What Express Entry requires
| Program | Work experience needed |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker | At least 1 year of continuous skilled work |
| Canadian Experience Class | At least 1 year of skilled Canadian work in the last 3 years |
| Federal Skilled Trades | 2 years of trade experience |
There's no Express Entry program for people with no work experience. You may see "freshers" offers online, so check the program rules for yourself before you pay anyone.
Routes with no work experience requirement
Family sponsorship. If your spouse, common-law partner or parent is a Canadian citizen or PR, you may be sponsored as a spouse, partner or dependent child. The relationship must be genuine. See does marriage give you PR?.
Humanitarian and protection routes. These exist for people in specific circumstances, and work history isn't the test.
Build experience: study, then work
This is the most common route for younger applicants, but it isn't quick or guaranteed:
- Get a study permit for a program that fits your goals. New student numbers are being reduced, so plan carefully.
- Graduate from an eligible program and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- Work 1 year in a skilled job in Canada.
- Apply through the Canadian Experience Class or a provincial program.
Remember that studying in Canada doesn't lead to PR by itself, and work you did while a full-time student doesn't count for the CEC. See our PGWP to PR plan.
Provincial programs
Provinces set their own rules, and some streams have looked at job offers or local study rather than long experience. These streams open, close and change often. For example, BC's International Graduate stream is no longer offered. Always check the current rules on each province's site. See which province may suit you.
If you have less than 1 year
Part-time work can count, if the hours add up. For the CEC, IRCC looks for 1,560 hours in total. If you're in a skilled job now, keeping going may be your fastest step, and a stronger language score will help when you enter the pool.
If you're not sure your experience counts, check that your job is TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, and compare your duties with the NOC.
FAQs
Can a fresher get Canada PR?
Not through Express Entry, which requires skilled work experience. Family sponsorship has no such rule, and studying then working in Canada can build experience.
Can I get PR just by studying in Canada?
No. Study can help you qualify for a work permit and earn CRS points, but you still need to qualify for a PR program.
Can I buy work experience letters?
No. That's fraud. It can lead to a 5-year ban for misrepresentation.