
- If you have both Canadian and foreign work experience, you can also reach the maximum points in this category.
- Category-Based Draws:
IRCC sometimes holds draws that target specific occupations or sectors. If your foreign work experience matches one of these, you may be invited even if your CRS score is below the usual cut-off. -
Remote Work:
If you worked for a foreign employer while living in Canada, IRCC may count this as foreign work experience. However, you must show clear proof that you were employed by a foreign company and that your work met the requirements for skilled work.
Practical Examples
Let’s look at some real-life scenarios to show how these changes can help applicants:
- Example 1: Skilled Worker in Healthcare
Maria is a nurse from the Philippines 🇵🇭 with five years of experience in a hospital. She scores CLB 9 on her English test. Under the new rules, her foreign work experience in healthcare gives her a strong boost in her CRS score. If IRCC holds a category-based draw for healthcare workers, Maria could receive an ITA even if her overall CRS score is slightly below the usual cut-off. -
Example 2: Remote Worker in IT
Ahmed, an IT professional from Egypt 🇪🇬, worked remotely for a German 🇩🇪 company while living in Canada 🇨🇦 on a study permit. He has detailed contracts, pay slips, and proof of his physical location. IRCC reviews his documents and counts his remote work as foreign work experience, helping him reach the maximum skill transferability points. -
Example 3: Combining Canadian and Foreign Experience
Priya, an engineer from India 🇮🇳, worked for three years in India before moving to Canada 🇨🇦, where she now has one year of Canadian work experience. By combining both, she gets the highest possible points for skill transferability, pushing her CRS score above the threshold for the latest Canadian Experience Class draw.
What Documents Do You Need?
To claim points for foreign work experience, you must provide:
- Reference letters from each employer, stating your job title, duties, dates of employment, and hours worked
- Pay slips or tax documents showing you were paid for your work
- Job offer letters or contracts
- For remote work, proof of your physical location during employment (such as rental agreements, utility bills, or travel records)
IRCC may ask for more documents if your claim is not clear. It’s important to keep all records organized and ready to submit.
How to Update Your Express Entry Profile
If you need to update your profile with new or corrected foreign work experience, log in to your IRCC Express Entry account and edit the relevant sections. Make sure all information matches your supporting documents. If you receive an ITA, you’ll need to upload these documents as part of your application.
Tips for Maximizing Your CRS Score with Foreign Work Experience
- Aim for CLB 9 or Higher:
The higher your language test scores, the more points you get for combining them with foreign work experience. -
Include All Eligible Experience:
Don’t leave out any skilled work experience, even if it was part-time or remote. As long as it meets IRCC’s criteria, it can help your score. -
Stay Informed About Draws:
Check IRCC’s website regularly for news about category-based draws. If your occupation is targeted, you may have a better chance of being invited. -
Consult a Professional:
If you’re unsure about how to claim your foreign work experience or what documents you need, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer or consultant.
Implications for Employers and Consultants
Employers who want to support foreign workers in their transition to permanent residency should help employees gather the necessary documents and understand the new rules. Immigration consultants should update their advice to clients, focusing on the increased value of foreign work experience and the importance of documentation.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
Canada 🇨🇦 is expected to continue refining its immigration policies to respond to labor market needs. The focus on foreign work experience, especially in high-demand sectors, is likely to remain. IRCC may expand category-based draws or introduce new incentives for candidates with experience in key fields.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled workers from around the world and adapting to new work trends, such as remote employment. Candidates who keep their profiles up to date and provide strong documentation will be best positioned to benefit from these updates.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Foreign work experience is now more valuable than ever in the Express Entry system.
- Make sure your profile is accurate and complete, with all supporting documents ready.
- Aim for high language test scores to maximize your CRS points.
- Watch for category-based draws that target your occupation or sector.
- Consult official resources and consider professional advice if needed.
For the latest information, always refer to the official IRCC Express Entry page. This page provides up-to-date details on eligibility, required documents, and policy changes.
By understanding these updates and taking the right steps, skilled workers can use their foreign work experience to boost their CRS score and improve their chances of becoming permanent residents in Canada 🇨🇦.
Learn Today
Express Entry → Canada’s immigration system managing skilled worker applications through a points-based ranking called CRS.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) → A points system ranking Express Entry candidates by factors like work, language, and education.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) → An official invitation for candidates to submit permanent residency applications through Express Entry.
Remote Work → Working for a foreign employer while physically located in Canada, which may count as foreign experience.
Category-Based Draws → Express Entry invitations targeting specific occupations or sectors needing skilled workers.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canada updates Express Entry to value foreign work experience more, especially in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture, boosting CRS scores and expanding targeted draws for skilled workers globally.
— By VisaVerge.com
